Zorki 6 Finder vs. Zorki 4 finder- any thoughts

kievman · 10-26-2008

I found a very clean Zorki 6 on evilbay, which I mght purchase, but since I have never held a Zorki 6 before and own two Zorki 4's, I have no way to compare the rangefinders on these two much different cameras. I love the viewfinder on the Zorki 4, Is the viewfinder on the Zorki 6 just as bright and clear? Is the magification the same? - Michael

nzeeman · 10-26-2008

it has smaller magnification (maybe 0.7x?) but rf patch contrast is great so it is easy to focus in low light - imho easier than on z4...

julio1fer · 10-26-2008

I have and use both (Z4 and Z6). IMO the Z6 finder is better. I don't really need the 1:1 magnification on the Z4 finder, and the RF contrast (and base distance) is better in the Z6.

MartinP · 10-26-2008

I have a Z5 and the viewfinder reminds me very much of the Fed-2. So, slightly smaller and slightly darker than the Z4, but more useable because you can see the sides more clearly and the patch contrast is higher making for better focussing.

Edit: The Z5 and Z6 viewfinders are, of course, closely related...

kievman · 10-26-2008

Thaanks to all who posted. It seems the darker the viewfinder the brighter/contraster the rangefinder patch, at least with most FSU cameras, from my experience. I wonder how does the Zorki 6 compare with the Fed 5? Of all my FSU gear (and my collection is extensive) I would rate my Iskra MF rangefinder folder the best all around. My early Zorki 4, my 3a kiev and late kiev 4 to be the best 35mm FSU rangefinder/viewfinders in that order.- from what I Ihave experienced - M

moretto · 10-26-2008

The finder is very good, the camera itself feels robust and compact in hands, only complain is the shutter release button which is stiffer than on Z4, fed 4...more like Zenit E than Leica-like. I thought that that is the problem with my copy, but guys here on forum confirmed it, and I had the chance to try a few more on the flee market. OK, someone here said that is not a PROBLEM. Let's call it an inconvenience..if You are used to smoother releases.

wolves3012 · 10-26-2008

The Zorki 5 and 6 have probably the best finders of all the FSUs (my opinion)...bright with an accurate RF. Even though the 4 has a 1:1 VF (roughly) it's still not as good for framing.

kievman · 10-27-2008

Thanks for the opinions , I am still undecided, but it turns out on closer examination the zorki 6 I found is missing the strap lugs, so I'm passing on it. I wonder how much stiffer the shutter release is conpared to other FSU camers I love the releases on my Zorki 4, Fed 5b Kievs - Michael

wolves3012 · 10-28-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by kievman

I wonder how much stiffer the shutter release is conpared to other FSU cameras

Not much, provided it isn't gummed up. The shutter release on a Z5/6 presses indirectly via a metal crank, which is what makes it a bit heavier and less smooth. There really isn't a lot of difference on my examples.