Zorki 4 shutter no longer cocks - i am an idiot

[jezza]

Hi everyone

You can all laugh at the newbie, it's ok, I don't mind

I received my 1st Zorki 4 yesterday. It is my first FSU camera. Although it's been a while, I learned photography with film before the digital age and was fairly confident I knew my way around a manual camera.

I also thought I did enough initial research. So... after I opened the package in my half asleep state, I excitedly fiddled with the camera, until the shutter doesn't seem to cock anymore.

NOW I know you're not supposed to adjust the shutter speed without cocking the shutter first. But I probably did just that - I am an idiot. Is this something I can maybe repair myself or will I have to send it away? Does anyone know a place in London by the way?

Thanks
Jez

[wolves3012]

Firstly, don't panic! Unless you actually forced things it's unlikely you actually broke anything. When you say it doesn't cock any more, what happens when you try? Does the wind-knob turn freely or is it stuck? If it turns easily you've either a) locked the shutter button down by accident (turn it to release it) or b) you've accidentally put it on "rewind" (turn the collar around the shutter button to release that)

If it turns but meets resistance, try this: with it uncocked, select the highest speed you can (don't worry about what speed it is). Now wind on GENTLY until you feel extra resistance and stop. Select the highest speed you can again. Repeat this till the shutter is cocked. Now select a correct speed and fire it and check all is ok.

If the above fails to work, then yes, you have bu**ered it up and it may need dismantling.