The Not So Common Zorki-2

Fewer than 10,000 Zorki 2's were made, so while they can't be considered rare, they certainly are certifiably less than common. In effect, the Zorki 2 is a moderately upgraded version of the original Zorki, possessing the same body size and style and configuration as its predecessor, but modified with the addition of a few features that earlier camera didn't have. Functionally, a self-timer was added, and due to the internal differences (i.e., the placement of the s/t mechanism on the side of the shutter crate inside) this required a re-design and re-placement of the rewind release on top. The result eliminated the classic "Leica" rewind lever arm and evolved into a combined shutter button /rewind release collar that maintained its familiar and ergonomic placement . Neck strap lugs were added as well, and, apart from the concommittant Zorki 2 logo on top, there you have it. Effectively, all else remained the same as the Zorki 1.

Personally, if I'd been on the design team, I'd have pushed for keeping the original --and rather more stylish-- Zorki logo on top, but I wasn't there so what we're left with is a less aesthetic (Cyrillic) Zorki script. Oh well. Whatever, its not altogether unattractive, and I suspect the designers simply decided that, appearance-wise, a different script was warranted so to highlight the 'new and improved' camera's status, and besides, they'd been using those older scripts since the first Zorki appeared some eight years previous.

Note the shutter speed dial; its now a two piece affair. Otherwise, the shutter speed progression (B, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500) --and the shutter mechanism itself-- is exactly the same as had been used on the latter versions of the Zorki 1.

above: Zorki 1
one piece shutter speed selector dial and separate shutter
release collar/rewind release layout

above: Zorki 2
shutter speed selector dial assembly and combined shutter
release collar/rewind release layout

The closest analogue to the Zorki 2 is, of course, the Zorki 1. For comparison purposes, pictured here is a typical Zorki 1 --in this particular instance, a 'b' version-- and while the Z1 and the Z2 are obviously very similar in appearance, size, overall configuration and the like, as mentioned above, the similarity ends there. Externally, the Z1 possesses neither the neck strap lugs nor the self-timer arm (and inner assembly) that had been incorporated into the 'new and improved' Z2, and as well retains the classic film rewind release arm as had been copied from the original Leica design.

The Zorki 2 was soon replaced by the Zorki 2c, and many today --myself very much included-- consider the reconfigured --and somewhat bloated looking-- r/f cover to be aesthetically quite displeasing. The '2c' (like its predecessor, the Zorki C) was given this "cheesebox on a raft" configuration as a result of the addition of a user-selectible flash synch delay, which basicly allowed different types of (now antique) flash bulbs to be used. Elecronic strobe type flash systems could also be used. Regardless, the increased height required by delay assembly inside required reconfiguration and resulting uglification of the otherwise svelt Zorki body. Functional, yes, but aesthetically bogus.

Its not uncommon for the tinkerers and hybrideros of today to modify --and thus in a sense 'upgrade' --their Zorki 1 such that it takes on a decidedly Zorki 2-esque appearance. This is simply accomplished, of course, by swapping body shells between a lithe and lucious Zorki 1 and a butt-ugly and essentially throw-away-able Zorki 2c --its simple because the two bodies are completly interchangeable. The net result is nothing more (and nothing less) than a Zorki 1 with neck strap lugs, an often wished-for set of appendages that never graced the body of a Zorki 1 when it left the KMZ factory. The example shown here retains the Z2c's self-timer arm (its held in place and is secured inside with a lock nut and Crazy Glue), which is, of course, completely non-functional. I have another such hybrid I made out of a 2c body whose vulcanite was removed and --you guessed it-- was re-skinned with leather. The s/t hole beneath was filled first, so no evidence (no 'hollow spot' or 'discernible-to-the-touch' depression) of that remains. Does that seem like a lot of work? Naaah.... and besides, 2c's are so..... so............ noxious looking!