stillshunter
unlearning digital habits
Not sure if this is of any interest to anyone on here, but I'd recently had the opportunity to trial a Fed-2 with Industar-61 L/D and thought I'd do an unfair comparison to my current popular Japanese 70's compact RF, the Minolta 7sII.
Must say when I received the Fed-2 and even after having used the two cameras side by side I thought this was going to be a no-brainer. But after having spied the outputs I admit to being very wrong and I got to say I am torn. The Fed-2 has some fundamental failings that dampen the user experience (though I am led to believe much had to do with the state of Fed-2 (esp. the VF) that I was shooting with). Bottom line is that the Industar-61L/D blew me away completely and has certainly tempted me to explore this FSU malarky
Must say when I received the Fed-2 and even after having used the two cameras side by side I thought this was going to be a no-brainer. But after having spied the outputs I admit to being very wrong and I got to say I am torn. The Fed-2 has some fundamental failings that dampen the user experience (though I am led to believe much had to do with the state of Fed-2 (esp. the VF) that I was shooting with). Bottom line is that the Industar-61L/D blew me away completely and has certainly tempted me to explore this FSU malarky
ricnak
Well-known
I don't usually read reviews or comparison articles unless i want to fall asleep instantly. I quite enjoyed your write up though. I confess that I have been "reasearching" Russian systems ever since having a go with travelling Fed.
farlymac
PF McFarland
Nice results both, though the Fed needs some attention to the shutter. I've been looking at getting a 2c to replace my Zorki 1d because of the combined range/viewfinder, but still looks like a Barnack design. I miss shooting my Industar lenses.
PF
PF
gb hill
Veteran
Interesting comparison. Both look to be competent users. The photo's from both camera's were pleasant to the eye to look at.
angelopartemi
SnakeFace
That cow picture on your blog header is awesome.
stillshunter
unlearning digital habits
Thanks all for taking the time to read. The Fed has been playing on my mind today…
Thanks for that, this shot was made with the 7sII a few weeks ago. I'll probably miss it if I sell it.
tbhv55
Well-known
Bottom line is that the Industar-61L/D blew me away completely and has certainly tempted me to explore this FSU malarky
I can't comment on the FED-2 side of things, but I do have - and frequently use - an I-61L/D on a (now-ageing
) Panasonic G1 (apologies for bringing digital into this).This lens renders beautifully, with a 'look' that I really like. Maybe slightly weaker (but only slightly) when wide open, but recovers from f/4 onwards.
Excellent lens, and great value - I paid less than £20 for it.
konicaman
konicaman
Thanks for sharing. The I-61 is indeed a very good lens. I am using it in combination with a Jupiter-12 on my Canon P. Both lenses produce nice photos in B/W and color. The FED 2 can be a nice work horse, if you get one in good shape - and yes, FSU gear can be quite addictive...
stillshunter
unlearning digital habits
Oh great that's all I need!
….currently have 32 tabs open on my browser. None researching FSU lenses as I can afford to try a few
- but am contending with the best body for LTM lenses. Liked the Fed-2 well enough but would prefer a more comfortable VF, well maybe the Zorki-4 then, though the finder patch is a little weaker than…..and so we go round and around.
Feel free to offer advice - and even PM if you'd like to suggest an unRussian LTM body (but not in this Russian thread )
wolves3012
Veteran
Interesting comparison, they are two rather different animals. One slip-up though is regarding the shutter speed. Except for a few very early (and rare) FED 2s, you can set the shutter speed any time you like - you do not have to cock it first. FSUs with 2-piece dials like that (there are several Zorkis) are not at risk of damage. Also, being a little pedantic there are no "cogs and wheels setting the fractions of a second". There's one notched disk that does it all but I guess poetic license covers your description!
wolves3012
Veteran
Oh great that's all I need!
….currently have 32 tabs open on my browser. None researching FSU lenses as I can afford to try a few
Liked the Fed-2 well enough but would prefer a more comfortable VF, well maybe the Zorki-4 then, though the finder patch is a little weaker than…..and so we go round and around.
