KMZ Zorki 2S

Zorki 2S

The KMZ Zorki 2S is a Soviet 35mm coupled-rangefinder camera produced from 1955 through 1960. It combines the self-timer and body-mounted strap lugs of the Zorki 2 with the factory flash-synchronization system and enlarged upper housing introduced on the Zorki S.[1][2]

The camera uses an M39 × 1 screw lens mount with a nominal register distance of 28.8 mm. It retains the traditional bottom-loading construction, separate rangefinder and framing eyepieces, and horizontal-travel cloth focal-plane shutter of the early Zorki family.[3]

Its original Cyrillic name is Зоркий-2С. The Cyrillic letter С is pronounced and transliterated as “S”, representing synchronization. Zorki 2S is therefore the preferred English name. The forms Zorki 2C and Zorki 2-C are common in auction listings, retailer catalogues and collector references because the Cyrillic character resembles a Latin capital C.[1][4]

Although Soviet M39 cameras use the same nominal thread and register concept as Leica screw-mount cameras, differences in rangefinder calibration, lens-cam geometry, manufacturing tolerance and repair history can cause focusing discrepancies. Individual lens and body combinations should be tested when accurate close-range focusing is important.

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History

Development and Launch

KMZ introduced the Zorki 2S in 1955 as the synchronized successor to the Zorki 2. The factory archive describes it as a modernization of the Zorki 2 in which flash synchronization was added and the camera body was redesigned.[1]

The Zorki family was then divided into three parallel levels. The basic line progressed from the Zorki 1 to the synchronized Zorki S. The self-timer line progressed from the Zorki 2 to the synchronized Zorki 2S. The more advanced line progressed through the Zorki 3, Zorki 3M and synchronized Zorki 3S.[1]

Adding the synchronization mechanism required a taller and more extended upper housing. The flash contact and adjustable ignition-delay mechanism were positioned around the shutter control, so the top structure could no longer retain the lower profile of the Zorki 2.

Production

Serial production ran from 1955 through 1960. Official KMZ records give a total of 214,903 cameras.[2]

The recorded annual production was:

• 1955: 1,452 cameras
• 1956: 28,719 cameras
• 1957: 51,700 cameras
• 1958: 72,601 cameras
• 1959: 60,403 cameras
• 1960: 28 cameras

Production was therefore concentrated between 1956 and 1959. The KMZ archive states that the model was removed from production in 1959 because it was considered to have insufficient sales demand. The 28 cameras recorded for 1960 were probably completed from remaining parts or represented residual factory production.[1][2]

Zorki 2S versus Zorki 2C

Zorki 2S and Zorki 2C are not separate camera models. The original marking Зоркий-2С contains the Cyrillic letter С, which corresponds to the Latin letter S in transliteration.

The S refers to synchronization, or синхроконтакт in Russian. Zorki 2S should be used as the primary database name, while Zorki 2C, Zorki 2-C, Zorkiy 2S and Зоркий-2С should be retained as alternative names for listing matching.

Relationship to the Zorki 2

The Zorki 2S retains the mechanical self-timer, strap lugs and revised shutter control of the Zorki 2. Both cameras use bottom loading, separate focusing and framing finders, an M39 lens mount and a cloth focal-plane shutter.[1][3]

The major difference is factory-installed flash synchronization. The Zorki 2 has no original synchronization terminal, while the Zorki 2S has a cable socket on the front of its enlarged upper housing and an adjustable ignition-delay control surrounding the shutter-speed assembly.

The additional synchronization components increased the camera’s height from approximately 70 mm for the Zorki 2 to 81 mm for the Zorki 2S.[3][5]

A camera with a self-timer but without the enlarged synchronized housing is normally a Zorki 2. A camera with a self-timer, front flash socket and adjustable synchronization control is normally a Zorki 2S.

Relationship to the Zorki S

The Zorki 2S shares its main upper-housing design, synchronization system, shutter construction and separate finder arrangement with the Zorki S.

The principal distinction is the self-timer. The Zorki S has no self-timer and normally lacks body-mounted strap lugs. The Zorki 2S has a self-timer beside the lens mount and permanent strap lugs on both sides of the body.[4]

The two cameras should remain separate database models because the self-timer and strap lugs are permanent, externally identifiable construction differences.

Shutter-Speed Variants

Early and middle-production Zorki 2S cameras use the shutter-speed sequence B, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, 1/250 and 1/500 second.[3][4]

In 1959, KMZ adopted a revised standardized sequence corresponding more closely to international shutter-speed conventions. Late cameras use B, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250 and 1/500 second.[4][6]

The late sequence is documented on cameras with 1959 serial numbers. It was also used on the very small number of cameras completed in 1960.

The shutter-speed change should be retained as exact_variant or shutter_speed_sequence metadata. It does not justify a separate public camera page.

