Different FED winding (film advance) knobs?

[Blake Werts]

[I've moved this to a new thread so that maybe others that weren't watching the original thread may want to chime in... ]

Has anyone had experience comparing the various FED 2 versions -- particularly the different winding knobs? Any difference in reliability, or is it strictly aesthetics?

While I have not conducted any true "tests" in a comparison or whatever, I can speak from my own experience with a few FEDs that I have. With the later winding knobs, prior to them adding a lever like on the FED-5, I can actually advance to the next frame without moving my right hand from the camrea body--I just reach my right-hand pointing finger/index finger up there to the frame advance knob and "spin" it forward twice and I'm ready for the next shot. I am unable to do this with the earlier versions of the frame advance knob.

Does that make sense?

The newer version:

The older version:

 

[Vince Lupo]

Thanks Blake! I originally ordered a green FED 2 from Yuri at Fedka over the weekend, but then he e-mailed me to say that he didn't have any more green ones in stock, so I ended up getting a blue one instead. I'm not sure which knob it's going to end up having, though I'll find out in a day or so.

I also wasn't sure if the change in winding knobs was seen as some kind of 'improvement', or they just did it for the heck of it.

 

[hks3sgte]

if it's pure aesthetics, the older one looks nicer to me. My "2" has the newer knob and no complaints, however.

 

[fanshaw]

With the new knob you get a film speed/type reminder and its a bit easier to grip. Nothing to get excited about.

 

[wolves3012]

I'm not sure which knob it's going to end up having, though I'll find out in a day or so.

I think the coloured bodies were only made with the old-style knob, newer ones weren't anything other than black-bodied. There are a few re-paints out there and the knob may have been changed, so who knows!

 

[Vince Lupo]

Just got the camera from Yuri - it has the new knbo, but you're right, the winding action is perfectly fine. Looking forward to using it!

 

[Vince Lupo]

Finally managed to shoot a roll of film with the new FED 2. Pretty pleased overall, colour's okay, but my scanner puts a bit too much red in the photos, which doesn't help things! All in all, I like the results and the way the camera handles. I'm hoping to add a FSU wide lens and maybe a short tele to complete the package.

 

[Blake Werts]

very good to see. looks like a keeper to me.

which lens were these shot with?

 

[Vince Lupo]

Industar-26M 5cm f/2.8.