I just love watching your videos. Thank you so much for making and publishing them. Over the last few weeks I've spent hours watching most of them. Your infectious enthusiasm and passion shines through and makes watching a really relaxing pleasure. Your relaxed pace of delivery really complements the subject matter. I am a keen 35mm film shooter and love manual cameras, although I've never actually used a rangefinder before. Based largely on watching your videos I have ordered a Zorki 4K. I can't wait for it to arrive so I can have a go. Kind regards.
Packaging, documentation, camera itself... was all clearly labeled "made in USSR." USSR does not exist anymore. Ruzzia does, but this regime is too busy developing new variations of "Novichok" and other hazardous to the civilized world crap. Nothing good comes from Ruzzia anymore. Zorki, like other cameras from the past of that region, is a Soviet camera, not "Russian". Thank you for your review.
I have lots of soviet cameras and this is my favourite. The camera feels quite modern and the black Jupiter 8 lens with green distance markings and is superb. If it had lugs it would be perfect
I think I'd have to agree, my favourite Russian too, and I think the styling treatment of the 4K (ribbed nylon covering, style of text, black lens with coloured markings) makes it the best looking of the Zorki 4 models - although others may disagree! I used to look at them in shops in the 70s, thought they were very cool then, and still do now. Thanks for watching.
The ribbed nylon covering is great (I've had a few cameras where the leatherette covering has disintegrated and needed replaced). However that fiddly knob to rewind the film back into the cassette is my pet peeve.
I had a Zoki 4 as my first serious camera 40 years ago and really would have preferred a 4k with a crank. Needless to say I sold it along the way but more recently bought a bargain 4k in very good condition. Only now do I really appreciate these Zorki's for what they are. I do wish they had strap lugs though!
If you appreciate a simple but capable camera there's a lot to be said for the Zorki 4K. By the way, it's possible to add strap lugs if you can find a non working Z4 from around 67-68 - you can swap the body shells over very easily indeed!
I just purchased mine. Judging from the serial number it's a 1971. I own two Leica's which I really like. But I'll get straight to the point: I love my zorki. It checks all the boxes. It's the 4 and not the 4k, so it was interesting to see the difference between the two. I like the heft in my hand and even if it sounds like a garage door slamming, I like the decisive feel of the shutter. You absolutely know there was a picture taken. I think of it this way: if a camera was a car. The Barnack is more of BMW and the Zorki is more a dodge ram. Only think I don't like is the fact that it doesn't have side loops to attach a strap to. I have a strap that you can screw to attach on the bottom plate where you normally mount on a tri, but I really wish they'd have had the loops like they did in the early early years
Cheers for that, it brought some memories back. I trade mine in to get a 135mm lens for my Pentax K1000. However if I bought a film camera again I would be tempted by the 4K. It really was a joy to use, back to the sunny 16 rule I guess.
I’ve just bought a 1976 Zorki 4K off eBay for £23. CLA’d too! I’ll be able to get some use out of my Polaris light meter again. I really enjoy using full manual cameras. Gonna get some yellow, green and red filters for black & white.
I like your presentations; they are comprehensive from a user friendly approach. It's like insider information from someone who has spent time with the camera, not a person caught up in a fad. I would keenly be interested in what you would have to say about a Zorki 6. Keep it coming; your stuff is good.
Thanks for your kind remarks, I learned photography (self taught) many years ago using a rangefinder, so for me they're a sort of a sort of baseline standard. Although I've used several other cameras since, and am particularly fond of the Sony A7, I always come back to film rangefinders for their simplicity and purity. I've never used a Zorki 6, but have thought of testing one for some time. Maybe it's time to make that purchase! Thanks for watching.
Spasiba tavarish! I would say if you want one, get one, you will enjoy it, and, like all old cameras, if and when you want to resell, you are unlikely to lose money. Can't go wrong! Thanks for watching Mark.
Excellent comprehensive review sir, I have an earlier version from 1958. The viewfinder is the best of any rangefinder I've used, the ergonomics are great, making for a camera that feels great in the hand.
