Zorki 2-C Rangefinder Camera (Pre-Owned)

The Zorki 2-C is a classic 35mm rangefinder camera produced by KMZ (Krasnogorsky Mechanichesky Zavod) in the Soviet Union. It is part of the Zorki series, which were inspired by and based on early Leica designs. Here’s an overview of the Zorki 2-C:

Zorki 2-C Overview

1. History and Background:

   • The Zorki 2-C was produced from 1955 to 1960. It is an improved version of the Zorki 1, itself a copy of the Leica II.
   • Zorki cameras were widely used in the Soviet Union and are popular among collectors and vintage camera enthusiasts today.

2. Build and Design:

   • Construction: The Zorki 2-C features a sturdy metal body, designed to withstand extensive use.
   • Design: It has a classic rangefinder design with a separate viewfinder and rangefinder window.
   • Dimensions: Compact and relatively lightweight, making it portable and easy to handle.

3. Viewfinder and Rangefinder:

   • Viewfinder: Separate from the rangefinder window, the viewfinder is simple and functional.
   • Rangefinder: Coupled rangefinder mechanism for focusing, which is accurate but requires aligning two images manually.

4. Film:

   • Film Format: Uses standard 35mm film, producing 24x36mm frames.
   • Film Loading: Bottom-loading design, similar to early Leica cameras, which can be slightly tricky but becomes easier with practice.
   • Film Advance: Manual film advance knob and rewind knob, which adds to the vintage shooting experience.

5. Shutter:

   • Shutter Type: Cloth focal-plane shutter.
   • Shutter Speeds: Range from 1/25 to 1/500 seconds, plus Bulb mode for long exposures.

6. Lens Mount:

   • Mount Type: Leica Thread Mount (LTM) or M39 mount, which allows for compatibility with a wide range of lenses from various manufacturers.
   • Standard Lens: Often paired with the Industar-22 or Industar-50 50mm f/3.5 lens, both Tessar-type designs known for their sharpness and compactness.

Notable Features

1. Self-Timer:

   • Includes a built-in self-timer, a feature that was not common in earlier models of this series.
   • Provides a delay of approximately 10 seconds, useful for self-portraits or group photos.

2. Flash Sync:

   • The "C" in Zorki 2-C stands for "Synchro," indicating the presence of a flash synchronization feature.
   • Equipped with a cold shoe and PC sync socket for attaching an external flash.