| Author |
Message |
    
Matthew Padden
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 12, 2004 - 04:53 pm: | 
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Hi there folks,
I just acquired a 1975 Zenit EM and assorted lenses etc. There seems to be a problem with the shutter speed dial. With the shutter cocked, I should be able to lift the dial and turn it to the desired speed, then lower it back down and press the shutter release. However, as I turn the dial, the dial's index dot drifts and tries to follow the dial, so I've no reference as to what speed I'm at. Given the warnings about not rotating between B and 500 and not choosing an 'in between' speed, I'm a little concerned. Does this sound like loose screws or do I need to delve deeper?
Many thanks in advance
Matt
Glasgow, UK |
Jon Goodman
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, January 12, 2004 - 07:47 pm: |
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Hi, Matt.
This is an easy fix, but a two part process. First, lift up your speed selector dial and rotate it counter-clockwise all the way 'til it stops. Then let it drop into that spot. This should be the "B" speed, and you can easily test that by firing the shutter with the film door open. Once you've found the "B" speed, remove the speed dial. You'll need a small screwdriver, and there are two or three screws on the perimeter of the dial...recessed ledge, actually. Once you remove that dial, use a straight pin to tighten the center part of the mechanism...the part with the red line. It just screws down tight. Then replace the speed dial and make sure "B" lines up with the red mark. You'll be fine from there out.
Jon |
Matthew Padden
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 02:40 pm: |
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Hi Jon,
Thanks for the advice. It worked a treat. Speed selection is easy now!
With that fixed I've been testing the rest of the camera mechanics, which all seem fine. However the film winding action and shutter release action both work but feel quite heavy; is this in keeping with the camera's weight  or should I be looking at oiling any parts?
Thanks again for any advice
Matt |
Jon Goodman
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 07:25 pm: |
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Hi, Matt.
These cameras were not really as smooth as their Japanese counterparts...well, let me start over. Some of the Soviet cameras were quite smooth and precise. I have a Zorki 4 from 1956 that is literally as pleasant to use as any manual camera I own or can imagine. I have one from 1967 that is nowhere near this nice. Some Zenits (3M models, some E models, others) were better and some weren't. You can improve things by disassembling, cleaning and lubricating the gear train, but before I did that, I would see how I liked the camera in general. I try to think of the Zenit as "everyman's" camera and enjoy it in that setting. If used correctly, they're capable of surprisingly good work. I'd say run a roll or two of film through and get a feel. If it hasn't been used much in the past few years, it may loosen up a bit with the exercise. Please feel free to keep in touch. There's also a great Zenit Users group on Yahoo.com (one of the Yahoo groups). It has members from all over the world, and is a pleasant group with a wealth of info.
Jon |
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