FED-2 + Jupiter-12 =

[stevebrot]

🙁

I just got a Jupiter-12 (LZOS from 1980) with the intent of using it mostly on my FED-2 (made in 1963). Strangely, the J-12 will not mount cleanly on the FED-2. The rangefinder cam/arm does not clear the side of the projecting rear lens barrel. Bending the arm slightly might correct the problem, but I am wary of damaging the mechanism.

At least it fits and works properly on my Zorki 4-K.


Steve

 

[B-9]

that is strange, I would strongly suggest NOT bending the arm, hopefully someone here can can be of more help.

Goodluck!

 

[konicaman]

This is a known problem, and the solution is actually bending the arm upwards a bit. I did that on both my FED 2s and it works great. This is advice with no warranty and at your own risk of course 😉 - as I said this is a know problem however, and the operation is normally not dangerous. Take a look here for instance:
http://www.griffinbyteworks.com/photography/equipment/jupiter12.html

EDIT: The guy on the above mentioned site suggests using pliers; I used my thumb and did it in small steps, real carefully little at a time. It is easier if you press the arm back away from the thread mount - gives you more spaces to work with.

 

[Brian Legge]

I have the same issue with a fed 2 and j12. I actually scratched the heck out of the black coating the first time I tried to mount it. I haven't gotten around to fixing it yet. 🙁

 

[wolves3012]

This is a common problem with the J-12 on a FED 2. The answer is to bend to arm but be very careful and only bend it the least amount possible. Best to remove the back and offer the lens up to see how far to bend it. At your own risk, of course! I've had to do this on two FED 2s, it doesn't need much bending - I just used my fingers, not pliers.

 

[MV72]

That's right. Push it up slightly and carefully. It won't break. Then you can enjoy this nice and sharp lens from the cold on your FED-2.

 

[stevebrot]

Thank you all for the advice. This evening I grimaced and gave the arm a firm pinch upwards. That was all it took and all seems to be well. Whew!


Steve

 

[ZorkiKat]

Check too if the 1 metre and infinity settings are still correct. Distorting the RF sensor arm can affect the accuracy of the cam at the close focus distances. The Soviet cams are adjustable, slanted pointy things- they're that way because they have to be individually adjusted for minimun and infinity distances. If an object 1 metre from the back of the camera is read as 1 metre on the distance scale of the camera when the rangefinder says it's already focused, then it's all OK.

But if the lens distance scale says something else like 1.10 metres or 0.9 metres, then the rf cam tip has to be adjusted too. Adjusting the tip will require the infinity setting to be retested and recalibrated as well.

 

[stevebrot]

Check too if the 1 metre and infinity settings are still correct. Distorting the RF sensor arm can affect the accuracy of the cam at the close focus distances. The Soviet cams are adjustable, slanted pointy things- they're that way because they have to be individually adjusted for minimun and infinity distances. If an object 1 metre from the back of the camera is read as 1 metre on the distance scale of the camera when the rangefinder says it's already focused, then it's all OK.

But if the lens distance scale says something else like 1.10 metres or 0.9 metres, then the rf cam tip has to be adjusted too. Adjusting the tip will require the infinity setting to be retested and recalibrated as well.

Thanks for adding your comment. I checked the rangefinder calibration this morning and both infinity and 1 meter are way off. Looks like it is time to get out the small screwdrivers.


Steve

 

[stevebrot]

Found out two things today:

1. My smallest screwdriver is too big to adjust the rangefinder on my FED-2
2. Digging into the top to adjust it that way is not the best option

While I was able to clean the rangefinder glass and get the adjustment mostly done, I also managed to strip the set screw on the rewind knob. Two options at this point, epoxy or a replacement screw.

Anyone want to donate a rewind knob assembly for a FED-2 (ca 1963)? 🙂


Steve