Testing my Zorki-6

[PFMcFarland]

Zorki-6 by P F McFarland, on Flickr

Last of the classic Zorki line, it’s an improved version of the Leica II series. I put an Industar-26M 2.8/50 lens on it, and loaded some Kodak BW400CN.

I had to put some work into the camera before I could use it, as it had a couple of large patches of material missing on the first shutter curtain. The sprocket shaft cover had to be sanded and repainted. And the shutter second curtain was capping on 1/500 over half the frame.

The shutter is still capping a little bit, and there is an intermittent light leak along the upper edge of the film door, so those issues will need to be addressed before I use the camera again. I also missed on a few exposures, or accidentally moved the aperture control ring because it has no click stops, which means I’ll have to be more attentive when setting exposures.

Over all, I like the way the camera works. It has a viewfinder adjustment so I don’t need to wear glasses, and risk scratching them up. The film door is a nice feature too, no more juggling camera parts when reloading, but the film leader end still needs to be trimmed due to the narrow slot on the take-up spool.

On to the pictures!

Cropped to eliminate the shutter capping.


Quitting Time by P F McFarland, on Flickr


Adjusted Shadows, Highlights, and Contrast, then cropped to 5x7.


Memorial Tree by P F McFarland, on Flickr


Six frame stitch with no corrections.


Gregger Center Panorama by P F McFarland, on Flickr


Just a 4x6 crop.


Receding Columns by P F McFarland, on Flickr


This frame was a total disaster. Capping, light leak, blown horizon, bad exposure. Not much more could have gone wrong.


Cap and Flare by P F McFarland, on Flickr


Finally got something that matched what I wanted.


Roof Grid by P F McFarland, on Flickr


See all the results, and more commentary at https://flic.kr/s/aHsknqTsSM

PF

[Captain Slack]

I had one of those briefly and rather liked it. The film door kept opening unexpectedly and ruined a few rolls of film, which is why I got rid of it. Hope that doesn't happen with yours!!

[OpenWater]

Nice job, PF. It looks like the Zorki has some miles on it based on the paint wear.

[Julio1fer]

That is probably the best RF design of the Soviets, provided you do not need slow speeds (below 1/30). At least it is my favorite, and it also has the advantage of being very similar to the Zenit 3M.

You have a nice lens in the I-26. Very sharp optics if you got a good one.

Hope you can get the issues sorted out! if not, just get a cheap body for parts.

[Philip]

Well done, and good luck getting the little leftover kinks out of it. The Zorki RFs are worth the care.

[Brazile]

A good project camera. And, if it's anything like my Leica IIIc, could probably be used for self-defense in a pinch without affecting it's use as a camera much at all...

[Martolod]

A good project camera. And, if it's anything like my Leica IIIc, could probably be used for self-defense in a pinch without affecting it's use as a camera much at all...

i love my Leica IIIc.

a necessary weapon in Leitz Magah Urban combat martial art .....specially with a Hector 135mm hanging on it

[Brazile]

Yep, I have that Hektor, too. With the strap for extension...well, nobody better mess with me when so armed, is all I can say.

Robert

[Martolod]

the Hector is actually a very underated lens imho. i got mine cheap...i mean REALLY cheap. can't remember what i paid for it but i know it was not a lot. mine is very clean.and , well very german.and all that goes with it.