p.giannakis
Pan Giannakis
I know that the term "best" is highly subjective but which one do you consider the best FSU camera (rangefinder or SLR) in terms of functionality / view/range-finder / reliability etc...
(You can turn this thread into camera porn if you wish too...)
(You can turn this thread into camera porn if you wish too...)
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
Fed 2 without a doubt.
btgc
Veteran
Nikon SLR....dream of every Soviet pro photog at time 
P3tr
Only MacHan in CE
rxmd
May contain traces of nut
In rangefinders, I agree with the FED-2.
In SLRs, a tie between the TTL-metering, mass-manufactured Zenit TTL (for M42 mount)...
...and the Kiev-19 and Kiev-20 series (with Nikon mount), which were the most advanced cameras made for the Soviet domestic market (few of them were exported, and they're quite reliable and versatile with the Nikon mount)
In SLRs, a tie between the TTL-metering, mass-manufactured Zenit TTL (for M42 mount)...
...and the Kiev-19 and Kiev-20 series (with Nikon mount), which were the most advanced cameras made for the Soviet domestic market (few of them were exported, and they're quite reliable and versatile with the Nikon mount)
pordiosero
Member
And... How about Zorki 3M? isn´t it better than the FED2?
And it has more style, of course!
And it has more style, of course!
MV72
Marc VERRIERE
I'd vote for the Fed-2 as well, but the Zorki 1 with an accessory finder is very pleasant to use too. Stick a Jup-12 and helios or Petri finder on it and you get a great combo.
ray*j*gun
Veteran
Fed 2 without a doubt.
Bump on this......I owned and used many FSU's and the only one that ever worked every time was my Fed2.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
For MF I'd have to nominate the Iskra ... as arkward as the camera is to use the Tessar clone lens is a stunner ... sharp and surprisingly flare resistant.
rxmd
May contain traces of nut
Seconded - and it has a very good view-/rangefinder to boot.
Michael I.
Well-known
Iskra or Start slr, I think
johannielscom
Snorting silver salts
Fed-2! .
HuubL
hunter-gatherer
ditto for the Fed2.
batterytypehah!
Lord of the Dings
Haven't used enough different ones to nominate a winner but the FED-2 is clearly NOT great if you wear glasses. Impossible to see the edges of the VF. The Zorki-4 is just as bad.
dotur
od karnevala
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shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Any one of these two.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
So much love for the Fed 2 in this thread!
Expect eBay prices to skyrocket!
Expect eBay prices to skyrocket!
farlymac
PF McFarland
The BEST FSU camera is, IMHO, the one that is actually working at the time you need it!
PF
ps: And I'm still looking to get another one
PF
ps: And I'm still looking to get another one
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
wolves3012
Veteran
As stated, it's highly subjective but I don't think there's a "best". What do you want? Simplest (for reliability)? Possibly FED/Zorki 1. FED 2 is loved by most for reliability but the day you need a half-second exposure it's no good. Best RF? That'll be a Kiev but they're complex and a pain to fix if they break. Bright VF needed for low light? Zorkis generally beat FEDs in that respect, especially the 3-6. Need a light meter built in? FED 4 or 5C or the Kiev 4/4M.
In SLRs, the Zenit/C are tiny and neat and gorgeous - but the non-return mirror and less-common 39mm mount are downsides. The Zenit E is possibly "best" since it has the very-common 42mm, instant-return mirror and a light meter.
I need to make some hard choices shortly, since I'll be pruning my collection down in the near future. Every time I try and think which few I'll keep, I can't decide!
In SLRs, the Zenit/C are tiny and neat and gorgeous - but the non-return mirror and less-common 39mm mount are downsides. The Zenit E is possibly "best" since it has the very-common 42mm, instant-return mirror and a light meter.
I need to make some hard choices shortly, since I'll be pruning my collection down in the near future. Every time I try and think which few I'll keep, I can't decide!