Zorki 4

[GeneW]

The Zorki 4 with Jupiter 8 (50/2) and Jupiter 12 (35/2.8) arrived yesterday. Thanks Rick!

This is my 4th FSU cam. My first was a Zork 4K -- it was a decent cam but the lack of strap lugs made it awkward to carry. It whet my appetite to try out other FSU models. Next up was a Fed-2. A little gem, but I later sold it. Then a little beauty, a Zorki 3M. I sold it when I acquired a Leica IIIf which is very similar. I was FSU-less and felt something was missing from my life

I like the feel of the Zorki 4. It has heft, strap lugs and a manual film-wind knob -- no clunky lever like the 4K. Ah, the pleasures of addiction ...

Gene

[GeneW]

Here's a pic of the new treasures!



Gene

[rogprov]

I used to have quite a few FSU cameras but they have gradually been sold on except a Fed 2 and this one, Zorki 6, which is my favourite and I'll be keeping.

For me it has most of the features I enjoy.

Long base rangefinder
Very clear view finder with most distinct rangefinder square.
Dioptre focus setting
Really nice wind on lever
Strap lugs
Hinged back
Fixed take-up spool

Not so good points.

No slow speeds
Stupid tripod socket placement - like Lieca right on the end!



I really enjoy using this camera.

Roger

[Journalist]

Yeah yeah Gene rub it in now i really want one...

[GeneW]

rogprov, I've never used a Zorki 6. I like that long RF base. Does it work with the older Jupiter lenses without any mounting glitches?

Oivind, you really *must* get an FSU cam. No photographer's life is complete without one

Gene

[physiognomy]

I already had a few FSU cameras when I picked up my Zorki 4... It was originally meant to be 1st on my list, but I won a cheap Kiev 4 on ebay & started slowly with ltm cameras. I rarely use the Zorki (prob. because I don't have a ltm J8 yet), but it is a favourite in my collection...



Peter

[GeneW]

That's a nice one, Peter! Looks like it's in really good cosmetic condition.

Gene

[kiev4a]

genew said:

rogprov, I've never used a Zorki 6. I like that long RF base. Does it work with the older Jupiter lenses without any mounting glitches?

Oivind, you really *must* get an FSU cam. No photographer's life is complete without one

Gene

Gene:

The trouble is FSU cameras tend to be like eating potato chips. You can't stop with one! I also have a theory that if you leave several FSU cameras in a dark place they breed!

On the Zorki 6, It will work with any LTM lens the Zorki 4 can use. A zorki 6 with a Jupiter 12 WA and 35mm shoe finder is not only a great street shooter--it's pretty darn good looking, too.

Take a look at Jim Blazik's Z6 www.geocities.com/fzorkis/zorki_6.html

[GeneW]

kiev4a said:

The trouble is FSU cameras tend to be like eating potato chips. You can't stop with one! I also have a theory that if you leave several FSU cameras in a dark place they breed!

Truer words ... would you believe, I got home late Sat afternoon and there was a Zorki 4 body in a baggie in my mailbox?!?

A photo buddy of mine dropped it by while I was out. It's nicer than mine cosmetically but the shutter seems to be jammed. I told him about it and that I didn't want it even for the $20 he offered, and he said, just keep it. Maybe I'll attempt my first-ever repair job.

Thanks for the link to the Zorki 6. Above all, I like that wide rangefinder base. Reminds me of the Fed-2 I once owned.

Gene

[kiev4a]

The Zorki 6 and FED 2 share RF components, I believe, but my Z6 rangefinder is brighter than my FED 2.