Zorki-4 Rangefinder Base Length

Does anyone know how wide the rangefinder base of a Zorki-4 is,

exactly? In theory, I think it's the same as a Leica II, but I'm not

sure.

 

Infinity focus changes with each lens that I mount (I use Jupiter

lenses 8,9,11, and 12 and the Industar-22). So, to focus reasonably

accurately, I have to realign the rangefinder each time I change

lenses. Usually, it's not a problem, because I don't like to carry

around a whole batch of lenses when I shoot w/ the Zorki (Nikon is

another story). The issue is that it's sort of a pain to have to

align the rangefinder all of the time, because I live in Manhattan,

and I have to go out of my way to find anything distant enough to

focus on. I'm surrounded by tall buildings. I'd like to be able to

just make the adjustment in my appartment before I leave.

 

Here's the plan: When I project a laser through the viewfinder, it

splits the beam into two components. If I align the dots on an

object, that object is in focus. If I align the dots so that they're

exactly one baselength apart when projected on to a perpendicular

plane, the focus had ought to be set at infinity. If I knew the

baselength, it would be easy enough to hang a target on the wall with

two dots that distance apart. Then, before I leave to take pictures,

I could just set up a tripod and turn the adjustment screw until they

lined up.

 

But first I need to know how long the rangefinder base is.

 

Just so you know, buying a Leica body is not an option. If I could

afford a Leica, I wouldn't be messing around with the Zorki to start

with.

 

Thanks!

Most rangefinder cameras have 2 small windows on the body to accommodate the rangefinder mirrors. I would simply measure the distance them for the base dimension.

The Laser alignment system does work. The two beams are parallel when then emerge from the camera. The distance the beams are apart at the camera body should be the same distance as the distance apart on a far wall. Use the longest ddistance possible. <BR><BR>The Russian lenses are built to much looser tolerances. The rear cam surface on the LENS is soft aluminum; and gets worn with time. Adjustment of the infintiy adjust is easy on a Russian camera; and a regular event. All my Russian cameras are infinity aligned to a new LTM Summicron. The other old Nikon Thread mount and Canon stuff also align at infinity. The Russian Jupiter 3,5,9 's and Industar 22,50,and 52's may or may not align; it depends on which specific serial number of mine. The Jupiter 9's are subject to being off with focus even witht he rangefinder being aligned. Many of these lenses are goofed up; the helixes and infinity are wrong.

I adjust infinity this way (without the laser though)... it works well:

 

http://members.tripod.com/rick_oleson/index-123.html (scroll to the bottom of the page)

 

I have measured the zorki 4 baselength, but I don't remember exactly what it was. Measuring center-to-center on the 2 windows is close enough if you place your target 10-20 feet from the camera.

 

I haven't encountered a lot of wear in the Russian lens cams, but I've definitely seen some that weren't made accurately. Make sure your lens actually focuses to infinity when it says it does. Many of htem are nice lenses once you get the cams correct.

 

rick :)=