Fed 2 C Purchase Price?

J

jameshart

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I know little of rangefinder cameras; My normal shooting rig is a Nikon D70S.

However, the D70S isn't exactly a camera that one stuffs in one's coat pocket.

I have a Kodak LS443 digital, but the start up sequence and shutter delay, not to mention camera noise, are such that the camera does not endear itself to me.

I've been considering purchasing a rangefinder to use for casual street shooting. I've seen several on EBay; however, not knowing the value of the camera makes it difficult to place a bid.

There is a Fed 2 C on auction that is currently under $50 U.S., supposedly in 'excellent' condition, with the I26 lens.

I'm looking for an inexpensive 35 camera, smaller than the typical SLR (my backup camera for the D70S is an FM10, but even with a 50mm lens the unit is too big for a coat pocket); the camera will be used for casual shooting, but one would still like something that produces good images.

Assuming the Fed 2 C is not the worst possible choice, what would be a reasonable offer for such a camera and lens in 'excellent' condition?

Thanks!

Jim
 
assuming you DO know what you're getting yourself into (a camera without metering and programs!) I would suggest paying up to approx. 50 $ if its on ebay. From an RFF member I would pay up to 100 $ ;-)
 
quizzard87 said:
assuming you DO know what you're getting yourself into (a camera without metering and programs!) I would suggest paying up to approx. 50 $ if its on ebay. From an RFF member I would pay up to 100 $ ;-)
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Thank you!

(Indeed, I know what I'm getting into. I've been shooting SLR's since 1969 and not all of them had meters or programming; the FM10 does have a meter, but the rest of the camera is strictly manual - and requires no batteries if one is willing to abandon the use of the meter :) ).

Regards,

Jim
 
i just looked into the classifieds and there's a Yashica electro GSN offered for 50 bucks. Thats quite a nice deal if you're willing to accept a fixed lens and only aperture priority mode ;-)
 
quizzard87 said:
i just looked into the classifieds and there's a Yashica electro GSN offered for 50 bucks. Thats quite a nice deal if you're willing to accept a fixed lens and only aperture priority mode ;-)
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Thanks for the lead! I've seen those in my local camera dealer's used equipment bin, but never have taken any photos with one.

I'd kind of like full control of the shutter and aperture, tho.

The FED 2 Type C on EBay has passed the $50 U.S. mark, so I'll give that a miss, I think - but I'm still looking.

Regards,

Jim
 
Fed 2 is a good choice! The VF is small, thats the only drawback, but its fun to shoot and RF base is large. If its really in excellent shape than 50dollars or more is a good price. The question is -- is it really in excellent shape as described? Usually you can get one in okay condition for $25-35, but then they might need some RF adjustment or cleaning. Luckily there are good cleaning and adjustment instructions as a sticky in FSU forum. So get a cheaper one and play with it, that way you will get to know each other better :)

BTW once you get one fsu you will need more ;)
 
lubitel said:
...BTW once you get one fsu you will need more ;)
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That's what I'm afraid of :rolleyes: .

I've unloaded all of my gear except for the two Nikons and the Kodak, much to my wife's pleasure. (The Kodak I use at work, so I'm in the clear there!).

She put up with the D70S purchase (including the lenses and flash) because I used our recent vacation as an excuse (no need to take film through airport security, hunny!) and the FM10 has been around here for awhile.

Explaining buying a Russian camera...with no meter...and it uses film...

Sigh.

But having a streetable, low cost camera that one doesn't have to be too concerned about damaging or losing...priceless :D .
 
Dont worry we will offer you some good tips on how to explain a new fsu camera every week to your wife! :D

First phrase: "what, this old thing?!"
 
I would buy it from Oleg, Fedka or a well known member here at RFF. That way you can have a CLA´d and perfectly working camera.
Oleg has a Fed 2 with Industar 26 lens for 45$+17$ for shipping and his "very good" cameras are better than some ebay seller´s "mint" cameras (the photos in his web are done before a CLA).
I would consider asking him to change that lens for a collapsible one if you want a really compact camera.
 
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Most sellers would claim it to be in excellent shape. I'd take it with a huge grain of salt.

I would also suggest buying one from Oleg. I would also asked him to change the shutter curtains regardless of it’s current condition and pay the extra for it.
 
yep, oleg is definitely the best way to get a fsu camera.

i set that 50 $ price limit regarding that you wanted to buy from ebay...and on ebay excellent isnt often what you would expect.
 
w3rk5 said:
Most sellers would claim it to be in excellent shape. I'd take it with a huge grain of salt.

I would also suggest buying one from Oleg. I would also asked him to change the shutter curtains regardless of it’s current condition and pay the extra for it.
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Holy cow!

I've got a bid outstanding on Ebay (and an offer from a London U.K. RFF member on a Fed) - but Oleg has one heckuva inventory!

Thanks for the lead on that; even with shipping it looks like a bargain for my stressed Yankee dollars.

The more I get into the idea of a carry-around rangefinder the better I like it.

MANY thanks to all who have replied!

Regards,

Jim
 
jameshart said:
The FED 2 Type C on EBay has passed the $50 U.S. mark, so I'll give that a miss, I think - but I'm still looking.
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I think you should be able to do better than $50. Note that many are available with the f3.5 collapsible lens, thereby being more pocketable than ever!
 
I think $50 is quite a lot for a fsu rangefinder. But i guess it depends on where you live. They are a lot cheaper here. So if you want to get a fsu camera, come to Estonia :)
 
Hi Jim,

I'd agree with what people have said about eBay prices. I'd pay up to about £30 for a good FED 2 or 3 from someone with good feedback on eBay, which is around the $50 mark - I really like the early FED 2 models myself (the ones with the wind-on knob the way God meant it to be :) ). I haven't actually had my hands on a FED 3 yet, but there's one on its way to me in the post right now :)

Best,
 
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