Soviet Camera Appraisal

Vintage Zorki 4 Rangefinder Camera with Industar-50 Lens

The item depicted is a vintage Zorki 4 rangefinder camera, housed in what appears to be its original or period-appropriate brown leather ever-ready case. The camera itself features a classic silver-colored metal body with black leatherette or a similar textured covering on the front and possibly other gripping surfaces. Key elements visible include a prominent lens, which through close inspection appears to be an Industar-50, indicated by partially visible Cyrillic script (likely 'ИНДУСТАР-50' or 'INDUSTАР-50') around its bezel. The lens barrel is made of metal, likely aluminum, and shows some signs of wear but no significant damage from this vantage point. The camera body exhibits various controls characteristic of a mechanical rangefinder, such as a shutter speed dial on the top plate, a film advance knob, and a rewind knob, though these are partially obscured by the case. The viewfinder and rangefinder windows are visible on the front face. The overall condition suggests a used but generally well-preserved item, with some visible scratches and scuffs on the silver metal finish of the camera body, consistent with its age and use. The leather case is a two-part design, with the bottom portion permanently attached to the camera via a screw mount, and the top flap secured by a single snap closure. The leather of the case is a dark brown, exhibiting significant wear, creasing, and some discoloration, particularly on the shoulder strap which appears worn and softened from age. There are no obvious signs of major repairs or severe damage such as dents or cracks, suggesting the camera has been cared for over the years. This camera belongs to the mid-20th century, likely from the 1950s or 1960s, a period known for robust Soviet-made photographic equipment inspired by earlier Leica designs. The craftsmanship is typical of the era, focusing on mechanical precision and durability.