🔴 Budget Leica Camera | Zorki 1C Russian Rangefinder

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

✅ CHECK eBay: (US) ebay.to/2F0HoxY (UK) ebay.to/3ijzle2 (DE) ebay.to/3iqDNYs (FR) ebay.to/2ZJ3E75 (HK) ebay.to/32A8xBu ▶️ WATCH NEXT: All Lens Reviews - bit.ly/3AYv7TS 📞 ZOOM: Not sure what camera or lens to buy? Arrange a call today - bit.ly/3lBkdgq 🛎 SUBSCRIBED?: Monthly Giveaways - worth £30/$40 upwards - bit.ly/3qET0ZO 📷 MY KIT: mrleica.com/kitlist/ ▶️ VIDEO PLAYLISTS : mrleica.com/youtube/ 👤 Where to find me: mrleica.com/socials/ 💫 LEICA PRESETS - mrleica.com/leica-lightroom-presets/ 🚀 LEICA PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS - mrleica.com/leica-workshops-uk/ 📝 BLOG: mrleica.com/free-newsletter/ 🎞 NEED FILM - mrleica.com/do-you-need-film/ ☕️ COFFEE: Thank Matt with a coffee - www.paypal.com/paypalme/MrLeica ⭐️ PATREON: More Content? 100+ Videos & Zoom - www.patreon.com/mrleicacom

[@rizkiyoist]

The cool thing about the Zorki C is the rangefinder patch is bright yellow, even brighter than the Leica IIIF, although the Zorki is not as zoomed in.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes! I forgot to say in the video that the VF & RF is better in the Zorki! (Easier to see)

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Nice video. Still miss my stolen Kiev II, but enjoying my Zorki 4 ( and Your videos ) / Ulf

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Ulf, and sorry about your Kiev :(

[@neilpiper9889]

It's the fiddly film loading that puts me off, and the inability to remove the back. I love my Zorki 4k with the awesome Jupiter 8 50mm F2 lens. Only downside, no strap lugs.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Neil, yes fast loading is much easier!

[@ArminHirmer]

haha cool. I have a Zorki 1 coming. Got it for the Industar 22 to use on my Sigma. But now I might use the whole thing :)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Congrats Armin! Yes use it all :)

[@JacekGizel]

Thank you for the video, I have exactly the same copy but I have to take it to the service as it has not been used for a long time.This is a Zorki S (C in Russian) manufactured in 1958 (the first 2 digits of the serial number are the year of production). And this symbol with a prism is the logo of the Mechanical Plant (KMZ) in Krasnogorsk, near Moscow, where it was produced.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Cool little cameras. I use my Leica instead but it does a similar job.

[@JeffWernerIthacaNY]

So many cool cameras! I think the biggest distinction of a Zorki from other Leica screw mount cameras is the rangefinder coupling arm: instead of a wheel on the end of the arm, Zorki put an adjustable foot that you can turn with a pliers to adjust the close-focus calibration. If the lens mount has been properly shimmed, then the flange distance is *supposed to be* exactly the same as a Leica. However, so many Zorkis have some kind of issue either the rangefinder foot is bent to the wrong angle or the shims were lost or installed incorrectly at the last service or the Soviet lens it was tested with isn't adjusted properly, all these things together lead to the misconception that the Soviets used slightly different dimensions. They didn't, they were just inconsistent and it's common to find them out of adjustment, I think. The original Zorki 1 was intended to be maintained and adjusted by its owner, and they can all have their own quirks based on the last owner's idea of how to adjust it. The fact that you can adjust both close focus and infinity, both of which affect each other, can lead to a wide range of wacky solutions.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for your input Jeff! Great info. I must try my Zorki with fast Leica glass then to see how well matched my bodies are. Thanks!

[@rotfai45mm]

Matt , yes you can also be a happy filmshooter with a Russian rangefinder . But in mine experiance I must say don't mixed up lenses only use Jupiter , Industar and Orion lenses on a Fed or Zorki . But I made a update from my Kiev to a Contax IIIA with Zeiss and Voigtlander wide angle lenses that I can also use on my Kiev . A Contax IIIA is a beautiful rangefinder camera for a amature price , I bought mine with west Tessar and case for only 250 Euro in Germany Ebay . Best regards Peter .

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Peter! Agreed the Contax are nice. You will see a video to come on Contax so stay tuned. I bought a Tessar once but it was a bad copy so it was returned.

[@rotfai45mm]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom My West Tessar is a very sharp landscape lens with a nice soft bokeh . Normaly a West Tessar for Contax cost around 400 Euro lens only . I was just very lucky with my Tessar Contax IIIA set .

