How do Zorki cameras differ?
Zorki cameras are often recommended as an alternative to the expensive Leica models, under the motto "the Leica of the little man." This is not only due to the similar features (rangefinder, 35mm film, etc.), but also because they are in part copies of the successful Leicas.
Some Zorkis were quite strongly "inspired" by the German cameras. Nevertheless, you can of course take great photos with the Russian copies and also save a lot of money, because Zorkis are sold in most cases for a fraction of a Leica.
Here is an overview of the common models:
| Name | Year of manufacture | Film format | Shutter speeds | Light meter | Rangefinder | Focus | Flash connection | Lens mount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zorki 1 | 1949-1956 | 35mm / 35mm | 1/500 s, 1/200 s, 1/100 s, 1/60 s, 1/40 s, 1/30 s, 1/20 s, Bulb | no | Yes | manual | no | M39 |
| Zorki 2 | 1954-1956 | 35mm / 35mm | 1/500 s, 1/250 s, 1/100 s, 1/50 s, 1/25 s, Bulb | no | Yes | manual | no | M39 |
| Zorki C | 1955-1958 | 35mm / 35mm | 1/500 s, 1/250 s, 1/100 s, 1/50 s, 1/25 s, Bulb | no | Yes | manual | Flash socket | M39 |
| Zorki 3 | 1951-1956 | 35mm / 35mm | 1/1000 s, 1/500 s, 1/250 s, 1/100 s, 1/50 s, 1/25 s, Bulb | no | Yes | manual | no | M39 |
| Zorki 4 | 1956-1973 | 35mm / 35mm | 1/1000 s, 1/500 s, 1/250 s, 1/125 s, 1/60 s, 1/30 s, Bulb | no | Yes | manual | Flash socket | M39 |
| Zorki 5 | 1958-1959 | 35mm / 35mm | 1/500 s, 1/250 s, 1/125 s, 1/60 s, 1/30 s, Bulb | no | Yes | manual | Flash socket | M39 |
| Zorki 6 | 1958-1966 | 35mm / 35mm | 1/500 s, 1/250 s, 1/125 s, 1/60 s, 1/30 s, Bulb | no | Yes | manual | Flash socket | M39 |
The exposure times may vary depending on the sub-model.
