Camera Talk

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

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!!

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

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.

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

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...

Brazile wrote: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

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

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.