Zorki
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Zorki is a name of various rangefinder cameras that were manufactured in the Soviet Union from 1948 until 1978.
The Zorki came from the Krasnogorsk Mechanical Factory (KMZ). This same factory also brought us the Zenit Single Lens Reflex or SLR. First models are one of the cheaper Leica II copies. But later development goes 'by its own way' and, for example, Zorki-4 is very different with its origin.
It is notable that when using a Zorki, the shutter speed should not be set until the shutter has been cocked (excluding Zorki-S, Zorki-5, Zorki-6 and aperture shutter models). If this is not followed correctly, it is possible to permanently damage the camera.
Contents |
List of Zorki cameras
(cameras are listed in chronological order)
First years
- Zorki - 1948. First 35mm camera made by KMZ. Copy of Leica II camera.
- Zorki-3 - 1951. Camera acquired slow-speeds mechanism, similar to Leica III.
- Zorki-2 - 1954. Modification with self-timer.
- Zorki-3M - 1954. Modified Zorki-3 with slow-speeds mechanism of original comstruction. All speeds were set-up from main speeds dial.
Introduction of flash-guns
All these cameras were modifications of corresponding previous models. Adjustable synchro-contact was added (with a forestall regulator for switching between magnesium and electronic flashes). Camera bodies were slightly modified -- was made special ring around release button to turn off shutter for film rewind. All cameras were issued in 1955.
- Zorki-S - 1955. Successor of Zorki.
- Zorki-2S - 1955. Successor of Zorki-2.
- Zorki-3S - 1955. Successor of Zorki-3M.
Golden age
- Zorki-4 - 1956. Technically -- it was a Zorki-3S with self-timer added. Historically -- it was the most succesfull (1715677 Zorki-4 and 524646 Zorki-4K were made) and most advanced (shutter speeds from 1/1000 to 1 sec, precise construction) Zorki camera. This camera made all previous models obsolete.
- Zorki-5 - 1958. First try to make 'second camera' in the lineup. Widened rangefinder base, usual to us film film advance lever. But camera was not very reliable.
- Mir - 1959. Just simplified Zorki-4 without slow-speeds mechanism.
- Zorki-6 - 1959. Strengthened Zorki-5. Camera as solid as a tank.
Sunset
- Zorki-4K - 1972. The last one. Zorki-4 with advance lever instead of knob.
In the middle of 1960's were issued three semi-automatic rangefinder cameras. They lacks interchangeable optics but have shutter-priority mode (based on selenium-cell meter around the lens). As an addition to rangefinder line they also were named 'Zorki'
- Zorki-10 - 1964. Camera described just above.
- Zorki-11 - 1964. Zorki-10 modification without rangefinder.
- Zorki-12 - 1967. Camera was adopted for Agfa Rapid film cartridges. Produced mainly for export.