what is this cam ?

[bahibo]

Hi, i got this cam, but not able to identified it ,it look really like a zorki 5 to me, but why the word L ? Is it modifieded to become Leica ? anyone know ? Thanks , just curious.

 

[juggler]

Found some posting at RFF which could be be referring to the same thing as your Zorki.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=47125

Interesting. Does the cam still work? You bought it locally?

 

[bahibo]

its design mostly same with Zorki 5 which is quite rare (not sure),the sensor also zorki type but the word L make me confuse
I bought it locally as a small deal together with jupiter 8 and 12,i was buying 2 lens,then he introduce this cheap manual body,suggest i can use as back up,the condition quite good, shutter speed seem to be accury,the viewfinder bright and ok ,so i bought it.

 

[Bobinde]

Bahibo, this is definitely a Zorki 5, version 2. However, someone did some half-assed "customizing" on it: the film advance (WHY?), removed all the covering and other identifying markings and then engraved a Leica style "L" on the front of the top plate, maybe to disguise its origins or something. God knows why the finder window is red, maybe to "improve" contrast?

IF it works OK, it would be a great user for longer (85 - 135) lenses due to the long rangefinder base.

Hope you didn't pay much for it . . .

Bob Abel

 

[bahibo]

i was buying jupiter lens and come across it as a small deal,buy cheap. This must be the work of some Russian to sell to not so good Leica collector i think. The covering i heard that it spoil or something. I read on some website that the viewfinder like that make it easier to focus. Not so sure. Thanks for the info.