Description
The Zorki-3M was introduced in 1954 as an improved version of a Zorki-3. This is an early example of the Soviet version of the screwmount Leica with the elements of the Leica M series.
Zorki-3’s design of 1951 was a real breakthrough in the soviet Leica production . It was slightly larger than Zorki, but it had many new features that Zorki/FED lacked – a bright, large, combined RF/VF, a removable back, a dioptric adjustment of the viewfinder, a set of slow speeds and a high quality fast lens – Jupiter-8. The body and the back were cast and rigid. The camera also has a nice flip-up foot, like in Contax cameras. The 39 mm Leica thread mount was preserved, so Zorki-3, as any Zorki rangefinder, is fully compatible with the LTM lenses. The slow speed mechanism was obviously “borrowed” from Leitz (Leica IIIf), the actual delay mechanism was located at the bottom of the camera and coupled with the shutter controls with a long rod. The shutter had two dials – on the top of the camera for the fast speeds, and secon
Tony Muccitelli –
Fast delivery! A very smooth clean operating camera!
Marlon Beltran –
This is another great-handling Russian Leica that is very similar in feel to the Fed 1g. It’s a little larger than the Fed 1g, but not much more. Of all the F.S.U. cameras, the Zorki 3M has the smoothest and quietest shutter I’ve ever used; reminding me of an M2 I once owned. The Zorki 3M has a 1 second shutter speed on the low end, and 1/1000th of a second on the high end. It also has a viewfinder diopter adjustment and what appears to be a 1:1 viewfinder. I also like that fact that one doesn’t need to cut a long leader to load the film, as the back detaches from the body. This is the best that Zorki ever made, in my opinion. I only wish Yuri had a new-in-box to sell.
Gilbert Steindorff –
My 1955 Zorki-3M arrived in mint condition; it appears to have spent the last 54 years wrapped in cotton wool and tucked away in a drawer. The shutter speeds are dead-on (as metered against my Nikon D200), the finder is as clean and bright as one could reasonably expect, and the included Jupiter-8 (also a 1955 model) is perfectly clean with a silky-smooth focus and aperture ring. The 3M is a pleasure to use, and the J-8 renders images that are tack-sharp in the center yet retain an etherial, dream-like quality around the perimeter of highlights, even when stopped down to f5.6.
I am still surprised by the fit and finish of the camera. These machines are not “Russian Leicas;” they are their own creatures, and possess their own unique soul. Yuri provided a rock-solid specimen, and I would not hesitate to order from him again.
Eugene Szolis –
This is a fantastic model. I have a FED 1, 2, 3B, Zorki 1, 2C, I have had FED 3A, 5C and this one is made to a higher standard than any of them. Even the knobs are turned better. The VF is super bright and clear, the shutter actuation is smooth. It is simply beautiful! Much more than a collector piece it’s a brilliant user.
Donald Walters –
Yuri had to search to find a 3M for me. It took a while but he found one, had it CLA’d, and then sent to me. It’s a fantastic camera with a fantastic lens. I love that big bright viewfinder.
Yi Wen –
This camera is very enjoyable to use. Its large viewfinder stands out. Advance knob can be turned with one finger. Quite a pleasure.
William (verified owner) –
Yuri chose a beautiful Zorki-3M sample to send me. It’s a stunningly designed/styled camera. It just looks and feels really nice. The combined viewfinder/rangefinder is bright, making it easy to focus and compose. The diopter on the viewfinder works perfectly, allowing the viewfinder to be adjusted to suit your own vision. I received a 1955 model, which nicely matched the 1955 Jupiter 8 I had in my collection. This was my third purchase from Yuri, so I’m obviously a happy customer.