bstinshoff Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 I've been toying with getting one of those Leica copies like a Zorki or Fed. Which model would you recommend for a shooter rather than a collector? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelkh Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 It's a bit of a lottery, but I've had decent results with a Zorki 6, which is one of the more modern designs, equipped with a Jupiter 8 taken from an (also nice) Zorki 4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roseberry guitars Posted March 12, 2008 Share Posted March 12, 2008 I agree with Michael in that it is a bit of a lottery. I've had a dozen different Leica copies and each had a different issue. Nothing serious but annoying stuff. I'd say the later models (Fed 4 and 5) are more modern and often more reliable right out of the "Box" but the earlier (Fed 1 & 2) are better made and more Leica like. The Fed 3 is an odd duck with two versions but mine was the best of the Fed bunch I've had. The Zorkis are usually a better made camera. The 1 and 2 are nice and the most like an early Leica. In fact a lot of fake Leicas start their life as a Zorki 1. BTW, I'd advise to stay away from the fakes. They are pretty but seldom work with any degree of reliability. From 2c on (3,4 etc) they get heavy and clunky. Many like them but I have to say I'm not in that camp. Here is a link to a post of mine with some snapshots with my Zorki 1. I love this camera for the fun it brings to picture taking although I don't use it very often. If you want a fun, fairly well made FSU Leica copy I'd recommend the Zorki 1 or 2. http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00LoVz If you want a real FSU rangefinder that is an excellent camera try the Kievs. They started out as a rebadged Contax II/III and evolved little from that. I've had a few of these and can recommend the Kiev 3a or 4a. The 2 is the earliest model, often commands a price higher than a real Contax and often can contain real Contax parts. They are all like the Contax II/IIa. Sort of...try to stay pre 1970 (the first two digets of the serial number tell you the year) as the quality is a little lacking after that. I used my Kiev 4a a lot before finding my Contax II and IIIa and still keep it as a back-up. I can recommend these for sure. However, if you have a lot invested in Leica lenses and want to be able to use them on the FSU camera then the Zorki is the way to go. Good luck, hope this helps a little. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDMvW Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 I love my Kievs. Nice German prewar (Contax) camera and lenses, made originally on the original German equipment (taken as war reparations). The Soviet contributions to design were mostly improvements, but the Soviet push for quantity, not quality, means some "variation" in performance. I think the late models can be just as good as the early ones, but a really "mint" example may be so because it didn't work for the original purchaser out of the box. I also got a nice "red"(leatherette) FED, and it is a nice camera. That is, nice if you really like how early Leicas worked. I find that I am more of a Contax person in that great and eternal divide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mohir_ali Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 What's the best hot dog? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_hahn Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 The *new* Fed 5's are probably the most reliable out of the box and come with the Industar 61L which is probably the very best FSU lens ever made. The first Fed and Zorkis are nicest since they are almost exact Leicas and a coated Fed 50 Elmar knockoff is probably better than the real thing... but these are old and all mine have perpetual problems. As just a great cheap user I think the Zorki 4's have charm and capability... big bright finder w/diopter correction and 1/1000th speed... seem reliable too! Also, I think the quality of the lower tier lenses is better than the faster Jupiter-8's etc... the crappy FSU coatings are good enough for Tessar clones, but not the more exotic formulations. The Fed 2 is kind of nice too. I'm not the biggest Kiev fan... pretty Contax knock offs, but heavy cameras, many unreliable... not to mention quirky speed setting. watch out, they get addicting!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 <P>I agree about the Kiev. I have the Kiev 4 and though it works, and the lens is pretty good, it seems an over complex camera. For instance I find the infinity lock fascinating but is it really necessary?</P><P>In the Zorki line-up, I favour the 3M. It's got all the refinements of the Zorki 4 except flash sync, plus it's a much better looking camera. And operation is simplicity itself compared to a Kiev.</P> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc_bergman1 Posted March 13, 2008 Share Posted March 13, 2008 Here is a guide from the Rangefinder Forum. <p> <a href="http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43469">Beginners Guide to FSU Cameras.</a> <p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bstinshoff Posted March 13, 2008 Author Share Posted March 13, 2008 Thanks for the response guys. You've given me lots of stuff to mull over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vincenzo_maielli Posted March 14, 2008 Share Posted March 14, 2008 Zorky 4K, with a very lot of luck! Ciao. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDMvW Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 I was able to get a FED 4 with the Industar 61 and a WORKING light meter (calibrated in GOST)for a song (the Internationale, I think it was). It's actually a very nice camera, but they mean when they say you should put on the lens cap before rewinding the film. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ross_lipman Posted March 18, 2008 Share Posted March 18, 2008 Zorki 3M, classic styling, large and bright viewfinder, diopter adjustment, 1/1000s max shutter speed. Rarer than most Russian RF cameras, which may be a consideration if you ulitimately want to sell it to someone else. Kievs have their one unique charm. Try to look for a pre 1960 camera, qc fell off rapidily during the 60's and 70's. 50's era Kievs are the most Contax like and hence more desireable. Best, Ross Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now