PDA

View Full Version : Zorki 3M

Dralowid
03-12-2009, 09:26
Before I plunge into the depths of this camera, what am I going to find?

Should I assume that the insides are similar to a Zorki II or should I refer to the info on Zorki IV?

Although it looks a bit like a 'halfway house' it seems an OK bit of kit. Any opinions or experieces welcome.

Michael
rxmd
03-12-2009, 09:48
More like a Zorki 4 as far as the shutter and rangefinder are concerned.
reagan
03-13-2009, 04:34
More like a Zorki 4 as far as the shutter and rangefinder are concerned. Yep. Never had any time inside my 3M, and working on the Zorki.4 was so long ago I'd be afraid to trust my memory. :o But the top plate was changed after the 3M to accomodate the self-timer & flash sync. of the 4. So as rxmd stated, using the 4 as reference should help alot.

Is something broken? or just cleaning? or...?

The 3M is one of the more popular Zorks. Though I don't use mine very often, I enjoy how it feels like a smaller Zorki.1 in my right hand, and yet has the big VF and shutter speeds of a 4. :cool:

good luck and enjoy!
Pickett Wilson
03-13-2009, 04:40
I've got the 3C, which came after the 3M, and it's pretty much the same camera as the 4.
wolves3012
03-13-2009, 04:59
The Zorki 4 was effectively a 3C with self-timer and a 3C was a 3M with flash-sync added. In short, the 3M is a simplified 4 from a dismantling point of view - no self-timer or flash-sync switch and a simpler top-cover. It does have things like the light baffles to annoy you but they aren't too bad...

They are a nice camera and quite sort-after. Mine needs new curtains, a job I'll be doing soon!
wolves3012
03-13-2009, 05:07
Before I plunge into the depths of this camera, what am I going to find?

Should I assume that the insides are similar to a Zorki II or should I refer to the info on Zorki IV?

Although it looks a bit like a 'halfway house' it seems an OK bit of kit. Any opinions or experieces welcome.

Michael
Wouldn't perhaps be an *bay win would it? I noticed a non-worker going a couple of nights ago. I was tempted to bid but I have one already.
Kozhe
03-13-2009, 05:44
Wouldn't perhaps be an *bay win would it? I noticed a non-worker going a couple of nights ago. I was tempted to bid but I have one already.

Hey me too! :)
Dralowid
03-13-2009, 07:34
Yup I am guilty of Ebay indeed.

It's better than described, just rather grubby. I've pulled it apart already and the shutter blind 'tapes' are shot. Everything else appears to work fine as far as I can tell.

It looks like I am the first one in there since it was made, which makes me please with my purchase since I've wanted one for a long time.

I suppose I paid too much but whatever, it is the only Zorki I have.

The shutter will have to wait 'till I have sorted my latest Kiev lightmeter failure!

Michael
wolves3012
03-13-2009, 12:09
I don't think you paid over-the-top for it if it's the one I watched. With new curtains it'll be worth at least double the £35 that went for...
cysasam
03-20-2009, 09:39
Dang, got mine for $US130 with an industar lens. A bit on the steep side...
Shutter sound is more jarring than my FED2, but the VF is way brighter, though less contrasty. I'm planning to insert a piece of developed film over the main VF to give the RF patch more contrast difference.