LHSA inspired Zorki 6 repainted grey hammertone and covered with Aki-Asahi leather kit
Zorki 5 [a &b]
Lever rewind on both Zorki 5 & 6
In 1958 KMZ finally introduced lever wind on the Zorki 5 rangefinder. The long 69mm baselength combined VF/RF was derived from the Fed 2 however it is much brighter and contrasty. Shutter speeds available were B, 1/30 [1/25 on the 5a and early 5b] - 1/500 with flash and bulb synchronizer.
Zorki 5a
I finally I found an early Zorki 5a at a price I was willing to take a gamble. It was advertised as in good working condition however when I received it the shutter was stuck. Upon taking off the top the spring that holds the lever catch in place which controls the second curtain was off. I also found cracks in the 1st curtain, so I went the whole nine yards and replaced both curtains, did a full CLA and RF calibration. Many collectors have criticize this model for gear gnashing lever wind but after a CLA mine works smoothly. I really like this compact bottom loader which reminds me of a lever wind Leica II and just a tad taller due to the combined VF/RF.
Zorki 5b
This is a Zorki 5b with vulcanite cover instead of the more common nylon. Mechanically it is very similar to the 5a but unlike its predecessor the RF window is round and the top plate does not need to come off for vertical adjustment. All that is needed is to remove the bezel and rotate the optical wedge. For this technical achievement aesthetics was compromised. The Z5a is much more elegant looking camera with the engraved red paint filled logo. According to Princelle's book less than 11,000 of this model was produced which I think is a misprint since I see out of 20 listings for a Z5b at eBay, I only see one or two Z5as.
Warning: according to Maizenberg firing the shutter on a Zorki 5 without a lens can damage the camera! Scroll down this link to see why.
The bottom loader makes me wish it had a vertical swing back leic a Leica M.
Actually it is not too difficult to load a bottom loader, it just takes more time. Jay Javier will tell you how to do it.
Zorki 6
Zorki 6 with the nylon cover replaced with leahterette from aki-asahi at eBay
The addition of a self-timer almost completed the lei ca Leica M3 look but the aesthetics of the Zorki 6 was compromised by the latch design in exchange for the convenience of a swinging hinged back. If I'm hard press to choose on aesthetic values alone, I'd take the Zorki 5 any time for its clean lines and compactness. But as a practical shooter the Zorki 6 wins because of the modern conveniences offered. You should see what Comrade Stoisha did to his Street Shooter 6 and Pushkin 6.
Zorki 6 hinged back
Reference: The Authentic Guide to Russian and Soviet Cameras 2nd edition by Jean Loup Princelle available from Fedka.com