Many thanks for the compliment, glad you enjoyed the review. I agree, the viewfinder is outstanding on the Zorki 4 and 4k. I love the look and feel of the camera, wanted one in the late 70s when they were new but ended up with the next best thing, a Fed 4. I have, however, made up for that since, with rather too many Z4/4k's! Thanks for watching.
I’m not a FSU camera expert at all, and I relied on your videos twelve months ago when looking for something 'a bit different' as a birthday present off my wife. I got mine with a phenomenal, and very pretty chrome, Jupiter 8 f2 lens. Both were made in 1975, the birth year of my wife, which I admit to being an old romantic purposely looking for the year if I could get one at the right price and quality. I bought mine off a guy in Glasgow who stated it had a full CLA and a year later I have no reason to doubt him. I tend to use it with medium film predominantly FP4+ but also occasional Acros. If someone stole my Canon 5DIII I’d be upset, but if someone stole my Zorki 4K which cost 1/50 of the price I’d be mortified, it had quickly become my favourite camera. The fact it has no light meter doesn’t bother me in the least, I always use an external light meter with my older film cameras and. I trust my Zorki to be spot on with my shutter speeds. Mine is immaculately clean all the way through and looks like it is brand new. I know this is normally a red flag with cameras from the USSR, saying it probably broke down 2 days after the original purchaser buying it. However, this is far from true with mine, and it’s extremely reliable but I have to make sure the rewind mechanism is fully released or my shutter won’t work and I panic for a moment, I also have one of those red buttons on my shutter release. The viewer and patch are immaculately clean (once I adjusted the diopter) and it’s spot on. I find a few people find them pale but when you ask if they’ve adjusted the diopter they haven’t. As for the cocking - changing shutter speed dilemma there is a warning because of where the indicator line lies when the shutter isn’t cocked. My one concern, which is minor now but I’m worried about growing into something major, is the painted on shutter speeds and my fear of rubbing them off. As for the glasses thing, don’t you know that’s why we have a top to our heads? But be warned, once you glasses have been placed there it is very easy to forget and it has been known for many a half hour has been wasted looking for the said glasses resting on your head. Another great video and I have watched it more than once, I’ve heard from several people that your videos are known as the authority on these cameras. Have you ever considered writing a book?
Hi Mark, very glad you're enjoying your Zorki, and I know exactly what you mean about becoming attached to it! They are very nice to use and have a character all their own. The finish isn't quite as nice as the German rangefinders, but that, of course, isn't the point; they weren't intended to be rivals, but a good, capable and affordable alternative and they still provide that today. There's something very nice indeed about using such a simple machine, with no electronics to come between the photographer and the image, a purity of experience that can't be matched by today's electronic wonders, despite their undoubted virtues and the ease of use that comes from automation. Interesting that you mention the good condition of the rangefinder on your Zorki; I've found that the longevity of the Russian rangefinder mirrors actually beats the quality of the Leicas, at least the early ones, and seem to retain their clarity for much longer without fading. Glad you enjoyed the video; as for writing a book I'd love to, if I could interest a publisher that is. I think there's definitely a market out there, albeit a niche one, so who knows, maybe someday! Thanks for tuning in.
I know you favor Zorki over FED. Having used both, I find the rangefinder base of the Zorki 6 identical to the FED 2. It is also sleeker and smaller, besides sporting an advance lever. I find myself using zone focusing with these cameras most of the time with a modified Minox lens or a Jupiter 12. An accessory viewfinder completes the kit. It's turned out some very nice results. I use a wrist strap attached to the tripod mount. This has given me the most stability in my shooting, along side the use of my cheekbones and forehead. A half case is also a welcomed accessory. I keep it in a sling bag within easy access and storage. I am no HCB, nor pretend to be - the most important lesson I've learned to date, despite all the examples/models that any photographer can hold before themselves to emulate is that each must find his or her own way.
