Who's Using FSU Cameras
- Thread starter 60 Ford
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Well, I have a FED-2 and FED-3 but am selling the FED-3 on the SG ebay (item #270514059953).
The issue about FSU cameras is that it is a bit of "tee-kum", ie. lottery as to the quality of cameras. I discarded two earlier ones (FED-2 / FED-5) in November because the vertical and horizontal alignments was off, making it difficult to get sharp pictures, I tried to DIY on the alignments but gave up. This time round, I went back to the same seller and complained about the quality, which he promptly checked on two new ones and sent over. Of course, I got a small discount but I still had to buy the two new FEDs but didn't lament too much over the loss of the first two since technically the seller was correct about the description.
My current FED-2 and FED-3 are aligned properly, I did the Long distance infinity tests and the indoor (1m, 1.5, 2m tests) with a tripod and shutter-release cable. . You can view my sample picture from my FED-3 here: http://retro.ms11.net/scan0003.jpg
You can read up on the alignment here: http://jay.fedka.com/index_files/Page422.htm
Maybe we should post a list of "verified" FSU sellers to minimize the risk of rip-off ?
Besides buying bodies, I am also waiting for the delivery of Jupiter-8, regarded as one of the better 50mm lens. I also like the Industar-61 and Industar-50 very much though the I-50 scratches the leatherette of the FEDs when put to infinity setting, but it doesn't affect the Leica LTMs because the metal ring is thicker.
cheers!
raytoei
The issue about FSU cameras is that it is a bit of "tee-kum", ie. lottery as to the quality of cameras. I discarded two earlier ones (FED-2 / FED-5) in November because the vertical and horizontal alignments was off, making it difficult to get sharp pictures, I tried to DIY on the alignments but gave up. This time round, I went back to the same seller and complained about the quality, which he promptly checked on two new ones and sent over. Of course, I got a small discount but I still had to buy the two new FEDs but didn't lament too much over the loss of the first two since technically the seller was correct about the description.
My current FED-2 and FED-3 are aligned properly, I did the Long distance infinity tests and the indoor (1m, 1.5, 2m tests) with a tripod and shutter-release cable. . You can view my sample picture from my FED-3 here: http://retro.ms11.net/scan0003.jpg
You can read up on the alignment here: http://jay.fedka.com/index_files/Page422.htm
Maybe we should post a list of "verified" FSU sellers to minimize the risk of rip-off ?
Besides buying bodies, I am also waiting for the delivery of Jupiter-8, regarded as one of the better 50mm lens. I also like the Industar-61 and Industar-50 very much though the I-50 scratches the leatherette of the FEDs when put to infinity setting, but it doesn't affect the Leica LTMs because the metal ring is thicker.
cheers!
raytoei
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Iver Aldas
New Member
I have a fed 2 with industar 61 l/d - industar 26m but right now its on canon 35/1.8..For me this is the best camera i have ever had. this is the camera that we cant under estimate. it will provide you the performance that your not expecting for a cheap price. Enjoy!
Edit: the builder of this site http://jay.fedka.com/index_files/Page422.htmis a friend of mine and is known to be a fed and a zorki guy.
Iver
Edit: the builder of this site http://jay.fedka.com/index_files/Page422.htmis a friend of mine and is known to be a fed and a zorki guy.
Iver
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I bought a zorki 4 recently and it is my first rangefinder.
I did not know about the rule that you are not suppose to change the shutter without winding the film.
So I kept on trying to change the shutter without winding, and felt the elastic tension pulling back the shutter. After I wind the film, I tried to change the shutter but i can only turn from 1 to 4.
Is my zorki 4 still okay?
I did not know about the rule that you are not suppose to change the shutter without winding the film.
So I kept on trying to change the shutter without winding, and felt the elastic tension pulling back the shutter. After I wind the film, I tried to change the shutter but i can only turn from 1 to 4.
Is my zorki 4 still okay?
