FSU cameras in and of themselves.

[Rhodes]

I do miss my zorky 4k and my industar 26...

 

[rbiemer]

I have owned and used several FSU cameras and lots of lenses.
And been more pleased than not.
Agat 18 to Kiev 60 and lots of 35mm cameras in between: Feds 2, 3, 4, and 5. Zorkis 1, 3, 4, and 10. Kievs 2,3, 4, and 4a. And a few others as well.
Mine have been always interesting, mostly usable, sometimes frustrating, and occasionally brilliant. Much like the other cameras I've owned.
And I still have a few more that I am wanting to try.
Yes, I started with the FSU gear because it was easier on my wallet but have since found that the gear has, for me, an appeal quite apart from that.
Rob

 

[shadowfox]

I like the results I got from FSU lenses, I think they could stand up to their German counterparts of the same vintage. Too bad I can't get a 35mm f/2 version of the J8.

As for the cameras, they don't cost much and they are cool-looking and quirky. And I enjoy using them once in a while.

 

[tkrap]

Zorki 4 and Fed 3

Zorki 4 and Fed 3

I love the Zorki 4. I Like the viewfinder and the fact that what you get on the exposed frame is 99% what you see in the viewfinder, same magnification, same framing.You can shoot with both eyes opened. The shutter is not so quiet for a rangefinder, its more like shooting with a pistol not a photocamera.Maybe a bigger viewfinder whould be better but compared to Fed's viewfinder its a dream.

Zorki 4 + industar 61

 

[reagan]

Ok, so I'm lookin' at the raindrops on tkrap's photo there. Can somebody remind me why I've never bothered buying an I.61?

 

[Scrambler]

So individual. I have mostly FSU lenses,and in particular love the effect of the J8. I like my J12 in B&W but it looks flat to me in colour - probably just me. But the only body I've used is a Fed-2, where the idea I find exciting: basic capable and largely indestructible camera with a collection of user advantages over a similar age Leica ... but I do prefer my IIIc. Even with the same external viewfinder and the J12. And even with improved viewfinders in the later cameras I can't get excited enough to buy them. I know I'll use my Bessa R in preference, or the Leica. Just don't ask me to give up the FSU lenses. After all, light leaks aside 😛, the lens determines the "look" of the picture, not the camera.

 

[bobby_novatron]

tkrap -- that's a great shot. Really nice photo.

Again, proof that it's less the gear and more the human behind the lens.

Here's more kindling to add to the flame of glorious Soviet photographic technology!



FED 5B, Industar 61 LD, Kodak 400UC

FED 5B, Industar 61 LD, Kodak 400UC

Fed Micron 2, Industar-81 38mm F2.8, Kodak Tri-X at 400 ISO

 

[StillKicking]

I have owned several Zorki's and a couple of Kiev's too. All were fun to use.. but most of all I love the Jupiter and Industar lenses they came with.

 

[pakeha]

tkrap -- that's a great shot. Really nice photo.

Again, proof that it's less the gear and more the human behind the lens.

Here's more kindling to add to the flame of glorious Soviet photographic technology!



FED 5B, Industar 61 LD, Kodak 400UC

FED 5B, Industar 61 LD, Kodak 400UC

Fed Micron 2, Industar-81 38mm F2.8, Kodak Tri-X 400

for obvious reasons i like number i best😀
regards
CW

 

[Brian Legge]

Lenses, absolutely.

The bodies are harder. I used a Kiev 4 briefly before the shutter gave out. Its still in my 'to repair' block of cameras though it always felt bulky. The lenses on it though... damn. It showed me what a J12 was suppose to do.

I picked up a CLA'd FED 2 but it had light leaks. Aside from them, brilliant camera. I may have fixed it but haven't had a chance to take it out since.

Similar station with a Zorki 1 but the lens registration was way off. I reshimmied it but haven't taken time to test it since then.

If the body was in good shape though... it would absolutely be competitive with my Leica LTM body. Particularly the FED 2 which is amazingly smooth.