On Cyrillic controls, the bulb position may appear as the letter В, which resembles a Latin B. The shutter release can also be locked for extended exposures by pressing and rotating it toward the long-exposure marking.

Shutter Operation

The camera uses two horizontally travelling cloth shutter curtains. Exposure duration is controlled by changing the width of the moving opening between the curtains.

The shutter-speed setting can be changed with the shutter either cocked or released. The shutter-speed disc must nevertheless be rotated through the marked sequence and should not be forced directly across the gap between B and the fastest speed.[3]

Film advance, shutter cocking and frame counting are mechanically linked. The camera is designed to prevent an ordinary second exposure on the same frame during normal operation.[3]

The Zorki 2S does not have a film-advance lever. Film is transported by rotating the large winding knob on top of the camera.

Flash Synchronization

The Zorki 2S has a factory-installed cable synchronization socket and a cold accessory shoe. The shoe has no electrical center contact, so the flash must be connected through the front terminal.[3]

The synchronization control provides an adjustable ignition lead for different types of flashbulbs. Electronic flash has effectively no ignition delay and should be used with the control set to zero. Combustion-type flashbulbs require a longer lead so that the bulb reaches useful brightness when the film gate is fully open.[3]

The original synchronization system provides adjustment from approximately 0 to 25 milliseconds. Some collector references describe scales extending slightly beyond 25 milliseconds, but the factory system is normally characterized as a 0-25 ms adjustable delay.[3][7]

With the original shutter-speed sequence, flash photography is synchronized at 1/25 second or B. On late cameras with the standardized sequence, the equivalent full-aperture speed is 1/30 second.[3][8]

The Zorki 2S can combine the self-timer with flash photography. The 1958 manual specifically confirms that the camera permits self-timer operation while a flash unit is connected.[3]

Self-Timer

The mechanical self-timer provides a delay of approximately 9 to 15 seconds and can be used with the instantaneous shutter speeds.[3]

Early examples use a long self-timer lever resembling the arrangement found on contemporary Kiev cameras. The start button is largely concealed beneath the lever when the mechanism is not wound.[4]

Later cameras use a shorter lever and more exposed release button. This revised mechanism became the most common Zorki 2S configuration.

Self-timer condition is important when reviewing listings. The lever may move even when the internal delay mechanism is incomplete, seized or disconnected.

Viewfinder and Rangefinder

The Zorki 2S has separate systems for focusing and composition. The photographer focuses through the rangefinder eyepiece and then moves to the second eyepiece to frame the photograph.[3]

The optical viewfinder provides a fixed field intended for a lens with a focal length of approximately 50 mm. It has no projected framelines, automatic frame selection or parallax-correction markings.

The inherited finder design is commonly described as having approximately 0.44× magnification. The factory manual does not give a numerical finder magnification, so this figure should be treated as an approximate specification based on the early Zorki finder system.

The 1958 factory manual specifies a rangefinder base of 33 mm.[3] Some later secondary references state 38 mm, possibly by carrying over the physical window spacing or specifications from related Zorki models. The factory manual is preferred for the model-specific rangefinder-base figure.

Lenses wider or longer than approximately 50 mm require an external accessory finder mounted in the cold shoe.

Dimensions and Weight

The factory manual gives a width of 143 mm including the permanent strap lugs and a height of 81 mm.[3]

It lists a depth of 70 mm with the standard lens in its working position. This is not a body-only depth and varies according to the installed lens.

The body itself is approximately 34 mm deep when the mounted lens is excluded. This value should be treated as an approximate practical body measurement rather than an official factory dimension.

A measured Zorki 2S body without a lens weighs 462 g.[8] This is the preferred database value because published figures around 550 to 580 g generally include a standard lens or do not clearly identify the measured configuration.

The complete camera can be substantially heavier when fitted with a Jupiter-8, Jupiter-3 or rigid Industar lens. A case, film cassette and accessories can raise the total set weight further.

Lens Kits

The 1958 manual lists five standard lens options:

• Industar-22 50 mm f/3.5
• Industar-50 50 mm f/3.5
• Industar-26M 50 mm f/2.8
• Jupiter-8 50 mm f/2
• Jupiter-17 50 mm f/2

The Industar-22 and Industar-50 were available in collapsible configurations. Rigid Industar-50 lenses became increasingly common on later cameras.[3][4]

The supplied lens does not change the identity of the camera body. Included lenses should be stored as listing metadata because lens type and condition can have a greater effect on price than the body variant.

Serial Number Information

Zorki 2S serial numbers are normally year coded. The first two digits indicate the production year, giving regular prefixes of 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 and 60.[2][4]

The earliest documented regular-production example in a detailed collector classification has serial number 5502032. Another early export example is documented as 5505413.[4]

Known examples include:

• 5502425, early engraving and long self-timer lever
• 5505413, early export-marked version
• 56012889, taller shutter control
• 56077816, transitional engraving and control finish
• 56104175, rare light-colored covering
• 57015571, common later self-timer construction
• 57155740, Festival-marked version
• 58036201, later engraving style
• 59962974, standardized shutter-speed sequence
• 59987211, corrected model-name engraving

The yearly serial sequence was not reserved exclusively for the Zorki 2S. A continuous minimum-to-maximum model-only serial range should therefore not be invented.

