Zorki 5 refinish

Laika · 08-09-2004

Hi ya's

Just thought I'd post a pic of my reborn Zorki 5. It started out as a cheap eBay camera that had problems with the winder and the black paint work and nylon body covering was a mess. The body got stripped and then several coats of red auto paint (my best guess at matching the original logo paint colour) and new leatherette was cut from a sheet I got from micro tools. I already had the nice J8 that goes well with it. This is a project that I more or less finished months ago but because I was unhappy with the feel of the winder it has sat in my project box on my "to do" list. Over the weekend I tinkered some more and put it all back together and loaded up a test roll...

Laika · 08-09-2004

The end result ... it works for me

rover · 08-09-2004

Ok, I'll take one. Where should I send my money?

I like that. I have resisted the FSU cameras to date, but you guys are wearing me down for sure.

Todd.Hanz · 08-09-2004

Very nice job, I like the combination red and black. I don't have a Russian RF, now I want one (or I could paint my M6) :0

Todd

back alley · 08-09-2004

very nice!
i think you could have a lucrative side here if you wanted.

that reminds me - i should give my fed 2 another try soon.

joe

Oldprof · 08-09-2004

Unusual and pretty! Normally I don't go in for redoing camera finishes, but yours is attractive.

Scarpia · 08-09-2004

I just received a Fed 5B from the Ukraine last Friday. Its one of those red ones, but brand new. The viewfinder window has a V shaped crack in it but otherwise it is fine and usable. I was really anxious to get the Industar 61LD lens that came with it so I was really not too concerned about the rest of it. I have taken some pictures with it for the "From the window of my house" thread and will post when they are developed if they are usable.
Russian cameras are so cheap and have so much character that you can easily become addicted to them.
Kurt M.

Peter · 08-09-2004

Bravo! Laika you are really amazing! Ever thought of doing this full time?

Rich Silfver · 08-09-2004

VERY nice!
Congratulations!

Laika · 08-10-2004

Thanks for the complements guys, but as far a being able to make some $$ on the side I don’t think so. These projects always take longer than planned... HHmmm what’s next

JoeFriday · 05-01-2005

Laika... I just stumbled across this thread as I was perusing your website.. great job on the Zorki! where did you get the wrist strap??

einolu · 05-01-2005

yeah, I am curiouse too since I could use a strap like that for my zorki 1 (no lug straps).

very nice job, never noticed that the zorki 5 was so pretty.

jorisbens · 05-01-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by einolu

very nice job, never noticed that the zorki 5 was so pretty.

Idem for me, now i want one to, but i can't afford it right now (I've bought 3 cameras today( but no rangefinders))

cbass · 05-01-2005

Laika -

Beautiful camera! I'd also like to know how you fashioned that wrist strap. I've got my first Zorki (model 4b) coming from the Ukraine right now. I bought it primarily for the chrome tabbed J8 lens, but after seeing your lovely Zorki-5 I may have to press my Z4 into service!

rbiemer · 05-01-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeFriday

Laika... I just stumbled across this thread as I was perusing your website.. great job on the Zorki! where did you get the wrist strap??

Joe, what's the web site address?
Rob.

JoeFriday · 05-01-2005

http://www.electricedge.com/greymatter/

click on the 'photography' section and the link I found is in there somewhere.. I was doing a search for Zorkis and I had no idea I had stumbled on Laika's website until a link brought me back here

Gordon Coale · 05-01-2005

Actually, http://www.electricedge.com/greymatter/ is my blog. You probably saw a post I made about Laika's Zorki or FED. The wrist strap on Laika's Zorki isn't one of mine. I make some wrist straps that are available at: gordy coale's camera straps. Just goes to show what a small world the Internet is. Where ever you go, there you are!

Kim Coxon · 05-04-2005

Hi Laika,
I like the job you have done on this. I am about to try to do a similiat hing on a Zorki 4K. I am happy how to get the main body casting off but I have a problem with the back. Have you any suggestions as to how to take of the chrome base plate and fastening knobs from the back?. The tripod bush is easy but I can't remove the rest.

Regards
Kim

rbiemer · 05-04-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon Coale

Actually, http://www.electricedge.com/greymatter/ is my blog. You probably saw a post I made about Laika's Zorki or FED. The wrist strap on Laika's Zorki isn't one of mine. I make some wrist straps that are available at: gordy coale's camera straps. Just goes to show what a small world the Internet is. Where ever you go, there you are!

And a nice site it is Gordon! As soon as I decide on a count I'll be getting a wrist strap or several. Have to admit, though, that I prefer a wide neck strap.
Rob

Laika · 07-30-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeFriday

...great job on the Zorki! where did you get the wrist strap??

Sorry for very late reply, I have only stuck my head in the door here from time to time over the last few months and missed the comments on this thread. That wrist strap I got from my Dad years ago, I think he got it in the 60's and I dont think it ever got used. I found it handy when I started shooting the Soviet RF's and it almost looks like it was made for my refinished Z5

lubitel · 08-01-2005

Nice job! I like the design alot. I am about to get my Fed 5 with I-61, and was thinking of doing something like this with it. What kind of paint did you use? Anything I should watch out for?

thanks

Laika · 08-02-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by lubitel

.... What kind of paint did you use? Anything I should watch out for?

thanks

I used automotive paint in a spray can. The key is in the preparation, the painting is the easy bit. I stripped the camera down, took the body back to bare metal, primer coat and several colour coats and let the paint really cure before building it up again. I know there is a bit more to it than that but taking your time with the prep is the key to a nice job. The biggest pain with this job was cutting the leather for it, with the Z5 its all one piece and the old covering had shrunk so I couldn't use it as a template.