Cadfael_tex Posted July 1, 2012 Share #1 Â Posted July 1, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Well, the Zorki arrived yesterday. Eight days from Kiev to the US Midwest ain't bad. I must say that my expectations were low as to build quality and I can see where some of the tolerances must have been missed but overall it exceeded those expectations. Â As to an introduction using a rangefinder (which is why I got it), I liked the mechanism. It was great when I focused on well contrasted areas. Took some shots of my older son and it worked really well. However, trying to focus on an active four year old who can't stay still for more than a nanosecond was, umm, challenging. I can definitely see how a bright rangefinder like a Leica would be a definite bonus. Â It's loaded with Fuji Pro 400H right now and I'm shooting when I can. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 1, 2012 Posted July 1, 2012 Hi Cadfael_tex, Take a look here The Zorki got here. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jaapv Posted July 1, 2012 Share #2 Â Posted July 1, 2012 How to focus a rangefinder: Â Â http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m9-forum/130720-m9-faqs-frequently-asked-questions-answers.html#post1378521 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted July 2, 2012 Share #3 Â Posted July 2, 2012 Zorki ? Is it maybe a model 4K? I bought one in... 1975... for a reason that can be similar to yours : I handled a Leica, liked it a lot, took something "similar" to test how much I really could like the RFshooting (and also something that I could afford easily... I was 19...). I have just a slight remembrance on how was the Zorky RF in operation : but as for my experience I do remember well 2 facts : 1) When switched from Zorky to a Leica IIIc, I did NOT observe a "better" viewing into the RF/VF... but I appreciated a lot the knob-operated Elmar 5 cm... globally, working and focusing with a 50 mm was a step-up. 2) When switched from IIIc to my first M series (M2) ... it was all another world : expecially with moving targets, the M RF/VF system was the discovery of the ideal of photography, for me (consider that, in those years, I made also my only quick experience with a SLR, which I disliked and abandoned). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cadfael_tex Posted July 2, 2012 Author Share #4  Posted July 2, 2012 It’s actually a Zorki 4. I’m liking it so far. Very satisfying feel when you push the the shutter button.  One question, if I were to get another lens (i.e. 9 cm) is it best to get a viewfinder for it or guesstimate the image through the viewfinder? Guess the Zorki doesn’t have frame lines at all. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
giordano Posted July 2, 2012 Share #5 Â Posted July 2, 2012 Get a viewfinder. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted July 2, 2012 Share #6  Posted July 2, 2012 It’s actually a Zorki 4. I’m liking it so far. Very satisfying feel when you push the the shutter button. One question, if I were to get another lens (i.e. 9 cm) is it best to get a viewfinder for it or guesstimate the image through the viewfinder? Guess the Zorki doesn’t have frame lines at all. An external VF is the only choice : back to the times of MY Zorki... I got for cheap a 85/135 Russian VF (85mm nominal, with a plastic smaller window wihich fit on the front) : it was simple but efficient (and probably still have it, somewhere....later I got also the Russian "Revolver" multiple VF - Zeiss copy - that wasn't bad for 28/35 too) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted July 2, 2012 Share #7  Posted July 2, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) It’s actually a Zorki 4. I’m liking it so far. Very satisfying feel when you push the the shutter button. One question, if I were to get another lens (i.e. 9 cm) is it best to get a viewfinder for it or guesstimate the image through the viewfinder? Guess the Zorki doesn’t have frame lines at all.  Trying to use a 9cm lens on a rangefinder without a viewfinder WITH parralax correction is literally hit and miss! Stick to the 50mm lens for now and go for the Leica if you enjoy it (the M has parralax correction and the correct frame lines which makes life a lot easier). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted July 2, 2012 Share #8 Â Posted July 2, 2012 .... However, trying to focus on an active four year old who can't stay still for more than a nanosecond was, umm, challenging. I can definitely see how a bright rangefinder like a Leica would be a definite bonus..... Zone focusing is your best bet for an active child moving across your view. A manual rangefinder is not ideal for this sort of work, but it can be done with practice. Try concentrating on static situations with the youngster absorbed in something. The best shots arise from such ploys. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cadfael_tex Posted July 2, 2012 Author Share #9  Posted July 2, 2012 Thanks for all the help. I'm getting better with the focusing (I think) and using my iPhone 4 light meter hasn't been bad at all. Guess I'll see what the results are in about 22 more exposures  Understood about the frame lines and the parallax correction. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cadfael_tex Posted July 3, 2012 Author Share #10 Â Posted July 3, 2012 Trying to use a 9cm lens on a rangefinder without a viewfinder WITH parralax correction is literally hit and miss! Stick to the 50mm lens for now and go for the Leica if you enjoy it (the M has parralax correction and the correct frame lines which makes life a lot easier). Â Is that the same if I want to get a barnak too? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted July 3, 2012 Share #11 Â Posted July 3, 2012 Yes. I tried a 9cm Elmar on my lllf and gave up, although you can buy a period Leica finder with parallax correction, but then you have to focus with the cameras rangefinder, dial the distance into the finder, then compose/shoot - bit convoluted IMO. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cadfael_tex Posted July 3, 2012 Author Share #12 Â Posted July 3, 2012 Ok, I'll keep having fun with the Zorki and the 50mm. I gotta say I'm enjoying the rangefinder (even the somewhat dim one on this model). Jut hope a few of the shots come out. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cadfael_tex Posted July 4, 2012 Author Share #13 Â Posted July 4, 2012 Shot the Zorki some more this morning. Thanks a lot guys, now I'm hooked and going to have to do horrible things to afford a Leica. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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