Zorki

[leica M2 fan]

Have gotten the bug for a Zorki 6 with Elmar type collapsible f3.5 lens. Any comments out there, can I do better than this in the Zorki line? Previous post outlined GAS involving the Kiev. Already have Nikon S2 with wonderful Nikkor f1.4 50mm. Do I need a Kiev ?? What to do, what to do? 😀

 

[Jocko]

The Zorki 6 is a delightful camera, notable for its crisp, bright, contrasty viewfinder and long-base rangefinder (borrowed from the FED 2). The only major drawback is that some have loose catches, causing the back to accidently open. Mine (now Donald's) suffered from this problem, but the catches are easily repaired. IMHO - along with its bottom loading relation, the Zorki 5 - the 6 is the best of all Zorkis. A very elegant and usable camera, much nicer than the clumsy Zorki 4 (I think!).

Cheers, Ian

 

[leica M2 fan]

Many thanks, Ian

Many thanks, Ian

The Zorki 6 is a delightful camera, notable for its crisp, bright, contrasty viewfinder and long-base rangefinder (borrowed from the FED 2). The only major drawback is that some have loose catches, causing the back to accidently open. Mine (now Donald's) suffered from this problem, but the catches are easily repaired. IMHO - along with its bottom loading relation, the Zorki 5 - the 6 is the best of all Zorkis. A very elegant and usable camera, much nicer than the clumsy Zorki 4 (I think!).

Cheers, Ian

Perfect Ian and I thank you, I'm really intrigued by the look of the Zorki 6. I like the idea of the easier loading via hinged back and built in spool. I agree that the 4 is kinda strange looking, " clumsy " is a good representation. Thanks again. 🙂

 

[Nickfed]

Zorki 6 served me well for forty years. There was comment here a few months ago on fixing the door catch. I used gaffer tape. Despite all the stories about the long base, the RF is really no better than a FED-1, with no discernable extra accuracy. The Viewfinder is better tho'. I originally did a lot of flash work using the original fixed lens with an aperture scale over the focus scale. Flash is not such a good idea but at least the socket is in the right place, something unique with FSU cameras. Most of the time Zorki worked behind a Summar. The Zorki case will close over a Summar with filter, FISON hood, and cap in place.

All you need........

 

[kvanderlaag]

I enjoy my Zorki 6 with collapsible FED-50 very much. I imagine you will too.

 

[nzeeman]

of course u need kiev - everybody needs it. its a great camera - quiet, have slow speeds, and great lens

 

[Richard Black]

I had one and enjoyed using it; however, I preferred the 4k. It seemed to be "better constructed", but that is my opinion only. But the Industar 50, collapsible is a wonderful lens and heartly recommend it.

 

[leica M2 fan]

Thanks to all

Thanks to all

Thanks for your comments, it is very helpful to hear from people who actually use the equipment and know it well. 😀

 

[comp_wiz101]

I enjoy my Zorki 4K as well - Some adjustment and a good lube made it into quite the camera - not as smooth as my Zorki C, but a nice fit and finish. My two normals - a collapsable I-22 and a I-61L/D - are nice lenses with their own distinct qualities.

 

[DaveP]

I would add a Jupiter 8 to the line up! Also an industar 61 .The panda looks great on the Z6.

 

[Solinar]

A Zorki 6 and a J-8 are perfect match. However, if you want a thin set up, the Industar 22 is the way to go.

 

[reagan]

I've got a Zorki.5 [that belongs to my wife 😉 ] I've shot it sparingly, but once the wind lever was lubed and adjusted it is rather enjoyable. It's a nice size and good RF/VF. Not likely to replace my first string Zorki.1s or second string Zorki.3 and 3M though.

Enjoy!

 

[Laurence]

I bough a Zorki 4K not long ago. Just loaded it with film this morning (which was quite easily done...I was a little apprehensive from all the posts about the "weird" film loading).

I have checked out the rangefinder for distance, and it is spot on. However, there is a bit of dissonance in the vertical alignment of the rangefinder. Not sure if that is fixable, can't seem to find anything that refers to the vertical alignment.

Anyway...I love the funky sort of "tank" feel to the camera. It's certainly not lacking in metal! I look forward to (hopefully) having succesful images with it. Currently just have the Jupiter 8 50mm F:2 lens. Of course, I know that a 50mm lens is VERY versatile, so I intend to have fun with that very usable focal length.

 

[kully]

My newly acquired Zorki Mir has a little vertical misalignment too, I just live with it (it comes and goes...).

However, one thing is doing my nut in. I'm still on my first roll of film, but looking through the viewfinder - how do I know what the I-61 is seeing?

Is it the entire frame? (In which case I'm buggered because I wear glasses) or is it some magical frame that I need to learn to guess?

 

[kvanderlaag]

It's the entire frame. Most RFs that don't have framelines just assume the entire frame for a normal.