A 60 prefix is historically possible because KMZ records list 28 cameras in 1960, although surviving examples from this final group are extremely uncommon.

Combined Production Variants

Early production cameras have a short shutter-speed control, engraved serial number placement, a long Kiev-style self-timer lever and early model-name engraving.[4]

During 1956, KMZ introduced a taller shutter-speed control, revised knob finishes and a second engraving style. Transitional cameras can combine the early self-timer with later lettering or control finishes.

Later cameras normally use the shortened self-timer lever and black vulcanite covering. Alternative coverings documented by collector sources include light grey, white and green leatherette.[4][7]

Export cameras may carry “MADE IN USSR” or “СДЕЛАНО В СССР” markings on the rear of the upper housing.

At least four principal model-name engraving arrangements are documented. One uncommon late version appears to have been prepared initially as a Zorki S plate and then corrected by adding the numeral 2.[4]

These differences should remain combined under one Zorki 2S page. Appropriate listing metadata includes exact_variant, production_period, engraving, serial_style, self_timer_type, knob_finish, export_version and finish.

Commemorative Editions

A documented commemorative Zorki 2S was produced in connection with the 1957 World Festival of Youth and Students in Moscow. These cameras carry a Festival marking on the rear of the upper housing.[4][9]

KMZ archive material confirms that commemorative emblems were applied to several synchronized camera models, including the Zorki 2S. The number produced is not known.[9]

Festival markings should be treated as commemorative_edition metadata rather than as a separate main camera model. Because later-added and counterfeit engravings exist, identification should consider serial year, engraving quality and the surrounding production features.

Identification

A Zorki 2S has a tall chrome upper housing, three front optical windows, separate rear focusing and framing eyepieces, a mechanical self-timer, permanent strap lugs and a front flash terminal.

The adjustable synchronization control is positioned around the shutter-speed assembly. The accessory shoe is not electrically connected.

The top housing is marked Зоркий-2С. A seller may describe the same inscription as Zorki 2C because the final Cyrillic character resembles a Latin C.

A Zorki S lacks the self-timer and normally lacks body-mounted strap lugs. A Zorki 2 has the self-timer and strap lugs but lacks the tall synchronized housing and factory flash terminal.

Collector Notes

The Zorki 2S is less rare than the Zorki 2 but less common than the basic Zorki S. Its official production total of 214,903 units makes ordinary black-covered examples readily obtainable, while early, export, commemorative and unusual covering variants are substantially scarcer.[2][4]

Many surviving bodies have replacement shutter curtains, transplanted controls, non-original coverings or incomplete self-timer mechanisms. Flash synchronization should be tested separately from the shutter because the mechanical shutter may operate while the electrical contact remains defective.

Re-engraved examples are sometimes sold as Leica cameras or unusual military variants. The tall synchronized housing, front flash socket, self-timer geometry and Soviet control layout normally reveal the underlying Zorki 2S construction.

For price tracking, recommended metadata includes exact_variant, production_period, shutter_speed_sequence, engraving, commemorative_edition, export_version, finish, included_lens, self_timer_condition, flash_sync_condition, rangefinder_condition, shutter_condition, accessories, case_included and body_only_or_kit.

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Sources

• [1] ZENITcamera Archive. The Zorki Camera Line. https://www.zenitcamera.com/archive/zorki/index.html
• [2] ZENITcamera. KMZ Camera Production Data. https://www.zenitcamera.com/catalog/cameraproduction.html
• [3] KMZ. Zorki-2S Description and Operating Instructions, 1958. https://www.zenitcamera.com/mans/zorki-2s/zorki-2s.html
• [4] SovietCams Archive, hosted by Mike Eckman. Zorki-2C Classification. https://www.mikeeckman.com/sovietcams/index2140.html
• [5] Camera-wiki. Zorki 2. https://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Zorki_2
• [6] USSRPhoto. Zorki 2C (2S). https://ussrphoto.com/modern/Wiki/default.asp?ContentID=231&Item=Zorki+2C+%282S%29&ParentID=1&WikiCatID=70
• [7] Jean Loup Princelle. The Authentic Guide to Russian and Soviet Cameras. https://fliphtml5.com/nbhs/wemr/The_authentic_guide_to_Russian_and_Soviet_cameras/
• [8] Fototekhnika SSSR. Zorki-2S Camera Review and Instructions. https://fotoussr.ru/cameras/zorki-2s/
• [9] ZENITcamera Archive. Commemorative Cameras of KMZ. https://www.zenitcamera.com/archive/commemorative/index.html