Choosing an FSU

[wolves3012]

Since joining here at RFF, and mainly using the FSU section, I've noticed a recurring thread of questions on what FSU to get as a first model. It seems to me that a "sticky" is called for.

I have a reasonable working knowledge of pretty much all the major FED and Zorki models (bar that elusive Zorki 3!) so I'd be willing to write a brief synopsis of each model, merits and demerits (a couple of sentences on each perhaps) plus a table or summary of features.

Does anyone else think this is a good idea for a "sticky"? Is someone more knowledgeable willing to write a bit about Kievs for this? I have only a Kiev 4, so my experience is rather limited.

 

[ruben]

Take me for example. A full ignorant of Feds and Zorkis that only a few weeks ago learned by accident that a collapsibe should be threaded when extended and not collapsed.

So a nice article making order in the caos will be extremely helpfull. And do not forget the issue of lens compatibility, if possible, specially Soviet lens compatibility, as an ignorant like me tends to think any Soviet leica threaded lens must fit any Fed and any Zorki.

As for the Kiev 4, within all this, why not ?

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[40oz]

I think it's a good idea, even if it was limited to just your personal experiences.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter what camera a person buys 🙂, but everybody has preference and justifications which might be interesting to read. I'm not sure it would be any more helpful to a prospective FSU rf buyer than a coin 😀 but more information is usually better.

 

[ruben]

Hi wolves3012,

I would like to add some points of my personal interest. One is the issue of the collapsibles. It seems there are several versions. Then, it is very intriguing for me wether they can be used without hood. Finnally you can post a special thread about them asking from our members to post pics with the collapsibles.

Then we have the special feature of diopters, whose handles with Feds 2 are extremely handy. But how comfortable they are other models with that protruding eye windows for glass wearers ?

Finally, "making" several kits of camera and lenses, approx costs attached will be very helpfull, I think.

And there is the stuff of Feds and Zorkis 1. Intriguing as well due to their size. Which kit (lenses) may go with them ?

Of course, if we want to keep our breed alive and kicking, we must do our best to inject it the blood of newcomers. And newcomers need good info and good commentaries, explaining intricate issues at the most simple level as possible. Therefore wolves3012, I wellcome very much your initiative, and wish you the best.

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[SCOTFORTHLAD]

Excellent idea---thanks for putting it forward.

Brian.

 

[robin a]

Please,sounds like a good idea.Wish it was there when I bought my first one........Robin

 

[outfitter]

Hi wolves3012,

I would like to add some points of my personal interest. One is the issue of the collapsibles. It seems there are several versions. Then, it is very intriguing for me wether they can be used without hood.

Rubin,
All the FSU collapsible lenses can be fitted with Leica hoods designed for the Elmar. I should hedge my bets and say most but even the prewar Fed 50/2 takes a my Leitz hood rig. I use a very old Leitz hood marked for the Summicron 3.5cm and 5cm - this clips onto a Leitz NY adapter (there is a grove for the hood) that attaches to the lens rim with a thumb screw and permits the use of 39mm filters. All this stuff was parts bin items from stores and camera shows but I bet they are easily found on eBay.

Michael

 

[Spider67]

Great Idea!
The use of turret viewfinders could be an interesting point!
Is it worth the trouble to get the Kiev-turret? (actually it isn't but it would be great to demonstrate that with some pics and examples!)

 

[ruben]

Rubin,
All the FSU collapsible lenses can be fitted with Leica hoods designed for the Elmar. I should hedge my bets and say most but even the prewar Fed 50/2 takes a my Leitz hood rig. I use a very old Leitz hood marked for the Summicron 3.5cm and 5cm - this clips onto a Leitz NY adapter (there is a grove for the hood) that attaches to the lens rim with a thumb screw and permits the use of 39mm filters. All this stuff was parts bin items from stores and camera shows but I bet they are easily found on eBay.

Michael

hi Michael,

I too have a perfect hood, made out of a plastic cap from Tmax developer and repainted.
What intrigues me is that apparently, and correct me if I am mistaked, the whole idea of a collapsible lens is based on not using a hood. Once I have to carry my hood somewhere, then the whole advantage of a collapsible is gone.

I wait for your comment.

