Kingsly
Newbie
Back again! An I'm sure not for the last time. So following the advice given I completely tore down my FED-2 this week and cleaned/re lubricated the shutter rollers and basically every other moving part I could find. Camera runs amazing now!
Unfortunately one thing thats not so amazing is the basalm separation in my VF prism. I thought/hoped/prayed that it was just dirty optics, but after going through the RF system in more detail and disassembly it's definitely inside the prism. Its bad enough that focusing is all but impossible unless looking into a very bright subject (such as an actual light bulb).
Anyone have a spare prism in the parts bin? Bought a jupiter that came with a camera shaped lens cap? Kicking myself for not getting a spare when I had the chance to combine shipping... :bang:
Unfortunately one thing thats not so amazing is the basalm separation in my VF prism. I thought/hoped/prayed that it was just dirty optics, but after going through the RF system in more detail and disassembly it's definitely inside the prism. Its bad enough that focusing is all but impossible unless looking into a very bright subject (such as an actual light bulb).
Anyone have a spare prism in the parts bin? Bought a jupiter that came with a camera shaped lens cap? Kicking myself for not getting a spare when I had the chance to combine shipping... :bang:
seany65
Well-known
I'm sure I won't be the only one to suggest this, but get a cheap fed 2 and take one off that. This way you'll also have other spare parts.
Kingsly
Newbie
Oh I've got tabs on top of tabs open in my browser on eBay listings! Also, this FSU bug is real. Getting the whole family in on it!
zozur
Member
I don't have Fed 2, but I have others fsu parts cameras, but I don't know if these would be good for you...
oftheherd
Veteran
A good suggestion I think. In the interim, you might see if you can help things out with a small round piece of black tape over the RF window. It is often thought of for use with dim RF patches.
https://imgur.com/a/iQto8/ Also do a search here on RFF.
farlymac
PF McFarland
Tried to post this last night, Kingsly, but I guess it didn't take.
I have a spare parts FED-2C you can have. PM me with the shipping particulars.
PF
I have a spare parts FED-2C you can have. PM me with the shipping particulars.
PF
Kingsly
Newbie
I saw a mention somewhere in my internet travels that the Zorki 5/6 prism is physically the same dimensions as the FED but Zorki level bright. I guess now's as good a time as any to experiment if one happens to have one of those? That would be a really nice upgrade - I love the FED ergonomics but have heard great things about the Z6 finder.
Something must have been going on with the forums, my last reply on this thread was a paragraph long but only the first sentence posted...
Anyway, PMd. Thanks!
farlymac
PF McFarland
PM received.
FSU gear can be fun if you go at it with the right attitude, and that is "Expect it to fail". But a well refurbished camera can work for a long time if handled correctly, ie don't go throwing it into the camera bag just because it's an FSU, and not a Leica. Any camera should be respected if you want to get decent photos from it.
My main reasons for liking the FED 2C, and Zorki-6 are the long-base rangefinders, and with the Z-6 the addition of easier film loading, and lever winding.
No deliveries on Monday (Columbus Day), and it's kind of late getting into the mail today as you didn't include your last name with the PM reply. If you can tell me before noon your time today, I should be able to make it to the main PO.
PF
FSU gear can be fun if you go at it with the right attitude, and that is "Expect it to fail". But a well refurbished camera can work for a long time if handled correctly, ie don't go throwing it into the camera bag just because it's an FSU, and not a Leica. Any camera should be respected if you want to get decent photos from it.
My main reasons for liking the FED 2C, and Zorki-6 are the long-base rangefinders, and with the Z-6 the addition of easier film loading, and lever winding.
No deliveries on Monday (Columbus Day), and it's kind of late getting into the mail today as you didn't include your last name with the PM reply. If you can tell me before noon your time today, I should be able to make it to the main PO.
PF
Kingsly
Newbie
Thank you! Sorry I overlooked that, PM'd you back.
Almost every I have has gone under the knife the moment it arrived in my hands, but usually for basic cleaning of the finder optics - it's been great fun and a learning experience diving so deep into one without (very much) fear of breaking it. And very rewarding to come out other side with a working camera!
Once the finder can focus again I think this FED 2/J-3 combo might be my full frame B&W go-to (as opposed to my other bw favorite: Pen FT/Zuiko 38 1.8). Grandpa's Leica CL /40 cron for color