Zorki 3 questions

[Frontman]

While out shopping around the other day, I came across a rather nice little Zorki 3 camera. It seemed like a decent enough camera, the shutter curtains look as though they were recently replaced, and the viewfinder was nice and clean.

For those of you who are familiar with the Zorki 3, what things should I look out for if I want to buy this camera? The camera does not include a lens, but I have both a Industar and FED collapsible lenses which came with other cameras.

And what is the current going price for a Zorki 3? The shop is asking $75, is this a reasonable price?

Thanks in advance.

[rxmd]

There's not so much to go wrong with those cameras. See if the slow speed mechanism works: set the camera to each of the slow speeds under 1/30, fire the shutter and see what happens. The slow speed mechanism on the Zorki 3 with its two separate shutter speed wheels is said to be the camera's weak point. Push the rangefinder cam slightly inward with your finger and see if it returns instantly or if it is gummed up.

$75 seems OK, not an absolute bargain, but in the general ballpark for a Z-3 in nice shape.

[payasam]

True, the slow speeds can be tricky.

[Brian Sweeney]

The Zorki 3 is considered low production compared to the later models. It is a nice looking camera that is usable. Also check the vertical alignment on the rangefinder.

$75 is much lower than typical Ebay prices. Several Zorki 3M's have been sold on RFF for that price, but it has been a while.

[ray*j*gun]

I have a Z3 and I love using it. I think its one of the prettier FSU's and yes it is a more uncommon camera. Its matched up with an uncoated Fed 3,5 collapsible and it gives me some nice old timey pics. Oddly it has gotten more stares than my Barnacks..... perhaps its the Logo.

When I first bought (from a member here) Eddy had to do his magic on it but its been great ever since.

[Kozhe]

75$ for a Zorki 3 with no lens is a good price. People ask a lot more on Ebay, like 100 euros (!) for the body only, around 120-150 for a good one with a Jupiter 8.

It´s a great camera and like most fsu leica evolutions a nice, cheap camera to use. I still prefer a Leica III (smaller) or M2-3 (just a lot better) for street shooting, but for the price everybody should have one.

As usuall take some time to check the camera, shutter speeds, ran some speed tests on film and so on... Zorkis and Fed are easy to adjust and you´ll find diy guides for almost everything. Have fun!

[fanshaw]

Check the 1/5 sec speed. This is the speed most likely to indicate that adjustment is needed.

[Frontman]

Thanks for the advice, I'll pick up the camera next weekend (if it is still there). I'll post a pic and some sample shots taken with it when I get a chance.

[Ron (Netherlands)]

The slow speed mechanism is comparable to the mechanisme that the Barnacks had before the WWII; if sticky it can be easily fixed.

Mind you, for collectors there are two types, i.e. early and later ones; the early type has a very little knob that works as a retaining stop for the slow speed ring; the early types are more rare than the others. Here you see a picture of a first type, the serial number is also on another place of the body than the later type:
http://www.dvdtechcameras.com/cameras/leica/55/55.htm

I paid for both my Z3's about Euro 100 for a later type and about Euros 130 for the early type (that is only for the bodies).

[ray*j*gun]

Here is a pic of mine which I believe is the early type.

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Originally Posted by ray*j*gun

Here is a pic of mine which I believe is the early type.

looking at the slowspeed ring, it is a later type: what is your serial number?; early types are 5 digit.

[ray*j*gun]

Your right Ron, its the later version. Thanks for the heads up.