Buy CLA'd Fed 2 in UK

[lrochfort]

Hello all,

I'm looking to buy a CLA'd Fed 2 in the UK. Can people make dealer recommendations?

I know Oleg is referenced a lot, but he only has pretty grubby looking "Good" condition Fed 2s listed. I suppose I could also get Fedka to ship, but that's getting a tad pricey methinks.

Failing a CLA'd Fed 2, which of the eBay FSU dealers are considered reputable?

Thanks all.

 

[Dez]

In my experience, all the high volume Russian and Ukrainian vendors with good feedback are pretty good. If they do not specify that the specific camera has been serviced, it is wise to ask questions about the specific functions of the camera. Good vendors will answer the questions. Make sure the camera pictured is the actual one being sold. I have never been very happy with the notion of buying a camera blind after seeing a "typical example". Over the years I have probably bought about thirty cameras from FSU dealers using these cautions, and I have never had to return one, although I have needed to do a few basic CLA's myself.

Cheers,
Dez

 

[CliveC]

I bought a FED 2 from this user: http://myworld.ebay.ca/emjaybe63
He claims to be UK businessman with interests in the Ukraine. The sample I received was great mechanically, though average cosmetically. It was as described however and the seller was willing to take more pics for me.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

The trouble with dealer recommendations is that they are selling second-hand ones they've had as trade-ins, not new ones so there's still an element of risk (as there is with all makes, even Leica).

Personally I'd wait patiently for a good looking one with a known history and then pounce but half expect a repair to be needed. The good dealers will sort this out but private sellers won't, 'though they ought to refund your money if you've been had.

The other problem is that even visiting and handling one, without a lot of experience of them you'd be might caught.

Regards, David

 

[Kingston]

I bought my Kiev 4 from the user that CliveC mentionned. I may buy a Fed 2 from him as well, I guess cameras usually match the description he gives and he is fast to answer questions before or after the purchase. He also often says they have been serviced. The price is reasonable. If someone knows better sellers I'm also interested but so far on ebay he seems the one of the few to sell so many FSU RF for an ok price, and reasonable shipping fee either from london or ukraine.

 

[gabrielcik]

Hi,

The FED 2, from my experience, is a very good camera and also quite easy to repair / set up. It is quite resistant and difficult to break. Especially models without timer.

I suggest you to give a look at this site: aukro.ua
There you can find many ex USSR cameras at their "real price".
I bought my FED 2 (b) blue navy with industar 26m at 80 UAH (less than 8 euro).

The site is in Russian and in general is meant for the Ukrainian market... but many sellers agree to ship abroad. (be careful at the shipping costs)

Ciao!

 

[lrochfort]

Thank you everyone for your kind replies. I'm biding my time and deliberating at the moment. I have a black jupiter 8, which I may sell for a silver jupiter 8 and then buy a Fed 2 with an Industar 61L/D.

emjaybe63 has certainly been very helpful in answering my questions. I'll be sure to checkout that Ukranian site.

I was going to try and avoid self-timer models already; just experience of older cameras.

What do people feel about the various Fed 2 models? It seems to me they're split by the winder type, coupled/uncoupled shutter speed selector, and new/old shutter speeds.

My inclination is that whilst the old winder is prettier, the mushroom shape one is more practical. I'm guessing the uncoupled shutter speed selector is more resilient, not that I'd change without cocking first. I doubt the old shutter speeds matter for negative film.

Any thoughts or advice much appreciated.

Laurence.

 

[fanshaw]

Thank you everyone for your kind replies. I'm biding my time and deliberating at the moment. I have a black jupiter 8, which I may sell for a silver jupiter 8 and then buy a Fed 2 with an Industar 61L/D.

emjaybe63 has certainly been very helpful in answering my questions. I'll be sure to checkout that Ukranian site.

I was going to try and avoid self-timer models already; just experience of older cameras.

What do people feel about the various Fed 2 models? It seems to me they're split by the winder type, coupled/uncoupled shutter speed selector, and new/old shutter speeds.

My inclination is that whilst the old winder is prettier, the mushroom shape one is more practical. I'm guessing the uncoupled shutter speed selector is more resilient, not that I'd change without cocking first. I doubt the old shutter speeds matter for negative film.

Any thoughts or advice much appreciated.

Laurence.

I have all the Fed-2 models and the differences between them are minimal. The difference between the new and old shutter speed ranges is purely notional, since the shutter speed precision even in new cameras is too low to distinguish between them. Don't worry about the self timer. If it doesn't work it won't effect normal shutter use. The only other differences are flash sync, body colour and knobs plus the options of the collapsible lens and the last Fed-2 model which has a lever wind and no strap lugs.

 

[MiniMoke]

Took the plunge and ordered a FED 2 B and Leningrad lightmeter from ebay-seller emjaybe63. He's really helpfull and very fast to reply.

Now waiting anxiously....... Will keep you posted

 

[lrochfort]

I have all the Fed-2 models and the differences between them are minimal. The difference between the new and old shutter speed ranges is purely notional, since the shutter speed precision even in new cameras is too low to distinguish between them. Don't worry about the self timer. If it doesn't work it won't effect normal shutter use. The only other differences are flash sync, body colour and knobs plus the options of the collapsible lens and the last Fed-2 model which has a lever wind and no strap lugs.

Is the collapsible lens only compatible with certain Fed 2s?

 

[wolves3012]

Is the collapsible lens only compatible with certain Fed 2s?

The collapsible lens that came with FED 2s has a modified infinity-release button, it's flatter at the back so that it doesn't foul against the camera body. The FED 2 has quite a shallow mount, in terms of how far it sticks out from the body, it's this that causes the issue. Any of the collapsible Industars can be made to work on the FED 2, either by filing the back of the lock button or removing it - that's if it won't already work "as-is".

 

[fanshaw]

Is the collapsible lens only compatible with certain Fed 2s?

What I meant was that you might want to buy an early Fed model that was originally fitted with the collapsible lens. This lens will fit any Fed-2 body,whereas as Wolves has said the Industar-22 or 50 lenses made for the Zorki range will not fit probably without modification.

 

[lrochfort]

I ordered a FED 2 from emjaybe63. Now I'm doing my level best not to buy accessories until it arrives!