FED 2 shutter issues...

[avidmaster]

Hi All,

Been spending the last week running some film through a FED 2 (with Jupiter 8 lens) and processed it this morning. Tri-X 400 using D-76 1:1. As with most FSU test rolls, I crossed my fingers after the final wash and opened the tank. On the whole 24 ex. roll only three images! The first image with the black bar on the left, the second properly exposed shot of my van, and the third "self portrait" (I need a haircut) then no more exposures (should be about three after that) It seems like the shutter was hanging through the entire roll, then freed itself for three exposures and then hung up again. Possible? If so, is there a process for cleaning the shutter mechanism? Not so much a timing adjustment as laid out in the "sticky" but just a good cleaning? Thanks so much and excuse the dust on the negs.

FED 2001 by Michael Kaplan, on Flickr

FED 2002 by Michael Kaplan, on Flickr

FED 2003 by Michael Kaplan, on Flickr

 

[Ko.Fe.]

1.Never load the film before testing the shutter without film.

2. To clean and re-lube the shutter mechanism, full disassembly is required.
Use this site for how to. FED-2 is very similar.
https://www.fedka.com/jay/index_files/Page455.htm
You need to wash coil springs inside of the curtains rollers (in Coleman camp fuel) and apply fresh lube (I used gun oil).

 

[Steve M.]

"As with most FSU test rolls...."

Truer words were never spoken. I had so much trouble w/ Fed 2, you would not believe. They always had shutter problems for some reason.

This is what brought me to my senses: Bought several Fed 2 cameras. All had shutter issues (capping, pin holes, you name it). So I stupidly buy another one..... same problem. This one I send to FEDKA because everyone swears that's the thing to do. Cost me $150 for a CLA and to replace the entire shutter, plus priority mails shipping both ways. That's around $180, plus whatever I paid for the camera to start with. The camera comes back and still had major shutter issues. So I send it back. Again. Another $30 shipping both ways. Comes back the second time, it STILL has a faulty shutter. I end up selling it for $10. Besides all the money I lost, it was a major hassle and waste of my time.

I once bought a Fed 2 here that had been CLA'd, and that camera was perfect. Smooth, spot on exposures, etc. But that one must have been an anomaly, considering all the others I had owned. Finally bought a Bessa R, which I should have just bought in the first place. End of problems. Great camera.

Maybe these folks can help you.

https://www.churchofsatan.com/