Your best russian Rangefinder ??

[jean-marc B.]

My best Russian Rangefinder is the Zorki 6 with a Jupiter 12 , you can see it on my website :

http://sovietcamera.site.voila.fr/index.html

And you wich one is your best russian rangefinder ? Some friends tell me that the Zorki 4K is very popular in the USA, is that wright ?

Thank You .

[lushd]

If I want to have a totally enjoyable shoot with a camera that just seems to fit in my hand and work without fuss I will go for the Zorki 5 or 4K. But I love them all ...

[jean-marc B.]

If you like the Zorki 5 , you should try the Zorki 6 with his better back ( you can open this back with only one hand ).
And what about the Fed ??? I like the Fed 3.
Good by

[Hamster]

Kiev II, a solid camera. Once it is CLAed it stays in adjustment. When you open it up you can really see the attention to detail and thought that went into designing this camera.

[jean-marc B.]

I only have the kiev 4 ( picture on my website : http://sovietcamera.site.voila.fr/index.html ), this camera is great with his Jupiter 12.

[santino]

probably Leningrad with J8

[Jocko]

At various times I've thought each was the best - with the exception of the Zorki 3-4-4k series, whose viewfinder I cannot use...

To choose one is iniquitous... But, considered as an artifact, the FED 1 takes an awful lot of beating. History and elegance in the palm of your hand.

Ian

[Solinar]

Mine would be the Kiev 2a, followed by the FED 2 with a collapsible Industar.

The Kiev 2a is much better than the FED 2, but sometimes prefer funkiness and simpilicity over precision.

[Uncle Bill]

Jean Marc,

My vote would have to go for my Kiev III, it has almost become my concert photography camera of choice of late. Built strong and I am a fan of the Contax design.

Bill

P.S I love your website, while my conversational french as deteriorated to an embarassing level, I can still read in french.

[darkkavenger]

I hesitate between Kiev-2A and J8 versus Kiev-2A and J12

[kmack]

With out a doubt it is my Kiev IIIa.
The camera porn link here

[rxmd]

I'm somewhat hesitant to say it (it feels like asking to be spanked), but at the moment I'm using my wife's FED-5 most of the time, along with a J-12.

[lushd]

Originally Posted by jean-marc B.

If you like the Zorki 5 , you should try the Zorki 6 with his better back ( you can open this back with only one hand ).
And what about the Fed ??? I like the Fed 3.
Good by

Hi - I have both and I can't disagree with you. But the Z5 has the edge for me over the 6. The hinge and clasp are clumsily executed on the 6, and the 5 feels better in the hands. The winding on the 6 is of course hugely better.

[Jocko]

Originally Posted by rxmd

I'm somewhat hesitant to say it (it feels like asking to be spanked), but at the moment I'm using my wife's FED-5 most of the time, along with a J-12.

Between you and me, I like them too! Tell no-one!

Ian

[peterc]

My "best" Russian rangefinder is probably my Kiev 4. Except for the meter it works like a charm.
However, my favourite is my Zorki 3M. I find myself carrying it more often than my other FSU rangefinders. The ergonomics are great, the VF is bright and it works beautifully with a chrome J8. The shutter hates cold weather ... but that's what Kievs are for.

Peter

[jean-marc B.]

Most of people prefer the Kiev... I will take mine today and go to Paris, its a famous street shooter.But it's not so easy to change lens with this camera.
Jean-Marc

[Silva Lining]

My favourite is my Zorki 3M with the Jupiter 3. Nice weight and feels right in the hand, The Jupiter 3 takes lovely photos.

[DaveP]

My favorite changes weekly, the Zorki 1 is probably the most fun to use, the Fed 3a is elegant and a very comfortable user, the Kiev 4am is so solid and has that charming "sneeze" when in the slower speds,Fed 3b sheer utility with an art -deco appearance,Zorki 6 most user friendly, easy day shooting,Zorki Zorki (see zorki1) Zorki 3 best feel, Zorki 3m Zorki 3 plus. Favorite?? Depends on the mood.

[w3rk5]

My favorite is the FED 3a with a Jupiter 3. I'm slowly warming up to the Kiev 4 and Heilos 103 combo though.

[Max Power]

Zorki 4 and the J-12, J-8 or J-9.

That 1:1 VF is just sweet. The whole setup is perfectly weighted and sits nicely in my hands.

Just MHO

Kent

[claidemore]

Fed 3b, solid feel, smooth wind, I-61 lens is tack sharp. I'm using one of my Kiev 4's at the moment, just for a change, and there really isn't anything I don't like about it, but the Fed 3 just feels more intuitive. I've got a Fed 1 NKVD coming in the mail, and I have a feeling it's gonna be my favorite for a while.

To take this question to the next level, what is the russian rangefinder that you don't have, that you would most like to have?

For me it's the Kiev II.

[comp_wiz101]

I'd like a CLA'd Drug with a J-3

[rbiemer]

jean-marc,
Tough for me to choose. I own and use kiev 4a, 2, and 3. Mostly in that order.
I own but don't have right now(a long and annoying story which I won't repeat here) a Zorki 3m that I find to be the best looking/handling of the lot.
I also use and like the FED 5. Ugly as sin but it works. If it had strap lugs I'd like it better.
I tried the FED2 but even thoguh it's a very capable camera, I couldn't use the viewfinder very well. Really nice size and feel.
I have been thinking about the Zorki 5 and 6 cameras, and will probably get one or the other this summer.
And, welcome to RFF!
Rob

[rbiemer]

Originally Posted by claidemore

To take this question to the next level, what is the russian rangefinder that you don't have, that you would most like to have?

For me it's the Kiev II.

FED 6 TTL, please.
In reallity I'm becoming very tempted by the Iskra.
Rob

[reagan]

Without a doubt. . . Zorki.1 w/Industar.22 - chrome or black.
For backup? Zorki.3 w/Jupiter.8.