I agree, in the end the tools we use are, once mastered, very much secondary to one's development as an artist, in any art form. I must admit though that when it comes to photography, personally I'm as much fascinated by the machines that make the art as I am by the art itself, which probably makes me a nerd, or at least half a nerd! I'm very interested in your use of a minox lens on your Zorki. How did you engineer the mount?
Hi have watched many of your excellent measured videos on different aspects of vintage cameras and I thank you for that. I am looking to purchase a Zorki 4K and have noted your NB in changing speed and reversing the dial direction, also the clear viewfinder comment. One for sale is good but is stating that there is an overall Purple tinge in the viewfinder, is this an issue or normal? Thanks again and I would be interested in a video on some of the European camera, lens and mounts as there is little info on what’s good and poor.
For whatever reason, the "Zorki 4k" logo on the front of the camera I bought on eBay is missing. Was the previous owner embarrassed about it, or even pretending it was a Leica. I don't know. I love watching your videos, many thanks.
It was a known phenomenon that enterprising Soviets would buy FED and Zorki rangefinders, grind off all the existing stampings including the serial number, and re-badge them as Leicas. Same deal with Kievs, as those were bodged into Contaxes.
Privet! The lever wind is one of more common breaking points, I got it worn in a Zenit, which uses similar design. So I went with Zorki 4, knobbed rewind, with chunky, robust gears. I thought it's too big, the viewfinder was not precise enough and I don't like the heavy trigger, so after the ribbon has tarnished, I went for Zorki C with collapsible lens. I was disappointed by the optics, used it with Jupiter-8, so... for some years it's the FED-2 I'm staying with. Got one with a big hole in the shutter and fixed it myself. Ergonomics of FED-2 fit me well enough. It's immune to cocking-setting speed order - mine was assembled to point the right shutter time before cocking. Easy to service, easy to adjust, easy to fix, simple chunk of metal. But again I've discarded the Industar I'e taken out of FED-5B at some point, and stayed with the Jupiter lens, it's just better. Jupiter was redesigned a couple of times, so it's not just a copy. The barrel is different and the optics was changed, it had to be recalculated because the types of glass in USSR were slightly different from the German ones. Plus the coatings evolved. It's a close derivative in terms of optics. In the end I don't get all the fascination with USSR. Bloody, genocidal regime. And the cameras are only good when they're cheap. Having to buy it for Bessa, Leica 3 or Nikon/Canon rangefinder money, I'll take the Leica, whatever, who cares for Zorkis...
I know what you mean, the other cameras you mention are all finished much better, and are nicer to use. Of course the Zorki scores on price, being much cheaper than the others. And personally, I rather like the 'cheap and cheerful' nature of the Russian cameras and their unusual designs. Your technical information on the Jupiter is very interesting, and despite its evolution it retains in its images a vintage look, which is probably pure nostalgia on my part! As for the soviet regime, I find it interesting historically, being one of the driving forces of what someone once called the century of ideologies, the century when large ideas grew to control whole continents, and move whole peoples, whether they liked it or not! Of course, some would say that's a situation that still persists, although perhaps less visibly...?
