The Camera Site

Zorki 11

Zorki-11 was made by KMZ from 1964 to 1978. Zorki 10 which is a more featured version has also a rangefinder. Both cameras have similar modern design which in fact is a copy of a Japanese Ricoh Auto 35.

Zorki 11 is an all-metal costruction with minor plastic parts. It was sold with a genuine leather case which was not very common considering the priceof the camera.A selenium exposure meter is around the lens. Filters with a 52x0.75mm thread cover the cell as well as the lens, so that exposure correction is automatic.

This is how Zorki 10 is presented in the camera manual :

"The wide-known family of "Zorki" cameras has been refilled with a new model -- "Zorki-10" camera. Unlike its earlier models, the "Zorki-10" camera is a fully automatic camera with automatic exposure settings. This considerably simplifies the shooting process. Between the lens diaphragm shutter with adder-mechanism automatically sets diaphragm and exposure time depending on the set film sensitivity and brightness of the object to be photographed. Before proceeding to take pictures, thoroughly study the operation of the camera and its handling instructions presented in Manual.
Remember, that the automatic setting lever should always be set against the index "A", except cases when photographing with exposure time "B". Set the self-timer lever only after the shutter is cocked. Always press the shutter release key until it goes."

Opinions about the Russian cameras varies a lot. Worst verdicts are often given by person who has never been even near the Ruskie or he could be a person who has purchased a Russian camera expecting that it is a Leica or a professional Nikon. The truth was that soviet cameras were generally quite unreliable, heavy (which in every aspect is not a disadvantage) and old fashioned but with them you also got astonishingly good pictures. Let´s say that the price/quality relation was OK.

Some specifications

• Film format: 135 (35mm)
• Picture size: 24mm x 36mm
• Lens: Industar-63 , 2,8/45mm
• Filter size: M52x0.75
• Shutter: Focal plane
• Shutter speeds: Programmed Automatic (No manual settings)
• Viewfinder: Parallax marks and Symbols for focusing distance
• Exposure meter Selenium cell around the lens
• Size: WxHxD 122x73x75mm
• Weight: c.650g
• PC X and M sync, accessory shoe
• Self-timer

Werra I C , (1954)

Werra I is on this page with the Zorki only because both cameras have quite an extraordinary and stylish design. Werra I is the first in a series of 35mm cameras manufactured by the lens maker Carl Zeiss Jena.

When you first see it, it looks like to have no controls at all. Looking at the camera top, there's only the shutter release button. All other features have been moved to less-visible parts of the camera.The early Werras had Novonar 50mm f/3.5 triplet lenses and an uncoated aluminium barrel around the lens. This particular camera is a version C with the Tessar lens, like actually also most of the subsequent successors. Later they were marked only T because Tessar was a trademark of Carl Zeiss Wetzlar in West Germany,

The unique feature of the Werra is the leatherette covered ring around the lens barrel. Twisting this ring cocked the shutter and advanced the film in one smooth motion.The lens cap can also be used as a lens shade. Werra I has a Vebur B - 1/250 sec. shutter. Later models was equipped with faster Sychro Compur and Prestor shutters. Latest models also had interchangeable lenses. Production of Werra cameras ceased in 1966. Excellent Werra page Les Werra (French)