oscroft
Veteran
I've just got a FED 3B ;-)
To be precise, I bought a whole kit from an eBay seller, including the 3B, a J-8, J-9 and J-12 all in black, a J-11 in chrome, and a turret viewfinder (and he threw in a nice little Sekonic L-8 meter that wasn't in the description). The whole lot is in near-mint condition, all appears to be in fine working order (the 3B shutter sounds really sweet), and the whole lot cost me £108 (about US$200).
I didn't really want the whole kit - I really just wanted the J-8 because I didn't have one, and the J-9 and finder to replace my old and worn examples, and I thought I'd resell the rest. I didn't need the FED 3B, because I already have a good FED 1g and 2b, so I planned to sell it on (I've tended to think they're big and a bit on the ugly side).
But I've changed my mind now that I've got my hands on it. It just doesn't feel big and bulky as I'd expected, and instead actually handles very nicely indeed, and it's quite nice having one body with slow speeds just in case I ever want them. So I'm keeping it! And if anyone is thinking of a camera to get started with, I'd suggest seriously considering a 3B. (The only downside - no strap lugs).
Anyway, next weekend, I'm off out somwhere with FED 3, J-8 and J-9. (I love how small and neat the J-8 is, especially for an f/2, and the new J-9 is pristine!)
To be precise, I bought a whole kit from an eBay seller, including the 3B, a J-8, J-9 and J-12 all in black, a J-11 in chrome, and a turret viewfinder (and he threw in a nice little Sekonic L-8 meter that wasn't in the description). The whole lot is in near-mint condition, all appears to be in fine working order (the 3B shutter sounds really sweet), and the whole lot cost me £108 (about US$200).
I didn't really want the whole kit - I really just wanted the J-8 because I didn't have one, and the J-9 and finder to replace my old and worn examples, and I thought I'd resell the rest. I didn't need the FED 3B, because I already have a good FED 1g and 2b, so I planned to sell it on (I've tended to think they're big and a bit on the ugly side).
But I've changed my mind now that I've got my hands on it. It just doesn't feel big and bulky as I'd expected, and instead actually handles very nicely indeed, and it's quite nice having one body with slow speeds just in case I ever want them. So I'm keeping it! And if anyone is thinking of a camera to get started with, I'd suggest seriously considering a 3B. (The only downside - no strap lugs).
Anyway, next weekend, I'm off out somwhere with FED 3, J-8 and J-9. (I love how small and neat the J-8 is, especially for an f/2, and the new J-9 is pristine!)
fidget
Lemon magnet
Congratulations on your new kit. A collection of lenses like that isn't easy to come by.
The lack of strap lugs can be softened by modifying the case stud for two new ones, at least you get to remove the top part of the case.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18576&highlight=case+modification
Hope to see some of your work from the 3b.
Dave
The lack of strap lugs can be softened by modifying the case stud for two new ones, at least you get to remove the top part of the case.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18576&highlight=case+modification
Hope to see some of your work from the 3b.
Dave
oscroft
Veteran
That's a nice idea, thanks for the suggestion