Topic: What do you know about the Zorki 1?

[Nigel]

I've been sorting through the drawers of (mainly) junk in my office and have found two old Russian M39 screw-mount lenses, but I don't have a body.

My Soviet camera book suggests that the Zorki 1 strikes a good balance between price and reliability (if such a thing exists in a 70-year-old Soviet camera). What do you think?

This is a little tatty, but not too pricy: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/116793145801

Do you have any other recommendations?

[Pete_R]

Can't help with the Zorki, been years since I did anything with Russian kit. But I noticed the seller has used an AI description and says nothing about if the camera works or not. I would avoid unless you can get them to state it's working. Alternatives? Early Canon rangefinders seem cheap https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/147047600286. This one's from Japan so a bit of postage on top.

[Nigel]

Can't help with the Zorki, been years since I did anything with Russian kit. But I noticed the seller has used an AI description and says nothing about if the camera works or not. I would avoid unless you can get them to state it's working. Alternatives? Early Canon rangefinders seem cheap https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/147047600286. This one's from Japan so a bit of postage on top.

That's a fair point.

I've never really looked at the Canon rangefinders before. That has a very pleasing Cold War vibe. I can imagine Harry Palmer using one! 🕵🏼‍♂️

[Francois]

I got my Zorki 6 from this seller and I was quite happy with the service.
https://www.ebay.ca/str/ussrphotoworld

While I haven't had time to put a full roll through the camera, everything looks promising.
He answers quite rapidly to emails, so feel free to ask him any question you want.
For rangefinders, there are a few questions to ask:
-How bright is the rangefinder double image
-Are there any pinholes in the shutter curtains
-Do the shutter speeds sound consistant

Once this is answered, you know you want to buy.

He does have a Zorki 4 at an affordable price that looks really nice. He also has some FEDs that look good. I have a Fed 5v (or 5B if you read Cyrillic).
This is pretty much the top of the line for the FED cameras. The only drawbacks with this one is that the ergonomics are a bit crap and it lacks strap lugs. But on the up side it has full set of slow speeds, something the Zorkis lack.

But for all those cameras, make sure you also get a set of cheap soft release buttons from Aliexpress! Your fingers will thank me for it 

[Nigel]

Thanks all, Mike (happyforest) has very kindly offered his Zorki 4K, which should be perfect. I'll have to practice my Sunny 16.

[Francois]

That is very cool.
You'll see, the Zorki is surprisingly nice.
Just make sure you wind the film before you change the shutter speed. Not doing so is a sure fire way to brick all Soviet and Barnack Leicas.