Early birthday present: FED-5 and finder question

[Ronald_H]

Today I got a present, a near mint FED-5. Yes, I was suprised and pleased 🙂

Since I became interested in rangefinders I wanted to get my hands on an FSU cam. I have a soft spot for the early Zorkies and FEDS, the ones that look so much like the 'real' thing, the Barnack Leicas. Especially if they have been 'pimped' to look like wartime Leicas, unforgivably kitchy and bad taste, but great fun to s****** at.

Anyway, the FED-5 I have now seems fully functional (but the same goes for my Leica M2 and that camera's shutter was WAY off).

But the question: Is the finder really this bad? I have great trouble focusing, even in broad daylight. That can't be right, can it?

 

[Valkir1987]

If you have problems focussing in broad daylight, the rangefinder could be dirty. You can also rotate/turn the rear eyepiece to adjust the rangefinder to your eye sharpness.
Succes with your Fed 5, 🙂 The I-62 is a very good lens.

 

[holgaguy]

Fed 5b or c ?
holgaguy

 

[gb hill]

Try turning the rear eyepiece.

 

[Ronald_H]

I figured out the diopter correction guys 🙄

Still, the finder does not do it for me. I will see if my repair guy wants to work on it. I do not consider myself qualified to try to clean it myself, although I understand that there is info on-line that shows how.

Looking forward to the first negs though!

 

[brachal]

FED finders are known for being dim, but with a high-contrast rangefinder spot. All of my FEDs' finders are much darker than my Leica III's and my Kiev's. Having said that, I find them to be pretty easy to focus.