Shutter release blues...

[lawrence]

I have recently become the proud owner of a Zorki 5 but my joy is marred by the stiffness of the shutter release. As the camera is in literally mint condition my guess is that this is something to do with this camera model, rather than a problem with the sample that I have. This is an important issue for me and I was wondering if anyone could recommend a Russian camera which has a smoother release than the Zorki 5 -- or am I expecting too much from such cheap machines?

Thanks

Lawrence

[mac_wt]

Since the camera is in mint condition, the stiffness is probably the result of it not being used for a long time. I would first try if things don't improve by just using the camera and shooting a lot at all speeds (without film). If that doesn't help, your Zorki 5 is in need of a CLA. In good condition the release should be very smooth. I'm affraid it is not possible to recommend 1 type that is smoother than the others as all these cameras are between 15 an 65 years old and their quality depends on quality of construction, but also (and maybe more so) on usage and maintenance.

[Roman]

I don't think that this is a problem inherent to the Zorki 5 - I don't have one, but do have a Zorki 6, which is very similar - and that one's shutter release is at least as smooth and quiet as that of the Leica M4 of a friend (the only Leica I ever tried) ; granted, that Zorki-6 had been CLAd by the famous Oleg of Mari-El...


Roman

[doubs43]

My two Zorki-4's and my FED-1g all have relatively (to my Leicas) heavy releases. They are, however, clean when they break. i.e., there's no "mush" to the release. They break like a piece of glass. If your Z-6 is like that, you can "dry fire" it until you become accustomed to the release.

Those who have the Zorki-6 swear by them and seem to really like them.

Walker

[Solinar]

The problem is gunked up crud and thickened industrial machine oil.

On my Zorki 4 which arrived yesterday, a heavy, stiff shutter release was one of a few problems that I encountered.

The Zorki 4 has a removeable back, so I was able to get inside to flush the internal mechanisms with Rosinol, before lightly lubing with Trii-flow.

On your 5, which is a bottom loader, you are probable looking at removing the shutter box as the best way to get inside for a cleaning. Pay attention to the shutter release rod and the gear train at the bottom of the shutter box. Take care to avoid getting any Rosinol on the curtains.

By the way, after cleaning and lubing the shutter release on my Zorki 4 is buttery smooooth.

[Solinar]

It's not a Zorki 5, but I believe that access to the shutter box is similar to the Zorki 1 http://www.jay.fedka.com/index_files/Page455.htm

[Solinar]

One more view, compliments of Rick Oleson - http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-101.html

[lawrence]

Many thanks for all the advice I have received on this -- as soon as I have a moment I'll try out the suggestions.

Lawrence