[Hayob]

anyone ever used one? as they are really cheap and im looking for a new RF camera

[eddie1960]

I have a couple of Feds (a 4 and 5) but a number of people over on RFF really like the Zorki
If you are ebaying for one be aware that a large number of them will need a CLA
One way to avoid the biggest issues is to deal with a guy like Fedka who is very good at ensuring you get a working product, and good with exchanges for issues

I'll add that most of thee issues arise from the age of the cameras and the fact that they likely have never seen service and probably have sat for a decade or 3 unused

[eddie1960]

have a look over here for a ton of info

FSU Former Soviet Union RF - Rangefinderforum.com

[Nesster]

I got both of my Soviet RF's at a camera show, where I was able to check them out... My first was a FED. I compared it to some Zorkies at the same table and thought the Zorki view finder was miles ahead of the FED's. Open, clear, not claustrophobic. But both Zorki samples had a faint RF patch... whereas the FED had a very clear one. So, for me a tiny view finder but good RF patch beat a nicer vf with a faint patch. Obviously, I have limited experience around this

[eddie1960]

my Fed 5 is nice and contrast (but it is a small window) the 4 is also pretty good.
I do like that they have a diopter as well (something lacking on a leica BTW)
I've thought about a Zorki, but haven't got around to it yet
I thought about the Kiev you have too Jussi but then i'm onto another mount and lba is bad enough

[Nesster]

I thought about the Kiev you have too Jussi but then i'm onto another mount and lba is bad enough

That's what I thought also. But the Kiev / Contax is so much better than the Leica clones, I really can see why the early 35mm pros went for Contax, for the lenses.

Zorki 4K - lots of questions.
a recent discussion about the 4k

[Laurentiu Cristofor]

If in good condition, works great. Check sovietcams.com for information on specific models. There are many variations even within a same model number.

[ChrisPlatt]

Had one once. It's no Pentax, that's for sure...

Chris

[stevebrot]

I have a Zorki 4K and I like it, though not as much as my FED-2 or my Kiev 4A. (Yes, I have all three...)

Plus points:

• Lever wind
• 1:1 viewfinder with diopter adjust
• Fixed film wind spool

Minus points:

• Not as compact as the FED or the Kiev
• Film lever is a little finicky (must be allowed to snap back to wind properly on the next frame)
• Shutter tends to hang at some speeds despite a recent CLA

Here are some photos of and from my 4K:

Flickr: Search fotostevia's photostream


Steve