We have a sticky with a run-down on the common FSU models:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=2277272
I bet you'd take to a Zorki 6
julio1fer
Well-known
Welcome to the Soviet universe, comrade! Nice comparison and post, although it is really not fair to compare a 1970 design with a 1940 one.
Glass, however, can be compared. Soviet glass is surprisingly good, and you are just scratching the surface with the Industar 61 L/D. There are further lenses to discover!
Soviet camera bodies were made to withstand rough treatment and designed for ease of manufacture; they are relatively easy to service as well. It is easy to fall in collecting mode because of their low prices, but make sure you get a well-serviced camera if you plan to use them. These are old instruments and need their CLA, sometimes even to replace the curtains.
The idea of sending a FED-2 around seems popular, we did it in another forum some time ago (around the world, no less).
As for a good LTM body, there are many opinions. In the Soviet universe, my favorite is the Zorki-6, which has just the features I need and is the best one ergonomically speaking. The Fed-3 would be a close contender, and you already know the FED-2 which is probably the most classic one. A good Zorki-4 would be the one for those that like their complete set of shutter speeds. There is a sticky here comparing different FSU bodies, take a look at it.
Outside the Soviet area of course there are many options that should be discussed elsewhere. But in any case, make sure that those capitalist bodies can mount the Jupiter-12!
Glass, however, can be compared. Soviet glass is surprisingly good, and you are just scratching the surface with the Industar 61 L/D. There are further lenses to discover!
Soviet camera bodies were made to withstand rough treatment and designed for ease of manufacture; they are relatively easy to service as well. It is easy to fall in collecting mode because of their low prices, but make sure you get a well-serviced camera if you plan to use them. These are old instruments and need their CLA, sometimes even to replace the curtains.
The idea of sending a FED-2 around seems popular, we did it in another forum some time ago (around the world, no less).
As for a good LTM body, there are many opinions. In the Soviet universe, my favorite is the Zorki-6, which has just the features I need and is the best one ergonomically speaking. The Fed-3 would be a close contender, and you already know the FED-2 which is probably the most classic one. A good Zorki-4 would be the one for those that like their complete set of shutter speeds. There is a sticky here comparing different FSU bodies, take a look at it.
Outside the Soviet area of course there are many options that should be discussed elsewhere. But in any case, make sure that those capitalist bodies can mount the Jupiter-12!
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Good article.
With my FED-2 it is allowed to change shutter speed before and after film advance.
My FED-2 was CLA'd. Advancing is so smooth now, with single roll of index finger.
Sometimes it is difficult to believe it has film in it, so smooth it is.
61 L/D is cheapest lens I could imagine. Some people like it, some like me. I gave it away.
Nobody wanted it even for $15.
With my FED-2 it is allowed to change shutter speed before and after film advance.
My FED-2 was CLA'd. Advancing is so smooth now, with single roll of index finger.
Sometimes it is difficult to believe it has film in it, so smooth it is.
61 L/D is cheapest lens I could imagine. Some people like it, some like me. I gave it away.
Nobody wanted it even for $15.
Ron (Netherlands)
Well-known
Nice write up!
MikeDimit
Established
Nice comparison. I am a FSU camera addict now after buying two FED 2 , two FED 3, Zorki 4K, three Zorkii 4, Zorkii 5 and Zorkii 6. Yet FED 2 is my everyday carry-on with a collapsible Industar . I find Industar-61 not convenient - the focusing ring comes too near to the camera body. I've tried Minolta but it was somehow too light. So my FED is always with me in my inner pocket or in the front pocket of my jeans.
Wulfthari
Well-known
Interesting comparison...the old and cheap FED2 on print holds its ground, the shots are indeed as good as the Minolta's.
goamules
Well-known
Good blog! I don't mess with the FSU bodies much, but shoot their lenses a ton! Jupiter 3, 8, 9, are all great. The IL-61 is surprisingly sharp and contrasty. The only ones I don't care for are the collapsible 50mm ones.