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MaterialWharf3 11/13/2025 23:58Collectors and Users Open Forum938 views

Zorki-3 slow speed knob removal

Hey everybody, I'm currently repairing a couple of zorki-3's but I've run into a bit of an issue. I want to repaint the knobs and one of them has a poor spring inside, but I can't seem to remove the dial from the rest of the body. I've taken out the set screws that seem to be holding the dial onto the inner shaft, but from there I can't remove anything. Perhaps I'm going at it wrong or missing a step? For reference, I'm turning 3 partially working bodies into 2 fully working bodies, and they're all 1954 models with the standard slow speed knob (no lock)

Valkir198711/18/2025 14:31

I don't want to demotivate you too much. But Zorki 3 cameras are very similar to the Leica III when it comes to the slow speeds. Repairing these cameras, especially the slow speeds require a lot of skill. It's not a matter of making 2 out of 3, but being able to repair each camera individualy. Parts are made to fit each model and are often not fully exchangeable. If you don't have the basic fine mechanical (machining) skills yet to remove the slow speed dial, leave the rest of the camera to a specialist. Or start with a less valuable Zorki 4 or Zenit E instead to learn the basics.

MaterialWharf311/18/2025 14:39

I did end up figuring out the issue with the knobs - turns out something that was friction fitted nearly 70 years ago requires a bit more force than I would've otherwise thought. I know this is a pretty big project (the most complex I've done to date) but rest assured, I'm making sure that I'm keeping the respective critical mechanisms (e.g. curtain drums, slow speed cams, slow speed gearboxes) together and I'm mainly swapping parts like covers, the RF systems, external body covers and etc.

uwittehh11/18/2025 16:18

Hello Connor,

Yes, the button for slow speeds can be very tight, I know that. I also removed the tiny grub screws first, but the button wouldn't come off (it can actually just be pulled off). It only worked with pliers and a lot of force.
Here I have completely disassembled a Zorki 3, maybe that will help a little:

https://ussrphoto.com/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3579

Ulrich

http://fotos.cconin.de