Doubleplus happy

[lushd]

A few weeks ago, I bought an old FED 2 (they're all old, I meant knackered) from Tom and when it arrived it was in too good shape for the spare part mayhem I had in mind. So I sent it to Oleg and it came back smooth and lovely. Also (see my thread on time travel), I have been getting into traditional processes, looking to the past (classic) era for inspiration.

So here's an example of Agfa colour film, FED 2, Jupiter 8, Weston meter, light and colour that looks like the 1940s. I am really pleased. Also astounded by how well a properly set up FSU body and lens will perform.

 

[Ash]

WOW. talk about clarity!!

 

[Jocko]

WOW. talk about clarity!!

Yes! (I'm trying to do shorter posts)

Ian

 

[lushd]

Don't tell my wife but I currently have a two reel steel 120 developing tank in the dishwasher.

I was amazed by the performance too and I wonder if this is what the FED 2 was like when it was new? Or does Oleg make them better than new? If it is the out of the box performance from the 50s then the comrades who go around saying that FSU stuff is no good will have to eat some more humble pie.

The black and white stuff from yesterday could hold it's own against my 1938 Leica 111a and uncoated Elmar easily. Although to be honest, it's not quite as sharp and there is a little flare.

 

[Michael I.]

I buy cameras staight from Oleg - It is cheaper then buying them ,paying for shipping,sending them for CLA and paying for shipping both ways.

 

[lushd]

Hi Michael - you are absolutely correct. I never meant to buy and use this one but I am happy I have. Oleg will be getting some more parcels from me and if I ever get GAS again I will buy from him. Now I have always fancied a Zorki 3m ....

 

[Jocko]

I was amazed by the performance too and I wonder if this is what the FED 2 was like when it was new? Or does Oleg make them better than new? If it is the out of the box performance from the 50s then the comrades who go around saying that FSU stuff is no good will have to eat some more humble pie.

Donald, I think "all" Oleg does is correct manufacturing errors and rectify maladjustments that have crept in over the years: In general I believe he leaves lenses alone, save for a necessary lube, on the grounds that if "it ain't broke, don't fix it".

So: this is how the cameras were supposed to be. I know you've seen these marvelous pictures, but others may not: some idea of just how good a Soviet camera and who-knows-what film could be in the 1950s is found in RFF member Al Pauk's gallery of his grandfather's photographs, here - http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=5925&ppuser=1319

The results are so stunning that our friend assumes his grandfather must have had "a German lens", but I'll bet it was a J8 or J3. From a historical viewpoint the pictures have interest in that some depict the visit of the Cruiser Sverdlovsk to the UK in 1955, although I prefer the "ordinary" pictures. They are all amazing.

Cheers, Ian

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

Bloody heck! I've cut myself on that.

Very nice.

Maybe my kiev 4a should go to Oleg for a visit. The viewfinder is hazy and out of alignment. I have no clue yet if it hits all the timing mark dead on. It had it's first roll of film while in my posession today.