As for cheerful Russians and vintage look, there's probably some obscure reason behind the fact, that every famous photographer from former Soviet Union somehow possessed proper gear: Titarenko uses Hasselblad, Khaldei used Leica for the Reichstag flag photo etc. It was better in Warsaw Pact with Saudek, but he's the only exception I'm aware of, and Flexarets are not bad cameras, matching optically any other Tessar-ish lens one can find in TLRs from that era. There may be a connection between quality tool and artistic impact, I think it's loathsome, but my guess is, that money makes the world go around. Even for the cheerful Russians, at least those, who we hear about. Current time ideologies, I think it's a mater of being conscious of their existence. Take European core values and it's an ideology. Take American core values and it's the same and kids learn it in schools too. It seems like Ayn Rand's thoughts got a bit outdated recently, but she gathered quite some audience in her time on Wall Street, later the new economy came and the dotcom bubble bursted in 2008 and we're now in a new era and people will yet have to define it, I think. There was the 'occupy movement', there is a bubble in the digital entertainment, we'll see what comes next :D
Another superb video I have watched several times now! Your knowledge, detail + enthusiasm for Soviet cameras is top notch! I have today just recieved a brand new Zorki 4k rangefinder purchased from Ebay for £46 in absolutely superb condition. I have not yet tested all speeds only fired the shutter set at it's original position at 1/125 th. It is smooth when winding on + setting the shutter + sounds fine when shutter released. The question I would like to ask is that on alternate firings of the shutter there is a definitely a different sound made on shutter release as the focal plane shutter traverses. Maybe this camera has not been used at all in over more than 40 years since it's production! I suspect it only needs some regular use to exercise the shutter mechanism. Am a little tentative withe changing shutter speeds in case of accidental breakage! I admit this Soviet wonder is the best all round Russian rangefinder and can't wait to master this Brilliant piece of Soviet craftmanship! Incidentally I first owned a Zorki 4 bought as a gift for me from my brother. He purchased a Pracktica slr for himself + gifted me the Zorki 4 ,both purchased from Jessops photographic shop in Leicester. Happy days- I'll always have a soft spot for the Zorki- full of nostalgic memories + Soviet pitach! My brother sadly passed away last year ,however when I use the Zorki I always remember our times together!!! Thank you for a wonderful videol!!
Thanks Derek, glad you enjoyed the video! It sounds like your Zorki needs some exercise to free things up; like any other machine they need to be used to stay in good shape. Enjoy!
@@zenography7923 Thanks for your reply. My Zorki 4k shutter seems fine now! I have in effect a brand new + fully working camera. Are rangefinder cameras manufactured any more + have you considered doing a service demonstration of a CLA for the Zorki 4 ? Thank you Nigel
One disadvantage compared to older cameras is that the printed on text markings can wear off. The coloured ink used for the slow shutter speeds seems to suffer from this more than the black.
A camera with engraved markings is definitely superior - it's possible by the way to fit an engraved top to a later camera if your markings wear away...
3 года назад
@@zenography7923 I didn't know that! I will definitely look for it, even though it could be very difficult to find just the plate. I guess I would have to buy a camera "for pieces only".
very nice video! I have a zorki 4k now. But there is something wrong with it. I get a "vertical white band" or overexposed column left of center, occupying 1/6th of the frame (column 2.. not sure I explained it well enough). Do you have any suggestions on what could be wrong?
That sounds like one curtain getting stuck in its travel, and not quite closing, or closing far too late. It sounds like your Zorki needs a service which, if you like the camera, you should have done if you can. Zorkis tend never to be serviced as they were cheap to buy new and are still cheap now - however, a good service will give you a camera that will be good for many years of service!
I'm getting ready to buy one of these from a Russian photography store who refurbished it. I think I can get it for $125 USD. With a one year guarantee for $13 more. The same lens as the one you showed here. My question is this if you don't mind answering: what is the maximum ISO film I can shoot in this? Thank you so much
The 4K could be the best of soviet cameras if it would have strap lugs on the body. Fed2 could be the best if they would have a viewfinder as good as Zorki 4. USSR never managed to produce at least one RF camera that could be called very good - but some of them models came close.
Really nice review of a great Zorki camera. However, I think the best Russian RF camera was Zorki-3 and Zorki-3M :)) These models was the closest to Leica III, and built quality was great. And the price of course is twice higher than Zorki-4. And these models was made in 1951-1955 in much smaller quantities comparing to Zorki-4. I own both of them and I like them very much. Zorki-4 still is great cheap alternative to Leica, that's why I'm using It (in complex with Sony-A7) during my trips and It never fails or dissapoints me.
Hi Alexey, thanks for your kind remarks, glad you enjoyed the video. I've never owned a Zorki 3 but I've heard that they are very nicely made, however I've also heard that the slow speeds can be a little unreliable on early models? Have you found them to be reliable? I think the Zorki 3 is a very good looking camera, and if I can find an ebay bargain I may review one soon. Thanks for watching.