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[wolves3012]

Hi wolves3012,

I would like to add some points of my personal interest. One is the issue of the collapsibles. It seems there are several versions. Then, it is very intriguing for me wether they can be used without hood. Finnally you can post a special thread about them asking from our members to post pics with the collapsibles.

Then we have the special feature of diopters, whose handles with Feds 2 are extremely handy. But how comfortable they are other models with that protruding eye windows for glass wearers ?

Finally, "making" several kits of camera and lenses, approx costs attached will be very helpfull, I think.

And there is the stuff of Feds and Zorkis 1. Intriguing as well due to their size. Which kit (lenses) may go with them ?

Of course, if we want to keep our breed alive and kicking, we must do our best to inject it the blood of newcomers. And newcomers need good info and good commentaries, explaining intricate issues at the most simple level as possible. Therefore wolves3012, I wellcome very much your initiative, and wish you the best.

Cheers,
Ruben

Ruben,
I wasn't intending it to be too exhaustive, just a brief overview of the main features (or lack of) for each camera. I'd put a brief overview on the "extras" like the turret-finder and other essential stuff. The general idea is for a newcomer to be able pick a model based on their needs and wants, since no FSU model has all the desirable features!

I'll give it some thought and make an initial post, open to others to correct me if they feel I'm wrong or add bits they think are important omissions. It can always be added to anyway!

 

[vanyagor]

Great Idea!
The use of turret viewfinders could be an interesting point!
Is it worth the trouble to get the Kiev-turret? (actually it isn't but it would be great to demonstrate that with some pics and examples!)

I do have a KMZ turret viefinder, but I never use it. Instead I'm always using a much smaller Helios viewfinder with bright lines for 25, 85 and 135 mm

 

[julio1fer]

Good initiative, and we'll all help as we can, for instance contributing pictures and price estimations.

Is it worth the trouble getting a turret viewfinder?

It was for me - maybe not as comfortable as individual viewfinders for each lens --- but much harder to lose. I like my KMZ turret and find it very practical; I can check the look of different lenses with just a twist of the turret. If it had diopter correction it would be perfect.

Just a contrarian opinion 😀

 

[ruben]

.....maybe not as comfortable as individual viewfinders for each lens --- but much harder to lose. I like my KMZ turret and find it very practical; I can check the look of different lenses with just a twist of the turret. If it had diopter correction it would be perfect.

Just a contrarian opinion 😀

hi Julio,
Welcome !

It seems to me that several models of Fed and perhaps Zorkis have problematic shoes for mounting the Universal Turret Finder, and even if mounted, their ergonomics make it very hard to use the already hardly mounted Turret.

As for diopter correction, I have a vague memory about a statement that the Universal Turret does have it, by mooving the rear lens thread, perhaps via further threading or un-threading.

If you are going to try it before me, take care to work over a table with some cushion, and that the Turret is oriented downwards, as if you were looking at the floor, to avoid the many prisms fall and break in case you happen to totally open the rear thread. These prisms are located immediately inside the rear thread.

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[vanyagor]

hi Julio,
Welcome !

It seems to me that several models of Fed and perhaps Zorkis have problematic shoes for mounting the Universal Turret Finder, and even if mounted, their ergonomics make it very hard to use the already hardly mounted Turret.

As for diopter correction, I have a vague memory about a statement that the Universal Turret does have it, by mooving the rear lens thread, perhaps via further threading or un-threading.

If you are going to try it before me, take care to work over a table with some cushion, and that the Turret is oriented downwards, as if you were looking at the floor, to avoid the many prisms fall and break in case you happen to totally open the rear thread. These prisms are located immediately inside the rear thread.

Cheers,
Ruben

As far as I remember some viewfinders do not fit early fed 2. My Helios viewfinder fits them for sure. I will have to doublecheck with my turret later.

My KMZ turret viewfinder does not have diopter adjustment.

 

[julio1fer]

Thanks Ruben! I'm not about to dismantle my KMZ turret soon. Now that you mention it, the viewfinder end of my turret has an external thread - so maybe it was intended for an external diopter correction lens. Have to look closer into that.

Indeed, the turret viewfinder does not fit well into older cameras, such as the very own Leica III. But it slides perfectly into my Zorki 6.