Body / Lens Mismatch or What?

[David Hughes]

Hi Comrades,

Simple question caused by getting more and more picky as I read all the posts...

I've a FED 1f with the type 5 engravings on the top and a 28X XXX number. So the 1948 or '49 to '53 version and the number suggests '51 ish.

The collapsible lens is the f/3,5 via f/6,3 to f/18 (DoF indexes match) and the focal length is 50M/M not 50mm or MM.

On the back of the lens to body flange is the number 7594 and this is the problem. Was this the last four digits of the correct body number or the lenses full number?

Or what? It would seem reasonable to assume the output of standard lenses matched the body numbers at first then got, perhaps, more and more out of step as other focal length were made.

Any help in understanding would be appreciated.

Regards, David

 

[wolves3012]

If, as was the case, they used only four-digit lens numbers, they'd have run out fairly quickly, no? I wouldn't pay too much attention to the actual number, the lens and body numbers seem to have little correlation on any other FSU models so why would the FED 1 be an exception?

FWIW the two I have are 94xx but one came on a FED 1g (definitely older than the body) and the other on an NKVD (possibly the original) and I'd guess they're older than yours IF yours is original to that body and IF my 1939 NKVD's is the original too. That's a few IFs there though and someone else might know better!

 

[David Hughes]

Thanks, as you say, a lot of ifs to it.

I think the lens on my one is contemporary with the body and ERC, judging by the neglect, grit and dirt.

I asked because it was normal in some trades, many years ago, for all the major components of whatever it was to have the last three or four digits of the serial number on them. And so I wondered about the Fed, especially as Leitz used to do it at one time, before standardisation of the film register etc.

And it was normal for all the screw slots to line up; something I still look for... I figure it might be totally original and untouched - if I ever find one (or else repaired by someone my age). Not that I'd dare over tighten a screw on a Fed or Zorki as they are going into very soft metal in a lot of places.

Talking of that, and noticing your address is very central, I often think it would be a good idea to organise a communal workshop cum get together for us poor junkies. We all have something to contribute and it would be pleasant to meet up and swop things and gawp. We could even organise a bulk purchase of parts and demonstrate how to do things (shutter blinds com to mind). And there are one or two tools I'd like to borrow for a minute or so; eg something to replace the rivets in the old ERC's after I've resticthed all mine.

Anyway, thanks for the help and comment on the lenses.

Regards, David