1948-1956 / Zorki 1A / Vintage Camera

The Zorki 1a is a 35mm rangefinder camera produced by the KMZ factory in the Soviet Union between 1948 and 1956, known as a direct descendant of the Fed-Zorki line. It features an M39 screw mount for interchangeable lenses, a horizontal-travel cloth focal plane shutter with speeds ranging from 1/20 to 1/500 sec plus a “Z” (time) setting, and separate rangefinder and viewfinder windows. The body is metal weighing around 520 grams, with a simple but reliable mechanical build mimicking early Leica II designs. The Zorki 1a has a manual film advance and rewind system with the film loading from the bottom, and no built-in light meter or flash sync. It is valued for its functional simplicity, durability, and sharp optics, making it popular among collectors and vintage camera users.