Fed-2 with Fed 50mm f/3.5

[Sid836]

I have acquired a Fed-2 with a Fed 50mm f/3.5 lens on it. It is in lovely condition and I have a major problem with it. I don't know how to use that lens! 😱 Is there a guide to follow? I pull it out, lock it in shooting position, but I have no idea how to focus.
Also, should the aperture on it move freely? It seems on mine hard to move that index thing in front of the lens. Could it be a stuck aperture?

 

[jwnash1]

The index tab on my copy moves quite freely so it sounds like the aperture blades may be a little stiff and gummed up. As far as focusing goes , it is like many Leica and Canon lenses with an infinity lock. Push down on the lock button and then rotate the focus tab. I hope I am clear in my instructions.
John

 

[Sid836]

Many thanks John,
I have a natural tendency in causing damage to things and I thought I better ask first and then trying pushing a bit harder then! 🙂
It goes as you have described.

Thank you!

 

[sparrow6224]

Nikos -- May I ask what you paid for the set? I was selling a Fed 2 with Fed 50/3.5 Elmar-type lens, case, all in good+ condition, and got no offers. I was wondering if I'd overpriced it at $75. If you're willing to share, many thanks.

 

[Sid836]

I have bought it for 50 euros. This must be pretty close to what you sell it for. I don't think that it is overpriced because the one I have bought had been one of the cheapest around. There had been a couple more bellow 50 euros, but at an awful state, not operational, not worth adding them to my collection.

 

[Jagdtiger]

In Russia and Ukraine it mainly costs not far from 15-20 euro.
BTW, FED 50/3.5 is not an "Elmar-type lens".

 

[Sid836]

My wife used to travel a lot to Ukraine, and this is how I have acquired many of my cameras. I have stopped this, because many times she had brought me other that what I had asked for 🙁.

 

[Aapo]

In Russia and Ukraine it mainly costs not far from 15-20 euro.

Easy way to make some money if you live in those areas but once you come to west especially amateur sellers tend to give way too big value for FSU models. Every piece is vintage or rare no matter in what condition and therefore justifies huge price tag.

75 dollar is around 55+ euros so I might call it reasonable. Body, FED lens, case and some faith in sparrow6224 words creates my asessment.

 

[Jagdtiger]

Easy way to make some money if you live in those areas but once you come to west especially amateur sellers tend to give way too big value for FSU models. Every piece is vintage or rare no matter in what condition and therefore justifies huge price tag.

Alas, it's not so much fun. Our "comrades" buying all the soviet cameras from any source. After that all these cameras appear at ebay or regional auctions.
So it's hard to find a good FED in Ukraine nowadays - all of them are in Europe. Especially bad situation with really rare devices - almost all of them are in Europe.

 

[martinsmith99]

Alas, it's not so much fun. Our "comrades" buying all the soviet cameras from any source. After that all these cameras appear at ebay or regional auctions.
So it's hard to find a good FED in Ukraine nowadays - all of them are in Europe. Especially bad situation with really rare devices - almost all of them are in Europe.

That's me and my countrymen buying them - Sorry! 🙂🙂