FED 3a vs. Zorki 4 viewfinders

[Gordon Coale]

I'm looking at getting a Leica derived FSU camera with low speeds for available light work -- either the FED 3a or the Zorki 4. The Zorki 3M supposedly has a 1:1 viewfinder. Does the Zorki 4 have the same 1:1 viewfinder? Which is bigger and brighter? The FED 3a or the Zorki 4? Enquiring minds want to know.

[Solinar]

The viewfinder on my early Zorki 4 is splendidly clear and the rangefinder patch is always noticeable. The 3M shouldn't be any different. I haven't looked through at Fed 3a. So, I can't tell you how they compare.

[John Robertson]

Try to find a Zorki 4K Lever wind, easier loading,v/f seems more contrasty!

[Laika]

The FED 2, 3, 4 and 5 share the same finder (but RF base length varies) and the Zorki 3, 4, 5 and 6 also share a common finder. Without wearing glasses I find it comes down to individual cameras for viewfinder quality but I think as a rule of thumb the Zorki's are a little better, and are also a touch better if you wear glasses. My fav slow speed model is the FED3a but I'd say the Zorki 3M is the best of them all but high prices have put me off getting one so far.

[doubs43]

I took a few pictures yesterday with my Zorki-4 (1956 model) and found that the viwfinder is difficult for me to see full view. I had to move my eye from side to side in order to see the whole field. The universal finder - a Russian copy of the Contax turret finder - gave a much better view in my opinion.

The universal finder stays atop my Zorki-4 so the 50mm view through the camera finder isn't that important to me unless I'm shooting very quickly and can't take the time to switch from the camera finder to the universal finder.

The Zorki-4 rangefinder is very good. Bright & contrasty and easy to focus. A Zorki-4 in good operational condition is an excellent camera.

Walker