The Zorki 4 is a rangefinder camera. It was built by KMZ (Krasnogorskij Mekhanicheskij Zavod Imeni S.A. Zvereva) between 1956 and 1973.
During these 18 years, the Zorki 4 was built over 1.7 million times, making it the most successful model in the series. This number is split between approximately 1 million of the Zorki 4a and 700,000 of the Zorki 4b. The difference probably lies in the manufacturing quality.
The Zorki 4 is equipped with an M39 thread. In most cases, it came with an Industar 50-2 3.5/50 or a Jupiter-8 2/50 lens. The exposure times go from 1 second to 1/100 second. There is also a 1/30 second setting for shooting with a flash connected to the sync socket.
The Zorki 4 operates completely manually without batteries. There is no exposure meter, aperture and exposure time have to be chosen by the photographer.
For manual focusing, the Zorki 4 has a built-in rangefinder. For sharp images, the two images in the viewfinder must be superimposed.
Films for the Zorki 4
According to the instruction manual, the Zorki 4 is designed for 35mm films. These films are still being manufactured and can be specified from almost any developing vendor.
Possible films for the rangefinder camera are the Kodak Ultramax 400* for color photos and the Ilford XP2 Super* for B&W photos. Both films are processed in the C-41 development process.
Zorki 4K
Produced from 1972 to 1978, the Zorki 4K is identical to the Zorki 4, but it has a lever for transporting the film.
MIR
The Mir, which is Russian for world or peace, was a cheaper version of the Zorki 4 for the home market. It dispensed with the slow shutter speeds. The Mir/Мир offers only 1/30 sec, 1/60 sec, 1/125 sec, 1/250 sec, 1/500 sec and Bulb.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Rangefinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second, 1/500 second, 1/250 second, 1/125 second, 1/60 second, 1/30 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Country of production | Soviet Union (USSR) |
| End of production | 1973 |
| Production duration | 17 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 111,54 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 45 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 101,69 Euro (109.32 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 107,75 Euro (115.82 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 109,52 Euro (117.98 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Zorki 4
What kind of film does this rangefinder camera use?
The Zorki 4 uses standard 35mm film. These are still readily available from most film developers. Both color and black and white films are compatible.
How do I focus the camera?
The Zorki 4 has a built-in rangefinder. To focus, you need to overlap the two images in the viewfinder until they are perfectly aligned.
Does the Zorki 4 need batteries?
No, the Zorki 4 is completely mechanical and doesn't require any batteries. All settings are manual.
What is the shutter speed range?
The shutter speeds range from 1 second to 1/100th of a second. There's also a 1/30th of a second setting for flash photography.
What lenses are commonly used with this Russian camera?
The Zorki 4 usually came with either an Industar 50-2 3.5/50 or a Jupiter-8 2/50 lens. It uses an M39 screw mount.