Out to get one Russian Camera...Advice Please

[whitecat]

I want to join the club on the Russian side and want to ask, if I were to get just one, which would it be?
Thanks

 

[santino]

depends on many factors. I'd get a Zorki 4 (all speeds, large finder, isn't the ugliest around).

 

[newspaperguy]

Fed 2 would be good... Kiev 2 would be better. 🙂

 

[varjag]

If you get into LTM Soviet cameras, then I concur FED-2 is perhaps the best first choice.

 

[Spyderman]

Fed-2. Best first FSU RF. Great simple and rugged user.

 

[wolves3012]

I recommend you visit the sticky at the top of this sub-forum. Decide what features you'd like and need and pick accordingly. I'd go with the other opinions on the FED 2 but also suggest a Zorki 6 - has all a FED 2 has, with a lever-wind and hinged back thrown in.

 

[rbiemer]

As a couple of others have said; FED2 as a first FSU camera.
I will say that the FED2 didn't work well for me and my eyeglasses. My particular vision and the FED2s VF weren't a good combination. I liked the camera other wise but sold the one I had and ended up with a Zorki 3m and FED5 as my main FSU cameras.
The thing I did was to make a list of what I wanted and then looked for the camera that fit those needs best.
My short list was/is:
>full speed range
>big VF
>strap lugs
The Zorki 3 and 4 meet those pretty well, I haven't used a Z4 yet but likely will. The FED5 doesn't come quite so close but has its own ungainly charm and is newest and relatively inexpensive.
The Kievs can be very good cameras as well but I ended up deciding that I liked the larger variety of the LTM lenses.
Good hinting!
Rob

 

[pevelg]

I had both the FED 5 and Zork 4.... Zorki died first and was used less. 🙁 Fed is still working fine. With the FED you don't need a flash cable, and I think its a little bit sturdier compaired to the Zorki.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Zorkii 4K as the easiest to use.

Cheers,

R.

 

[sooner]

I've had two Zorki 4k's and although I loved the little thing, its build quality and resulting mechanical problems cost me at least several days off my life in terms of frustration. I got one of the last new Bessa R's and love it. I would spend the extra money and get an R, used if necessary, and worry about taking great pictures instead of whether the damn camera will work.

 

[brachal]

I feel pretty lonely somtimes, but I love the Fed-3. Looks great, lever wind, slow speeds. The only drawback is the lack of strap lugs. It's bigger than a Fed-2, but it feels good in the hands.

Why is there so little love for the Fed-3?

 

[Roger Hicks]

I've had two Zorki 4k's and although I loved the little thing, its build quality and resulting mechanical problems cost me at least several days off my life in terms of frustration. I got one of the last new Bessa R's and love it. I would spend the extra money and get an R, used if necessary, and worry about taking great pictures instead of whether the damn camera will work.

I'd certainly second that. For ALL FSU cameras.

Over the years I must have had half a dozen or more 4Ks. They were a lot more reliable 25 years ago, being 25 years newer, but the last two I bought as non-runners and fixed myself in the 21st century -- which, in rational terms, ain't worth the money or the grief.

I've also had as many Kievs and a number of Zenits. I've never owned a Horizont but a friend (Mike Shushakov) lent me one. He was Photographer to the Supreme Soviet and ordered half a dozen. He kept the best, and warned me that it tended to expose unevenly...

Cheers,

R.

 

[photo4ls]

First FSU

First FSU

Fed 2, Try to buy from someone on this forum inorder to make sure
that you don't have to go through the ebay crapshoot:bang:






Leica M3
Fed 2
Nikon FM3a
Nikon FM2

 

[xayraa33]

I would go with a Fed 5.
they are the most recently made FSU RF camera, and you can still buy them practically new.
they come with a sharp lens , and other than needing an RF alignment, they work well out of the box.
They can take more abuse than any Zorki 4k that I ever owned.

 

[ruben]

hi Whitecat,

My advice is not for a specific camera, but for the logistics.

If you are going to buy from an FSU seller, first select a good model inspiring you confidence in the seller. Not the cheapest in its model, nor the most expensive.

Then make the necessary contacts, so that the seller will ship the camera to Oleg Klayavin (Okvintagecameras.com) for a full overhaul.

This will be the safest way for a brilliant start.

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[TVphotog]

Or you could skip all that Ruben suggested and decide what you want camera-wise and go straight to Oleg or Yuri at Fedka. End result will be a camera that works and that cost less than doing Ebay and a CLA.
I would second either a FED2 (though I have never had one) or a Zorki 6. I love my Z6.

 

[lkgroup]

I have had several FSU cameraa and my favorite is a Kiev IIa, one of the early ones. Very smooth and fun to use.

Leo

 

[nzeeman]

i would suggest - kiev 4a or fed2 (i also love zorki 6 and 5 but i saw many examples that rip perforations while winding - so it think fed or kiev is safer option)

 

[branki]

I started with a battered Zorki 4k. Got it from fleabay, in less than good condition (even if "as new" was stated on the add, you know). After two rolls the camera was on its way to Oleg, and so did the Jupiter12 and 8 I bought along with it.
Now they work nice and smooth. I just don't use it that much any more.

I've played around with a Fed2 and even though it looks better than the Zorki 4k, I thougth the Zorki had a nicer viewfinder. The advance film lever is nice to have, specially in winter days...

I could sell you mine, if interested.