Iver Aldas
New Member
that should be still ok. all you need to do is to exercise the cam by doing some few clicks. the tensioning should be better after that. but make sure that one's its back on track again you need to make sure that you forward the advance lever first before changing speeds.
Cheers
Cheers
Bumping up to page one.
I've been looking to replace my kiev-4 leatherette for a while now and with aki asahi down, wonder if anyone here got lobang for it. Also, did anyone ever bother to polish the chrome on these FSU cameras? I'm thinking of doing it myself since it didn't cost alot to start with.
I've been looking to replace my kiev-4 leatherette for a while now and with aki asahi down, wonder if anyone here got lobang for it. Also, did anyone ever bother to polish the chrome on these FSU cameras? I'm thinking of doing it myself since it didn't cost alot to start with.
Hi. Does anybody know where to get FSU cameras, other than Ebay (kinda worried about buying online)? Would appreciate if anyone can recommend any good shops here in Singapore...
I'm looking for a Zenit E, and I have a friend who's looking to get a Zorki or FED rangefinder. Is anybody here using Zenit?
I'm looking for a Zenit E, and I have a friend who's looking to get a Zorki or FED rangefinder. Is anybody here using Zenit?
Coz russian cameras goes easy on my pocket lah
Soviet stuffs, brute design, inelegant but functional.
Ebay is fine if you don't mind some deficiencies the sellers didn't disclose when they described in their description page and even when you ask them. Getting them to CLA or repair outweight the initial purchase costs. But sometimes you can really get a good deal, but most of the time, well...
I tried Zenit but soon realise I prefer its rangefinder brethens. For each with his/her cup of tea.
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axis90x
Senior Member
Coz russian cameras goes easy on my pocket lah
Soviet stuffs, brute design, inelegant but functional.
damn true!
russian cameras really wont make my wallet a hole, but i kana poison by leica :cry:
Coz russian cameras goes easy on my pocket lah
Soviet stuffs, brute design, inelegant but functional.
Ebay is fine if you don't mind some deficiencies the sellers didn't disclose when they described in their description page and even when you ask them. Getting them to CLA or repair outweight the initial purchase costs. But sometimes you can really get a good deal, but most of the time, well...
I tried Zenit but soon realise I prefer its rangefinder brethens. For each with his/her cup of tea.
Thanks. Think I'll try my luck with Ebay. Cross my fingers!
Do you mind telling why you prefer rangefinders to SLRs? Just curious to know... I've never tried a rangefinder before you see, so pondering whether I should get one in the future.
The benefits of rangefinders IMO:
1) Ergonomically it fit my hands better than SLR form factor.
2) Better in the design department (but very subjective to individual)
3) Sleekier design form factor (SLR is more bulky).
4) Faster manual focusing than SLR (again, very subjective)
5) As a standard, most good old rangefinders uses LTM lenses, a great way to experience what it is like photographically in the good old days (there are "adapters" for LTM to SLR, but personally I find it a bit goofy looking; again, very subjective)
6) Good old rangefinders got parallax errors - its a feature. It helps you to be a better photographer.
1) Ergonomically it fit my hands better than SLR form factor.
2) Better in the design department (but very subjective to individual)
3) Sleekier design form factor (SLR is more bulky).
4) Faster manual focusing than SLR (again, very subjective)
5) As a standard, most good old rangefinders uses LTM lenses, a great way to experience what it is like photographically in the good old days (there are "adapters" for LTM to SLR, but personally I find it a bit goofy looking; again, very subjective)
6) Good old rangefinders got parallax errors - its a feature. It helps you to be a better photographer.
Interesting... thanks. I must agree that old rangefinders are really nicely designed and compact.
michael chick
New Member
Hi, I hope I'm on the right thread...
Anyone here wants to sell a collapsible Industar?
I want to try it out on my GF1...
Thanks so much.
Anyone here wants to sell a collapsible Industar?
I want to try it out on my GF1...
Thanks so much.
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