Zorki 5

The Zorki 5 is a 35mm camera. It was built by KMZ in today’s Russia from 1958 to 1959. Over 200,000 of the 50s camera were produced.

The body of the Zorki 5 was changed and slightly raised compared to its predecessors. However, the thread for the interchangeable lenses remained the same, M39.

Besides the Bulb mode, the Zorki 5 offers exposure times from 1/500 sec to 1/25 sec. There is no exposure meter, but there is a rangefinder for proper manual focusing. The 35mm film is wound on with a quick-release lever.

There are two different models of the Zorki 5, Zorki 5a and Zorki 5b, which differ slightly.

Films for the Zorki 5

The Zorki 5 uses 35mm films. These are still easy to get today and are still being developed. The film transport of the camera is mechanical and must be done manually. After each frame, the film is transported to the next frame. At the end of the film roll, usually after 36 frames, the film must be wound back into the cartridge. Only when this step has been completed may the camera back be opened and the film removed.

Nice films for black and white or color images are the AgfaPhoto APX 400* and the Agfaphoto Vista 400*. Both films give good and solid results with the rangefinder camera. Of course, there are many other films that can be used with the camera. For example, the manufacturers Ilford, Kodak, Fujfilm, Adox, Rollei or even Lomography, to name just a few, offer suitable material.

The color film is a negative film and is processed in the C-41 development process. The C-41 process is offered by almost every photo lab. Most drugstore chains in Germany offer the development of color films. In addition, the offer of many laboratories also includes the creation of prints, posters or even the digitization of negatives.

The recommended black and white film must be processed in a black and white developer. Many professional laboratories also offer this service. However, the development is usually somewhat more expensive than for color films.