ndustrial

The Zorki rangefinder cameras (Zorkij, by the way, means 'sharp-sighted' in Russian)
started off as copies of the famous German Leica. Some changes were introduced later
on, however, the Zorki family has something in common with Leica. It was manufactured
by Zenith Krasnogorsk, which is manufacturing the Zenit cameras till today. The camera
came along with a diverse selection of lenses (more, than rangefinder Kiev) with a focal
length from 20 to 135 mm and lens speed starting at f 1,5. A lot of adapter rings and
viewfinders were also produced. The most particular features of this camera (Zorki 4, 4K)
were: classic focal plane shutter with rubber blinds from 1s. to 1/1000s. and
synchronisation with flash-lamp at 1/30s., precise frame rangefinder, with M 39x1
mounting thread (the same was used in Fed and older Leica), diopter adjustment of the
viewfinder, film advance lever (Zorki 4K), interchangeable backs, vulcanite body
covering. These cameras were produced from 1948 to 1978. In 1980 the Modern
Olympic Games were held in Moscow and for this particular reason and to promote this
event a special series of cameras was manufactured. All in all, a lot of different models of
Zorki were produced. In my description I'll try to focus on the newest and the best
cameras, i.e. Zorki 4 and Zorki 4K as well as on Zorki 6. Other models (1, 2, 2S, 3, 3M,
3S, 5) shall be mentioned only. Despite some flaws, the Zorki camera is still an
interesting camera that except the quality of work and optical system does not differ
much from Leica M6 or MP (except the price).