10 Dollar Camera and 10 Cent Question

[David Hughes]

This FED 1 (f) cost me US $10 (UK £6-25 in real money) on ebay but just don't ask about the postage etc.

I think it authentic as the case was dusty, the aperture ring was glued in place; the lens couldn't be removed for a long time and a lot of swearing; the film winder was stiff; the leading shutter blind is permanently curved and creased and - the real killer - it had a half used film in a reloadable cassette in it.

So assuming the lens and body match: body no. 239 xxx and so 1950 but the lens (4 digit no.) is a FED f/3·5 with unpainted engraving but it runs in the f/4·5 - f/6·3 - f/9 series. So were they still marking the old apertures in 1950? Or did they find some old parts and use them?

I've another 1 (f) exactly the same but 1951, btw.

Here's a so-so photo of the '50 Fed 1 (f).
http://idrh.smugmug.com/photos/587044968_3xE2N-L.jpg
You may not see the type 5 engraving clearly.

BTW, it's not the only one I have that I've never seen anywhere on the web... Has anyone else an odd mixture like this?

Regards, David

PS Since taking the photo I've rolled some "Blu-Tak" over the top engraving and a lot of green muck, (copper chloride?) from the usual mixture of leather and brass, has been removed. Mentioned as few people seem to know about "Blu-Tak" for camera cleaning. And a small blob on the end of a pencil will retrieve dropped screws etc from inside the works...

 

[Pickett Wilson]

Are you sure it's a 1f. Looks like a much earlier model. It's in beautiful shape in your photo, though.

 

[David Hughes]

Well, I can only go by the articles I read on the internet but I'm open to persuasion.

The top engraving seems to be agreed upon as 1948 - 5? and the number suggests 1950 (from Oscar Friske). I've nothing later than '51 with the Leica style shutter guard and infinity release button. Equally, I've others I've never seen on the 'net like the simple spring clip and screw infinity lock.

Regards, David

 

[Pickett Wilson]

This is very interesting to me. I have a Fed very close in date to yours - SN#240764 - that is identical to yours. But the smooth, rounded top shutter button that both our cameras have should not be, as far as my research can find, on cameras with these serial numbers. Pretty confusing. 🙂 Here's a photo of mine:

 

[David Hughes]

Interesting. I've looked on my other one and they both have a very slight curve to the button too. A rise of about 1/100" from sides to centre. The '51 version is no. 280 xxx Let's hope we get an answer.

BTW, everything I've seen says the old aperture scales were abandoned in about 1946. Knowing how the internet works that probably came from a site about Leicas... ;-)

Regards, David

 

[pauls52]

Congratualtions on a nice looking camera. High postage costs turn off a lot of bidders so if you look at the total cost, its still a good way to buy. From various sources, I would agree with the assessment of a 1950 1f. This is the earlier version with the older style shutter button before changing to the mushroom style in 1952 which carried over to the 1g in 1953 (only the engraving changed).

From observing a LOT of eBay auctions and various other sites, I have developed a database which strongly suggests (allowing that some cameras/lenses will be mismatched but very few in fact) that the earlier f/ stops continued until near the end of 1951 or thereabouts. My understanding is that these lenses are uncoated but unlike prewar lenses, they have the standard flange to film plane distance and don't need to be specially matched.

The wiki at http://www.ussrphoto.com has lots of info on the various Fedka models.
Paul

 

[pauls52]

Congratualtions on a nice looking camera. High postage costs turn off a lot of bidders so if you look at the total cost, its still a good way to buy. From various sources, I would agree with the assessment of a 1950 1f. This is the earlier version with the older style shutter button before changing to the mushroom style in 1952 which carried over to the 1g in 1953 (only the engraving changed).

From observing a LOT of eBay auctions and various other sites, I have developed a database which strongly suggests (allowing that some cameras/lenses will be mismatched but very few in fact) that the earlier f/ stops continued until near the end of 1951 or thereabouts. My understanding is that these lenses are uncoated but unlike prewar lenses, they have the standard flange to film plane distance and don't need to be specially matched.

The wiki at http://www.ussrphoto.com has lots of info on the various Fedka models.
Paul

 

[David Hughes]

Thanks.

I've also noticed a lot of the old aperture markings on ebay on 50's cameras. Until, of course, my curiosity got the better of me and I thought I ought to have a 1 (F) with the old scale marked to sit by the Leica II. Then the supply dried up very quickly but I waited...

Knowing how many people from around the world look here I thought a question or two might sort things out a little further. I also think that a mass re-appraisment of their history is due.

As for the bottom line, ie postage etc and cost of cameras, I mainly look at that but had a small database of actual postage versus weight from the Ukraine. I stopped it when I realised that the basic cost of posting a camera (from the FED or Zorki range-finder stable) was about 112 Hryvnia or about UK £9 to £10 So I try to support those charging US $15 to 20 as they seem quite reasonable.

BTW, there's a website about the Ukrainian currency and a conversion calculator at http://www.uazone.net/Hryvnia/

I wonder what else we'll find, or will turn up, in this thread?

Regards, David