Zorki-4 vs FED-2

Zorki-4 vs. FED-2. Which camera is better? Which one is better to buy nowadays? What to pay attention to? In this article, we will tell you all about it!

Many of our readers have repeatedly asked us which of these two cameras is better, and therefore we decided to create this article about the confrontation between Zorki-4 vs FED-2, in which we will describe in detail all the pros and cons of both cameras.

General Information

Zorki-4 was produced at the KMZ plant from 1956 to 1973. The camera has a shutter with cloth curtains and shutter speeds from 1 to 1/1000 seconds, a removable back cover, a large and clean viewfinder window. Zorki-4 was equipped with a Jupiter-8 f2.0/50 or Industar-50 3.5/50 lens.

FED-2 is a rangefinder camera produced at the FED plant from 1955 to 1970. The camera was equipped with a similar shutter with shutter speeds from 1/25 to 1/500 seconds, a removable back cover and a not very large and clear viewfinder. FED-2 was equipped with an Industar-26M 2.8/50 or Industar-61L/D 2.8/50 lens.

Shutter

Both cameras have similar shutters inherited from first Leics cameras. But nevertheless, in this parameter, the Zorki-4 camera is a confident leader, since this camera has a shutter with shitter speeds from 1 to 1/1000 sec, unlike the FED-2 camera, where the shutter works out shutter speeds from 1/25 to 1 /500 sec.

Lens

The Zorki-4 camera was equipped with Industar-50 or Jupiter-8 lenses, while the FED-2 was equipped with Industar-26 or Industar-61 lenses.

Despite the fact that Industar lenses are clones of German Zeiss Tessar and give good image quality, Jupiter lenses, which are clones of Zeiss Sonnar, in our opinion are better lenses and give an even more interesting image.

Viewfinder and Rangefinder

In this part of the confrontation between Zorki-4 vs FED-2, the rangefinder camera from KMZ also wins, since the rangefinder in Zorki-4 is noticeably better than in FED-2. The viewfinder of the Zorki-4 camera is one of the best of all that was produced in the Soviet Union.

Assembly Quality

Both cameras are built quite well, and it is difficult to say which of these two cameras is better. Both of these cameras are fairly easy to find in good condition these days, but our team strongly advises you to pay close attention to the condition of the shutter curtains and lens, as well as shutter performance.

After buying a camera, you should send it to the CLA so that the master removes old grease, adjusts the shutter and calibrate the accuracy of the lens and rangefinder.

Zorki-4 vs FED-2

The FED-2 camera is a very good camera that can give a modern film photographer almost everything that is needed for comfortable and enjoyable photography. But if we compare Zorki-4 vs FED-2, then Zorki-4 is a much more advantageous option.

Zorki-4 has a much better shutter with a wider range of shutter speeds, a more convenient viewfinder with a convenient rangefinder and a brighter lens that produces an excellent image with acceptable sharpness and beautiful bokeh.