Zorki 1

The Zorki 1 is a 35mm camera. It ushered in the Zorki series after several pre-models, including the FED Zorki. It was produced in six figures by KMZ in what is now Russia between 1949 and 1956.

The Zorki 1 is a clear copy of the Leitz Leica II, it comes with an M39 thread for interchangeable subjects, this is also present on the Leica (Leica Thread Mount/LTM), therefore the lenses can be used with the Leica or Zorki among themselves.

Usually it comes standard with an Industar-22 50mm/f3.5, which was also “inspired” by a Leica product. Depending on the series, the possible exposure times of the cloth focal plane shutter differed.

In any case, the photographer has to set everything himself, aperture, exposure time and focus. The Zorki 1 does not have a built-in light meter or autofocus. An external light meter can be used for exposure, and the built-in rangefinder helps with focusing.

For long exposures, there is a 3/8″ tripod thread and a connection for a cable release. Combined with the Bulb mode, great long exposures can be taken at night. This function does not have a self-timer.

Films for the Zorki 1

What film format is the Zorki 1 designed for? The camera needs films for the 35mm format. In this film format there is still a good selection of material for color and black and white images. Manufacturers for the film format include Fujifilm, Lomography, Adox, Ilford, Foma, and even Kodak.

Great films for rangefinder cameras that are still around today are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color photos and the Ilford XP2 Super* for black and white photos. There are numerous other manufacturers that also produce film for this format.

The color film is a negative film and is processed in the C-41 development process. It is common for most photo labs to offer the C-41 process. A black and white film must normally be processed in a black and white developer. However, the Ilford XP2 Super can also be processed in the C-41 process.