1'st pics from my new Fed2

[JimG]

I Heart Fed2's

I load the camera with no film leader trimming, no removing the lens, no card tricks. Just remove the back and pop in the film, easy. No manuals to read...just read my handheld light meter, set focus, speed & aperture, shoot. I love that soft CLACK sound the shutter makes. I love this camera.

 

[squeaky_clean]

Nice shots... I especially like the last one. I just missed trading for a Fed2 today... Would like to get into these russian cameras a little sometime...

 

[lmd91343]

Jim,

I like that last shot. What lens was it?

 

[JimG]

Jim,

I like that last shot. What lens was it?

It's 25mm snapshot skopar from CV. I bought it for this camera because I thought it was the best choice of inexpensive modern wide angle lenses for this camera.

Can anyone tell me why this camera is so much easier to load then generally described? Is it because it's a later model Fed2. Ser. # is 12010228.

 

[reagan]

"I Heart Fed2's"

Ahhh, the Swan Song of another besieged soul on the Slippery Slope. Go now and put your checkbook and all credit cards into the care of a sane person while you can. :{

Enjoy my friend. BTW, lots of good stuff in your Gallery.

 

[JimG]

But Reagan, what possible harm can come from this beguiling gentleman of a camera?

 

[w3rk5]

I knew you'd like this camera. 🙂 By the way, I like shot #2 and 3.

 

[squeaky_clean]

It's decided. I want a Fed 2.

 

[lmd91343]

Can anyone tell me why this camera is so much easier to load then generally described? Is it because it's a later model Fed2. Ser. # is 12010228.

Jim,

It is very simple to make it even easier to load! Buy a FED 5 (does not need to be working) and trade the take-up spools between the cameras.

There is a small screw located at the top of the take up spool. Slip a narrow flat blade screw driver thru the bottom of the spool and remove the screw. Repeat on the other camera. Trade spools. Reinstall both.

The removable leica type take-up spool is now in the FED5 and the "modern" non-removable, slotted take-up spool is in the FED2!

For phase 2, you can remove the 1/4 tripod socket from your FED 5 and use it to replace the 3/8 tripod socket in the FED 2. Just remove the film back and you can see how to do it. It is just a simple retaining ring. This is a one way conversion. The FED 5 socket will work in the 2 or 5, but the 2 socket will only work in the 2.

I've done both changes to my both of my FED 2s and I have been very happy!

 

[optikhit]

It's decided. I want a Fed 2.

Perhaps me too....

I recently bought a Fed 3 which was made in 80's. Much better than my Fed5B.
Next I will look for a Fed 2. But which version is better...?

 

[reagan]

"But Reagan, what possible harm can come from this beguiling gentleman of a camera?"

He has FEDbrothers that want to come to your house. And cousins, yes the cousins, Zorki & Kiev... aunts and uncles too, Moskva & Iskra... they all will want to come to live with you now!! There's just no end. The Family FSU is very large! And they eat, ooooo do they ever eat, roll after roll. And they'll want new clothes! Not the cheap American stuff, no! But custom imported wraps from Aki in Japan.

I got my first Zork.4 and then decided to just buy one more, just one, a Zorki.3M. Then BAM! Every week the postman, he brings me another brotherZorki and another and another. But alas, you're in love. My words are falling on deaf monitor.

But not to worry. Ehhh, there are many Comrades here at RFF. We comfort each other and tell our stories and remember "back in the day" when we had no FSUs and lots of money. Now...? 🙄

 

[Rich Silfver]

Very nice, #3 has an almost paint-like feel to it.

 

[lubitel]

#3 looks like a painting from Vermeer.

 

[lmd91343]

Perhaps me too....

I recently bought a Fed 3 which was made in 80's. Much better than my Fed5B.
Next I will look for a Fed 2. But which version is better...?

Get a model "F".

I was fortunate when I bought my first FED2. There is a fellow here in L.A. that runs a Russian camera shop out of his house. I went there and looked at several FEDs.

I found that the FED 2 model "F" had three attributes that where good: long base line length; modern shutter speeds (30, 60, 125, 250, 500); and a raised acc shoe.

The last model FED2 has a short base line length. It is the model "L". Why buy a FED 2 with a short BL? One of the nice things is the long BL. Don't buy the "L"

All models other than the "A, B, C, D, E" have the old speed sequence (40, 60, 100, 200. 500). The newer "F" and "L" models (30, 60, 125, 250, 500) match the modern light meters.

The new models have the acc shoe top rails at the same level as the RF housing in the top plate. In that regard, the Leica SMs, FED1s, Zorki1s and the later FED2s are identical. The earlier FED2 models have a recessed acc shoe where the top rail is BELOW the RF top plate housing. That arrangement might prohibit the use of a clip on viewfinder or light meter. Models "E" and "F" have the proper shoe height.

Only an "F" meets all three FED2 "needs". GET AN "F"!

check out this site for descriptions:

http://www.commiecameras.com/sov/35mmrangefindercameras/cameras/fed/index.htm

http://tinyurl.com/ds4aw

 

[w3rk5]

Perhaps me too....

I recently bought a Fed 3 which was made in 80's. Much better than my Fed5B.
Next I will look for a Fed 2. But which version is better...?

I have, and had several FED 2s go though my hands. I'd get the A or B if you want a light weight camera.

Personally, I like the extra weight and the extra grip from the self timer versions. I find it easier to hold it steady for those low light shots. If I get another one 🙄 , I'd get the 2E version 1. It's got some of the classic details from the FED 2 A and B. It just says FED-2 at the front. I'm not too fond of the dual logo. Also, it's got a border around the viewfinder along with strap lugs. I'm not sure it they have the raised acc shoe though.

Regarding the old old speed sequence, it doesn't bother me if it's the old or new. Maybe cause I don't use a light meter. Anyway, which ever one you decide to get, make sure you get it from a good seller. 🙂

 

[Kim Coxon]

Watch the classified's, 😉

Kim

It's decided. I want a Fed 2.

 

[JimG]

Very nice, #3 has an almost paint-like feel to it.

Funny you noticed that too. I also oil paint and that was my 1'st impression.

 

[JimG]

Reagan, now that you mentioned it an early black Zorki might be just what I really need.

 

[reagan]

Reagan, now that you mentioned it an early black Zorki might be just what I really need.

LOL! .... I rest my case.