Another DIY project: FED 3 and J-12

[Spyderman]

Hi,

I just got this great idea, and I just had to share it with you.

I've got a FED 3 b, which I don't use all that much. I just can't see anything through its dark viewfinder 😡

I just thought "what if I removed the VF/RF block, and replace it with a brightline viewfinder from some P&S camera?"

Yup, that's my next project.
I'll lose RF, but with a 35mm lens (J-12) and 35 VF, it might work just like any zone-focus camera from the 1970's and 80's. And at least I will have some use for my J-12. I can't use it on my Bessa R.
It seems much easier to do, than my previous projects (Zorki framelines, Zorki metering). Honestly, I didn't have enough courage to take a hacksaw and cut into my beautiful like-new Zorki 4. 🙄

I'll let you know if I find the courage to finish this project. But I think I will... 😎

 

[tunznath]

why not just use an accesory hotshoe viewfinder - multifinder. it will be brighter and youll still be able to use your RF

 

[clarence]

'Because we want to.'

Clarence

 

[Ash]

Go for it!! rip down that top plate, get a 35mm finder (like a voigtlander one, those really nice ones) and mold the top plate around it. Sweeeet...

 

[NL2377]

Haha, Awesome! they should add another forum on RFF sole;y for modifications... i think it would be pretty sweet to see some of the ideas ppl come up w/

 

[GeorgesGiralt]

Hello !
My opinion is that you'd be better find a 28 or 21 mm finder. This way, you'll have that extra view helping see the subject come in. Trace 35 mm lines with china ink or a permanent felt pen and you're done !
Keep removed parts and try not to destroy something in order to be able to restore the camera in it's previous state. Who know you may be borred with this camera or need money.

 

[Ash]

I'd be more interested to buy the camera in a modified state. I understand your point GeorgesGirait, but when I got my kiev it was modified, and Spark303 gave me all the additional pieces that had been removed - they've stayed in a drawer ever since.

Maybe that's me though. Maybe I like things that had been modified 😉

 

[Spyderman]

Thanks for the encouragement 😎

I already have a P&S camera that I bought for $ 0.50 and it has just the viewfinder I need. Full view of about 28mm, and brightlines for 35mm (or 38). I guess I will have to enlarge the hole in the front to see the full view, and also I will have to make some support for the slow-speeds clockwork. It rests on the RF block.

If this turns out good, I might even try to add some kind of meter behind the RF window 😀

It might be a fine camera, 35mm, non-TTL meter, lever advance, .... Wait! Something's missing here... Yes! Strap lugs! I have to add strap lugs. Or at least one lug for a wrist strap.

But we'll see...

 

[Ash]

I wouldn't worry about strap lugs, get a tripod-mount wrist-strap. it's a godsend

 

[kvanderlaag]

I wouldn't worry about strap lugs, get a tripod-mount wrist-strap. it's a godsend

But that's not the point of this exercise!