Fed-2 --- mounting lenses

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Post deleted by author request.

 

[Jocko]

You're by no means the first to have problems mounting a J-12 on a FED 2, Daniel. I have one that is equally unfriendly and there were previous posts (long ago) about this very issue. Although it may seem to be a thread problem, the culprit is often the rangefinder arm, which is too low or at the wrong angle (possibly explaining the problem with the Leica lenses, which generally have thinner contact surfaces).

Some people try bending the RF arm, but damage could ensue 🙁

Cheers, Ian

 

[JonP]

I had this with a FED 3 and FED 2 so tried bending the 3 first. No need to disassemble, fingers on top plate and best thumb placed just behind the cam follower, then gentle pressure, repeat an necessary. Worked fine with the 3 so repeated on the 2, J-12's now fit fine. Just make sure you push straight up and you should have no re-aligning to do.

 

[reagan]

1) It eats TMAX films.

Hey Daniel. Does the spindle the film cassette is loaded onto turn freely? Some with old grease/gunk seem to get stiff and the farther along the roll you progress, the more strain is put on the film. How 'bout the sprocket spindle; it turns freely? Just thinkin' out loud here. Good luck and enjoy the FED.

It seems to be a clear notch above the Zorkis.

I have a Zorki.1 sitting right here on my desk. Luckily, he has his lens cap on so he can't read this heresy. ... 😎 😉

 

[gb hill]

I think i'll have to side with Reagen on the Zorkis. My 2s is a better fit for my 50 elmar than my fed 2. Both cameras take the elmar nicely but the feds screw mount doesn't offset like the zorki and the little focusing lever scrapes & binds on the body of the camera, and once the lens is screwed on you can't even lock the lens in place because the lever can't be pushed in because it's right against the body. The zorki works perfectly with the elmar & the camera is not as wide as the fed making it more pocketable. But with all that the fed 2 is a great camera, I have a roll in it right now that I have to go finish up.

 

[fidget]

Just to add to the list of rff'ers who gave a slight bend upwards to the rf cam arm to clear the back of my J12, on two of my 3 FED2's. To reward me, the J12 flares at any sight of light.
My green FED2c is now re-discovered and mated to a silver J8 for some outings soon. I may even give the J12 another chance with a hood.

Dave....

 

[fidget]

Hi Daniel,
here is my post from a while back. The problem then (as is the usual problem) is that the clutch is far too tight, this rips film and is very hard to rewind as this is done by slipping the clutch.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21001&highlight=clutch

Dave...

 

[wolves3012]

With regard to mounting the J12, there isn't much room for the RF sensor arm, not just on a FED2 but on anything. A little careful bending can do wonders. Also, when you mount any lens make sure the lens it set to minumum distance. I find the J12 almost impossible unless it's set to minimum.

On the RF adjustment, the infinity is not adjusted by the wedge but by means of a tiny screw, Remove the large-ish screw just to the left of the lens mount (looking from the front) on the front of the camera to access it.

As for the clutch on the wind, take the spool off and see if you can easily hold the drum underneath whilst winding on. There should be a reasonable amount of resistance but it should be possible to hold it. With the spool off, look in the bottom of the drum for the large screw head-visible, make sure that screw is tight. Try spreading the tangs on the drum slightly, so that it grips the spool harder and can't slip.

Have fun, FED 2 is a nice camera...

 

[wolves3012]

Just to add to the list of rff'ers who gave a slight bend upwards to the rf cam arm to clear the back of my J12, on two of my 3 FED2's. To reward me, the J12 flares at any sight of light.
My green FED2c is now re-discovered and mated to a silver J8 for some outings soon. I may even give the J12 another chance with a hood.

Dave....

Luckily, the J12 I have mounts on my FED 2 with no issues. Flare-wise I've not seen any, even when provoked...but the paint around the rear element of mine is intact so that may explain it.

 

[fidget]

Nice pictures of your ever patient family, Daniel. Thanks for posting and congratulations on an early FSU success.
But 1/60th?? your FED 2 must be nearly new!

 

[fidget]

Princelle's designation for yours is the FED2d, made from 59 to 63. In the book it says that a mechanism to prevent the release of a partially cocked shutter was introduced in 62.
Dave...
Edit to say: Oh how I miss Jim Blazik's Fabulous FED site......sigh!

 

[reagan]

"None of them work."

Ah Ha! Yeeeah, that might make one lean toward another brand. 😱

I finally caught on to what you were describing with the chewed film.

(I'm soooo slooooow.) Anyway, I think wolves is guiding you in the right direction there. You just need to determine exactly what is slipping and not pulling the film - the spindle or the spool.

But you've got it taking very nice photos. That's the main thing. Congrats and great shooting.