FED 1g purchase

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Belvegas

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hello everyone!

i'm new here and have been doing a lot of reading in preparation for buying my first russian rangefinder. i don't want to ask for a recommendation since that topic has been covered quite a few times and i've enjoyed reading the helpful opinions.

basically, i've decided to look for a FED 1. i've spotted this one on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/FED-1-Russian-L...ryZ30030QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

is this a 1g? it seems like it's in good condition and decent reasonable price. am i overlooking anything? thanks!
 
Welcome to RFF, hopefully you'll enjoy it here!

Yes, that does look like a 1g. The black finish isn't original (AFAIK) so the only concern about it is how good a job has been done - is the paint durable and has any paint got to where it shouldn't? Often, the painted cameras are ones that were in poor condition so they're painted to increase saleability. The end result may look nice but the functionality is important too if you want to take pictures! Worth asking some awkward questions about the mechanical and optical condition before buying, move on if you don't get the answers you want. They aren't rare cameras so it's not hard to find another example. Specifically, ask if the shutter works properly and if the curtains are ok; you also need to know if the rangefinder spot is bright and contrasty. Rangefinder alignment is so easy to correct that I wouldn't worry over it.

If it's all working properly, the price isn't outrageous and they do make a nice user. Make sure you understand how to use it - especially about cocking the shutter before changing speeds and cutting the "Leica" film leader. Feeding a bottom-loader is a bit fiddly the first few times but it's not difficult and you soon get used to it.

Hope that helps - some is just my personal opinion...
 
Belvegas, everthing Wolves has said is spot on. Although it's not entirely true to say that there were no black Soviet Leica copies, those that did exist were so early and thus so rare, you will never see one on e-bay. The FED 1 is a delightful camera with a fascinating history - which you can read about here http://www.fedka.com/Useful_info/Commune_by_Fricke/commune_A.htm

IMHO , you are best off buying one from a reputable dealer like Oleg - http://www.okvintagecamera.com/index.html
or Fedka -
http://www.fedka.com/catalog/
because the camera will almost certainly need checking and a CLA after 50 years of use - no Ebay seller will give you that and it will work out cheaper in the long run, unless you want to work on the camera yourself. This one looks rather good: http://www.fedka.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=36

I personally would stay away from anything painted or pretending to be a Leica: go for the original and best 🙂 And RFF member Zorkikat's site will tell you just about all you will ever need to know! - http://jay.fedka.com/

Cheers, Ian
 
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I agree with everyone so far, except that I think $85 plus postage is too expensive (especially coming from the Ukraine). I paid about £30 plus postage for mine from a good UK seller, and it's a very good one in original condition. Prices do seem to have gone up a bit since then, but I'm sure you can get a better eBay deal than that if you take your time.
 
If you go to Oleg's site now you will see a FED 1g with collapsible lens for $63 +$20 shipping. I was looking at it, but decided on a newly serviced Kiev 4, this week!
 
I agree with the rest of these guys, Fedka has some Fed 1gs that look really sweet and you might as well get one you know has been gone through. So many cameras that come from Russia need CLA'd. Depending on your location Yuri is in the USA. The camera would probably take less time to come into your hands.
 
Welcome to RFF, Belvegas!
"...basically, i've decided to look for a FED 1. i've spotted this one on ebay..."
Click to expand...
Sure, you can find a cheaper FED.1g, but it seems that painted FSUs (I suppose due to cost of materials, labor, etc.) just naturally seem to bring a higher price. IMHO, from what I've seen, I wouldn't consider this example so out-of-bounds.

I've purchased from that particular seller, DVDTechnik, who is also a member here and I consider him a "reputable dealer" as well. I've had absolutely no problems in 3 transactions. Accurate descriptions, good communication, speedy shipping. (I've also dealt with Oleg & Fedka with good results.
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One of those purchases from DVD was a black Zorki.1 w/black Industar.22. (see the Zorki.1d in my sig.) IMHO, the repaint work on it is of very good quality on both camera and lens. The interior was clean enough to eat out of. The film advance mechanism seems a little stiffer than my other Zorkis, but to me, that was no biggie. I gave it the general lubrication as I do all my FSUs upon arrival and it's worked just fine. For sure there was no 50 year old gunk.wax.yak.butter grease to be found as is often the case in these little nuggets. 😎 Though I paid a higher price for it than the FED.1g you're looking at here, 😱 I'm 100% satisfied with no regrets whatsoever.

As suggested above, if interested, don't hesitate to email him and ask whatever questions you have about the work that's been done on that particular camera, i.e. RF, are the shutter curtains in good shape (my Zorki.1s look new) etc. Though his emails to me were short and to the point, he answered promptly.

BTW, I like the FED lens on that one. Good luck in your pursuits, Belvegas!
 
P.S. ~ Hmmm. I just noticed something unusual in the ad pics. The smaller photo at the very bottom shows a black trimmed wind knob and shutter speed dial, while the other photos don't. I don't think the serial.# is the same either. Probably just a misplaced photo, (it happens). Serial.# in the ad text is definately the one that matches the larger photos. I'm sure you could ask him about it if concerned, but I believe it's two different cameras. (He has a passle of 'em!)
 
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thanks everyone for taking the time reply!

having decided yet where to turn for my purchase but will let you all know how everything turns out 🙂
 
The serial # indicates it is a 1G, also the engraving on the RF cover is correct for a 1g. I think this is a little pricey unless it was CLA'd at the time it was painted, otherwise, get one from Jay or Oleg.

Roger
 
hello again!

just in case any of you have been kept awake at night wondering how it all turned it, i thought i'd post an update. decided to purchase a zorki from yuri. actually, i purchased two 🙂

a green zorki 1d and a black zorki 1c.

i've posted a few photos from the 1d here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/12038603@N00/

i've yet to develop anything from the 1c. had a major problem loading film. constantly jammed after 1 photo. not sure what the problem is. switched from fuji to kodak film today and so far so good.

anyone else had problems using fuji film? perhaps there's a slight difference in canister size or tension?

cheers!
 
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