As for the reliability - I'd say It's on the same level as in Zorki-4. If camera had CLA by professinal serviceman - there is no problem with slow speeds at all. Few Zorki-3 and Zorki-3M that I had worked fine without any issues. Among that Zorki-3/3M are lighter than Zorki-4 which is another one advantage. The only difference is that there is no self-timer (who needs It on RF camera???). So I strongly reccomend you to try one, I think you enjoy It. BTW, If I find one in future I can offer you to review It :)
Bought one for £11 not too long ago. Supposedly the slow shutter speeds didn't work. It would stick sometimes but freed up after a dozen or so fires. Self timer lever was missing but that doesn't bother me. The viewfinder and glasses is a pain so I use an external finder for framing.
Got a Zorki 4 and so far consider it money down the toilet. However at least it wasn't that much money. The viewfinder adjustment is decent, although it tends to get moved, and there is no problem getting a reasonably sharp image without having to use glasses. But with your eye up as close as you can get it I still have no outline of any kind of what will be in the image, can't see the edge of the viewfinder. You need not only small fingers but tough ones, an unlikely combination, to change shutter speeds, wind the film and shutter, and open the back. To change shutter speeds you also need a magnifying glass. At higher speeds especially the shutter gets a bit violent. Can it affect the image I wonder. On mine the slower speeds are a bit too fast. As of right now I can't get the shutter to cock after opening the back although I think I have moved the surround of the shutter release in the directions required to release the take up spool and sprocket to allow rewind, and turn it back to reengage it. It will probably take a decent image, but unless you really want a cheap screw body to switch lenses there are tons of much better Japanese RF cameras with excellent fixed lenses out there for even less money in some cases.
Perhaps I am too critical of the little bugger. In any case it is working again with my inability to cock the shutter having to do apparently with the rotation of the shutter release button itself and not merely the surrounding collar. There are of course many online copies of instruction manuals ( www.butkus.org/chinon/russian.htm) and it seems most, if not all show, at least with the 4K, three dots that are to be aligned or not aligned depending on your purpose; dots on the top of the body, the collar around the shutter release button, and the button itself. My camera has none of these dots at all. It seems to be a poorly designed, finicky mechanism. I was thinking they designed the release button with those sharp shark teeth so that a Russian tank commander could feel it in 0 degree weather, but maybe it is so you can rotate it, since there is little to hold onto otherwise. Also, one manual directs that with the shutter wound and set on "B", if you want a long exposure you can depress the release button and turn it clockwise to keep it down; then turn it back CCW to release the button and shutter. Perhaps this had gotten done in my case and was preventing the shutter from being wound. Enough! Now that I received a lens in the mail today from a chap in Ukraine ( why do they call it "The Ukraine"?) I will take some pictures.
Ah, the joys of the Zorki! The lack of framelines in the viewfinder can be a difficulty if you're used to more sophisticated cameras. Framing with the Zorki, while reasonably precise, can sometime be a little hit and miss, especially at closer distances, where parallax increases. One way around this, while not ideal, is to aim a little higher at closer distances. For longer shots, it's best to assume that you'll lose a little of the border, and compose your shot so that the centre of interest isn't placed too near the edge of the frame. I think these cameras are best considered as similar to the Barnack Leicas, which did not benefit from the subtle refinements of the M3 and later cameras. When I used a Fed 4 as my only camera, in the 70s and 80s, I soon became used to such framing quirks as you have described. A Zorki 4 that hasn't been serviced can be, in the worst cases, very stiff to operate, but one that's been properly cleaned and lubricated is silky smooth and comparable to much more expensive kit. The problem is that many haven't been serviced, and any machine run without appropriate lubrication will not perform as intended. If you can find a good repair service at an appropriate price, you will be amazed at the difference. If you can't cock the shutter after rewinding film, a common problem is that the shutter button doesn't return to its upright position, again due to lack of lubrication. The shutter shaft runs inside the tube you can see when you open the back, the one with the film winding sprockets at top and bottom. Ideally a drop or two of very light oil is needed inside the tube, but the button can usually be returned to its correct position by gently pulling it (using light pressure) with small pliers (wrap jaws with electrical tape to prevent scratching or damage). There is a small mark on the shutter release, another on the collar surrounding it, and one on the camera body - all three must be lined up to allow the shutter to cock. If you don't have a manual there are copies available online - worth reading if you haven't already. I do hope the Zorki works out for you - a good one is a very fine machine if used within its limits, but like all mechanical devices a poorly maintained one can be a pain in the rear.