[@ChrisEbbrsen]

Hopefully. I FIND ZORCHI I C BUT MISS DIOPTER AND SELF TIMER. HERE WE GO, IM ON A QUEST. THANKS MATT!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Happy searching!

[@leonarddavis8449]

Excellent introduction to Zorki. I find the Leica cameras nicer to hold, and the wind on and shutter release smoother. Perhaps the Leicas have been used more. You just can’t beat the value for money of the Zorki.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! My VF & RF are better in my Zorki but yes the Leica should be smoother I think.

[@slr7075]

I was looking into Soviet LTM cameras but I didn't want the risks of getting a dud so looked into the next best thing, which are Canon rangefinders. I finally end up picking the Canon 7SZ, which is considered to be the best vintage LTM camera ever made. I spent a bit more but at the end I was factoring future use, reliability and even value appreciation because they're relatively rare with only 4,000 total units made. The 7SZ rangefinder/viewfinder is really good for a non-M Leica and it is one of the best for LTM cameras. It makes a whole day's difference when comparing the older, smaller and squinty finders of other LTM cameras.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks and very nice! I have a Canon RF camera that i've not yet shared. I will try to test it this summer. That has a great finder too.

[@MarkThomasMorgan]

yes, you're right, but it has no Leica roots and magic, sooooo.........

[@LucyS565]

Looks very interesting! I'd love to try a Zorki 1C. Thank you for this info Matt!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Lucy!

[@michaelmills2926]

thanks for another great video, i am a big fan of zorki,s and fed cameras , my fav. is the zorki 4 , it lives in the same case as my leica 111

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Michael, I will do a Zorki 4 video as soon as I get time to use it!

[@IvarsDayLab]

Matt! I'm happy that you have finally got a better version of Zorki. About Zorki I want to mention that Zorki C, Zorki2 and Zorki 2C are one of the best Zorki cameras because they shutter speed mechanics are much better made and they speed can be switched before you wind the knob. On other Zorki cameras you can't do that because you will actually break the mechanics or mess up the shutter speeds. Unfortunately Zorki2 is very expensive and rare, but C series are really easy to find for a friendly price in a good condition. I love to use my Zorki 2C with Jupiter12 and sometimes I put a Jupiter8 or my Canon 50mm f1.8 on it and it gives a really great results. I have Zorki1 as well, but its not that good condition and needs new shutter curtains + some cleaning.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Ivars and for the extra details. So you don’t rate the Zorki 4?

[@IvarsDayLab]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom For me Zorki 4 is right in the line with many other ugly soviet cameras like Kiev4, smena... I love Zorki1, FED1, Zorki C, Zorki2, Zorki2c. The rest of the zorki and fed lineup is not worth my attention. If you like it, fine I can gift you another Zorki4 for renovation if you wish.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@IvarsDayLab thanks, I need to use the one I have but I appreciate your kind offer, thank you 🙏🏻

[@IvarsDayLab]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom no pressure 😉

[@neilpiper9889]

@@IvarsDayLab 4k is the best

[@tiborhaake9479]

nice and clean :)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! I try to buy clean if I can

[@FFVoyager]

I think that is a Zorki C not an earlier 1C. It has a taller body and the flash sync on the front.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you! Someone else just mentioned C rather than 1C to me too. Sorry to get it wrong, I think the seller I bought from called it a 1C.

[@robhosailor]

Very good presentation Matt! In my tiny collection I have Zorki S (not "C" please) with the Industar-22 lens from 1956. I use this combo willingly, but I prefer my 1932 Leica Standard with the same lens. Zorki is a good camera, but Leica body is beyond competition.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Robert! My Leica I model C is currently away for a CLA. Agree re. Bodies.

[@robhosailor]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom For many years my 1932 Leica Standard was not in use and then I used all of my Zorki and FEDs it was really a pleasure, but I had the Leica repaired and adjusted and since then it is my favorite non SLR 135 type film camera. The quality of the finish, and especially the matching of the mechanical elements to the thousandths of a millimeter, are incomparable. It is hard to appreciate when working only on Zorki or Fed.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@robhosailor thanks. Yes my CLA,d iif sounds fantastic and crisp :)

[@sunny16portraits]

Guess I'll be watching my local second hand marketplace now for a good Zorki!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes I think for the price they are excellent (and good fun)

[@burnout401]

I thought this Zorki camera is referred to as a 2c. The 1c has exactly the proportions of a Leica iii, making it a direct copy. These can also be found for as little as 30€. A good one with an Industar 22 and a rotating barrel viewfinder can be found for 80- 100€. They are lovely little cameras:)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, hmm you could be right. I bought it as a 1c but I’ll have another read to check. It is almost the same size as a iiia, maybe closer to iiig as taller.

