A couple of compacts

[mtk]

I'd like to get a compact FSU RF, as a second cam after my zorki 6..

under consideration are fed-35 and 35a(don't know the difference really), micron-2 and zorki-10.

i'd prefer feds over zorki, because of its allien-like appearance. but would really appreciate the pros and cons..

could anyone help?

ps. by the way i'm interested in micron-30, though have never used a half frame cam. i'm surprised to see f1.9 lens without RF coupling. Is being half frame the reason?

thanks in advance..

 

[rbiemer]

I had a Micron 2 and liked it OK--it seemed not quite so nicely made compared to the Japanese cameras in its type(Vivitar 35 ee, for example, and their are a bunch of others very similar). Specifically, the rewind crank was very wobbly; to be fair that may well have been the particular camera and not the model.
The Zorki 10 is anything but compact! It is big and heavy. I gave mine to my nephew so I don't have a way to give you a comparison photo but it weighs about 660 grams( a pound and a half).
Check this page out for some info about the Zorki and the other cameras you mention:http://www.commiecameras.com/sov/electroniccameras/index.htm
If you want something really small, you could try the Agat 18 or 18K.
Good hunting!
Rob

 

[dee]

Why not try a Zorki or Fed 1 ?
Smaller than a Zorki 6 - or too traditional for you ?

dee

 

[Frank Lambert]

I like all my FSU cameras but when I take one of them "out", I usually take one of my Konica C35 models also. Pretty hard to beat for very light handeling, accurate rangefinder and quality results. It's my "go anywhere" solution for a small rangefinder. Other than that, I would agree with dee and, suggest a FED or Zorki 1 if you want the same FSU Nostalgic look and feel but, in a smaller size.... Anyway, just my "two cents worth" 🙂....

 

[mtk]

fed and zorki 1 are good.. great little beasts.. but fed 35 and micron 2 are different beasts in fact.. you know what i mean..

so anyone with experience? how good are automat modes? is override possible? and how accurate is focusing?

 

[pravda]

The zorki 10 is a real brick as mentioned previously. Its got a selenium meter that is bound to give out (though mine worksa cceptably for negatives). The sutter and trigger movements are a bit odd as well on this one.

All in all I do use it quite a bit, I absolutely adore the viewfinder. They are cheep enough, at least it will make a very chic paperweight.

No experience with the Micron or FED 35...do not tempt me.

 

[mh2000]

I'd look at the Olympus RF's. (ECR is very cheap and excellent)

 

[Michael I.]

Never Get A Elicon 35cm Auto!!!!

 

[Marsopa]

I've got a FED35A abd it's not disapointing, it doesn't feel as solid as Zorki 4. Fucusing is acurate, aperture ring has a touch that seems it's going to break, I'm happy with it and it gives some good results

 

[Glauke]

I've got a little FED 50 as automatic camera for my parents.
It works well, except a light leak that i am not able to resolve.
Industar 81 works very well, with the usual Industar's mood.
In short,
advantages:
- all solid metal body & parts (no surprise!)
- clear viewfinder with projected framelines. Easy to use with glasses.
- no battery needed
- automatic and manual work
- from 1/650 to 1/30 and from f/2.8 to f/16 in automatic mode, fixed 1/30 sec. in manual mode, plus B.
- strap lugs
disvantages:
- selenium meter is often inaccurate (mine strangely gives under exposure)
- no self timer
- no built in flash
- no parallax correction

 

[Joao]

I've got a little FED 50 as automatic camera for my parents.
It works well, except a light leak that i am not able to resolve.
Industar 81 works very well, with the usual Industar's mood.
In short,
advantages:
- all solid metal body & parts (no surprise!)
- clear viewfinder with projected framelines. Easy to use with glasses.
- no battery needed
- automatic and manual work
- from 1/650 to 1/30 and from f/2.8 to f/16 in automatic mode, fixed 1/30 sec. in manual mode, plus B.
- strap lugs
disvantages:
- selenium meter is often inaccurate (mine strangely gives under exposure)
- no self timer
- no built in flash
- no parallax correction

I second that. I use a FED-50 in hill walking trips and the performance is better than one would expect. However, in my experience the strap lugs can come out easily...
Another option - if you are lucky - is the Kiev-35A. Compact, light and easy to use (if you got a good one)
Regards
Joao

 

[julio1fer]

I used a Smena-8 when young, and recently a Kiev 35A. The Smena is not really in the same class as the other cameras mentioned, but you may like the style and the simplicity.

The K35A is a very fine little camera with an excellent lens, but it may be a bit fragile. Mine worked OK until a mild shaking in wet weather. Never could bring it really back to life, except for short periods.

 

[mh2000]

here's an old page of mine on the 35A... I used one for a while... honestly, with the price of *real* Minox 35's so low I'd just get a GL or something. My 35A froze at ISO 25 and I just went to a Minox GL... spectacular (even if it isn't FSU).

http://www.geocities.com/markhahn2000/kiev_35a.html