ive got a zorki 6 which is my favourite russian rangefinder. i love it. its easy to use. its built like a tank. id like too see you do a review of the zorki 6.
Hi there, I've never owned a Zorki 6 but have heard lots of good things about them. I will do a review soon, if I can find a cheap one! Thanks for watching.
Fed 2 is smaller and has a much longer base. I don't trust a rangefinder camera for portraits at wide apertures. Even if they are accurate on infinity I find they are inaccurate on closer distances. Old Russians I mean not leica m2. I use a Zenith EM with a Pentax Super Takumar 1.8 all the time. Rangefinders are fun to play with when the results are not important.
I know what you mean, they can sometimes be unpredictable. The Fed 4 I was given new for Christmas 1977 (the only new rangefinder I've ever had) was always spot on even at close range, while other Russians I've bought second hand have been a mixed bag. My 1932 Leica ii is always accurate close up, whether using German or Russian glass, but my 1936 Leica iiia can be unpredictable. Still love 'em though.
Agreed, the Fed viewfinders are rather small and dark, while the Zorki 3 and 4 are really quite good. Wish they'd included framelines though. I think the only Russian with framelines is the Fed 5C?
Sorry, best russian rangefinder is the Zorki 3M. So well made, so gorgeous to look at. Ask any collector, they will say 3M. I love my 3M almost as much as I love my Leica M3. The best 35mm rangefinder camera EVER.
@@zenography7923 Yes the 3 has the slow speed dial in the front ,very Leica style, but the logo of the 3M is just gorgeous and I am told that the slow speeds on the 3 often have problems.
Zenography, what I meant by reverse snobbery is the Zenit EM is a tank! BUT now having said that, it is an M42 screw mount camera that can mount some of the world’s greatest lenses AKA Pentax screw mount glass! Now I’m going to explain here like I have done to all my photography students. All a camera body is is a light tight box with a shutter assembly. As long as the shutter is relatively accurate in its speeds, it’s the glass (lens) that makes the photograph! THE GLASS! Former Soviet bloc lenses are not known to have the best image quality. Today, digital shooters use the aberrations from these lenses as an artistic medium BUT, all they are are piss poor examples of old communist manufacturing. If you showed up to work and made something, bad or good, you received a salary. There was no incentive to excel and make a superior product. You had a closed society that bought your goods no matter how bad. However with the fall of communism, the former Arsenal camera works had to produce products that people actually WANTED to purchase. I’m not downing former Soviet cameras, I have over a dozen in my collection myself. The quality control of the lenses however is for shit. So, to sum up my remarks, reverse snobbery is shooting with a Soviet era Zenit and use the great Zeiss, or Pentax glass. Let the “Big Name Snobs” wonder how you made the bright, sharp, contrasty and color saturated photos with that Zenit! The last laugh will be yours! Keep shooting and laughing to yourselves. SEMPER-FI all.
@@arttafil6792 While I agree with the whole "reverse snobbery" idea, I disagree with the notion that every commercial good the USSR made was somehow crap. An excellent example can be found in their watchmaking industry, which was consistently the 2nd largest maker and exporter of wristwatches in the world, only behind the Swiss. Everything from the everyman Pobeda and ZIM to the luxurious Poljot and Luch was of sound design and at least decent build quality. I make it a point to have several such watches in my collection at all times for good reason. It's worth mentioning that I also have Soviet radios, cameras, and lighters to round out my collections of those items as well.