[@neilpiper9889]

Your Zorki 4 has strap lugs. Mine doesn't, or my Zorki 4k. My Zenit C hasn't got them either. The Zenit C or S is from 1958..My first real camera when I was 13.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Neil! Interesting.. yes some seem to have and some nor. Great you still have your first camera!

[@vadimratobylskiy]

Zorky 1 not C much better camera, after adjust lubricate and new shutter work one one like leica ii silent and smooth))

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Zer!

[@barrycohen311]

Question for you camera Gurus- How does one focus the old rangefinders that have two optical windows? I have a Leica M2, so I know how the single viewfinder works. - Aligning the ghost image) How on earth would the same be done with two windows?

[@billymitchell5975]

Focus on the subject with the range finder window, then compose the subject within the frame with the viewfinder window.

[@barrycohen311]

@@billymitchell5975 Thanks!

[@xxGravyBabyxx]

It's like using an external viewfinder but it is built into the camera.

[@Zetaphotography]

It's been answered but focus with one window and then compose with the other. Which order you do is up to you. I compose then focus

[@barrycohen311]

@@Zetaphotography Interesting. Thanks. I would love to try one...

[@sonuvasteele2226]

So what about the Zorki 2c? I feel like the strapnlugs are a real plus but I dont care much for the self timer. Functionally or aesthetically

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I dont have any more but the likely followed the same route as Leica with later copies having more features.

[@joellinker9899]

📸👁️Fed build quality seem a bit better to me.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Joel, that would make sense being the earlier camera. Similar to the early Kiev though not quite the same reason.

[@artyom9077]

I really want to buy one but im scared if it does not work or i cannot take the pictures out. Please help me give me some advice

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Try to buy one saying film tested and then you should be ok

[@SAGA2000KZ]

Hi, I recently bought Leica IIIc but it came without the bottom plate. My question is: can I use bottom plate from zorki or fed instead of buying leica one? Are they compatible?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great question, try looking closely at images to see if fixtures are the same. I don’t have cameras on me to check. If not you can get Leica base plates too on eBay but less cheap ofc.

[@stephanpaier9887]

Hi! Can you use your Jupiter 12 fully open? If so, youre one lucky guy... Mine is so soft, unusable below f8 :-( Maybe you could give some advice, how and where to find a good one!? I am looking forward to the upcoming Zorki/ Fed reviews, they are fun. Austrian greetings, Stephan

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Stephan, yes wide open. It sounds like you have bad copy. Try eBay and return if not good enough. Thanks re future videos.

[@guskokalis9535]

Please Mr. Leica How do you install a telephoto lens ons on the Kiev camana?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

It will be 135mm max. Just screw lens on as normal, focus as normal but you need 135mm coldshoe viewfinder to compose.

[@guskokalis9535]

I need the inner left (round)focal focus eye piece or ring for my 111f Leica it fell off when I took off exterior eye piece. The right (square) piece only because of age and dirt didnt fall off. Were can I get one ???

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Try eBay and if can't find try to find a dead camera and user as a donor body.

[@artyom9077]

How do you get the pictures out?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Take the bottom off to unload the film (See the Leica iii camera film loading video)

[@hotrode6969]

hi, i have a zorki 1 not the c one..do you know where i can get a leather half case for the zorki 1 ?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Try eBay, FSU cases are normally quite cheap

[@hotrode6969]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thank you again..will the leica 111f half case fit the zorki 1 ?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@hotrode6969 99% yes, just check where the tripod socket is on both cameras**

[@hotrode6969]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom ok thank you much

[@hotrode6969]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thank you

[@northstar1950]

Who does your CLAs?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

A retired guy that only has time for a few a year so I send others wherever I can for other jobs, Camserve in UK for example.

[@northstar1950]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom, thanks Matt.

[@jacovanlith5082]

Matt, you should start all your reviews on lenses and cameras with this clear warning: BEWARE, YOU ARE GOING TO LOOK AT SHARP PHOTOGRAPHS, THEY CAN CAUSE AN INFERIORITY COMPLEX TO THE VIEWERS. The amount of high quality information on the analog and digital black and white photography can give you severe headaches. It is wise to be aware that fine artistic photos can be made with old cameras without autofocus, manual filmtransport, TTL , HSS and non coated lenses.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha thanks Jaco, Yes I watched a few other videos last night on film cameras and I didn't really appreciate their images (without sounding like i'm something special, i'm not) .. but it is easy to make crappy photos so I try to make better than that or I don't bother).