Fed 5

[indridi]

Hello

I'm new to this forum, and actually new to film photography as well. Have been experimenting with my digital point-and-shoot, to the point that it can't do what I want, as well as with a D-SLRs from a friend, which actually can do what I want, at the price of, well, the price - so I decided to go analog.

I just bought a FED 5 on ebay (should arrive any day now), since my research showed i'd be getting a pretty good lens (61 L/D), as well as a working (and butt ugly) camera.
Now, I wanted to ask you experienced FSU-RS fans about this camera. It may be somewhat less good looking than the rest of the FED family, but is there any reason to think my shoots would be more dissapointing to me than with any other body. Or should I go straight ahead and buy something better to replace the "FED5 rear lens cap"?

 

[xayraa33]

Welcome to the Forum. the Fed 5 is not a bad camera, just ugly and very common & roughly built.
as you know, it comes with a 1st class lens, my biggest problem with the
Fed 5 is that the vertical alignment of the rf seems to go bad more than any other FSU camera that I own.
the 5 is as good a picture taker as any FSU camera out there.

 

[fidget]

Congratulations on your purchase and welcome here!
Although maybe not the best looking camera, I expect that this one was described as new and may be quite young. Hopefully it will be a good worker and not have any of the problems that most older cams seem to spring upon us.
The finish of this model is not representative of the older FEDs but could make a good user.
( I must confess that I have one of these in red, it is an excellent worker. The RF was a little off and the shutters were a bit too snappy for me. It is now as near perfect as they get, but I've not had the need/courage to take it out yet)
Oh, remember, cock before changing the speed.
Enjoy, post a few pics when you get them.
Dave...

 

[Xmas]

Indridi
You need a lens hood, either a 40.5 to 49mm step up ring and SLR style 49mm hood or a 40.5 mm, the 49mm filters are cheaper and more readily available.
The hood helps the lens contra jour and absorbs finger prints and drop tests. If you dont want to use a hood you need a 40.5 mm filter to protect the filter mount. Dont clean the lens it will micro scratch it.
The body may need a service and it is buy screwdrivers or send it out to a shop.
The never ERC is inconvenient and some people use a strap from the tripod socket, others convert the cover rivet to a snap on so that the cover can be removed for shooting.
You need to not adjust the shutter speed until the shutter is cocked, this is important, please trust me and the herds of monkeys who will confirm this, and you need to store the camera uncocked or not set it to a slow speed, when stored, uncocked is prefered.
Buy some B&W, when you open the vendors package practise empty and then go out and waste 36 frames, enjoy... Xp-2 or equivalent chromogenic will process at the local market shop like colour film, and they can scan rather than print if you twist their arm.
The Fed 5 is fast handling for a FSU, butt ugly, but you are its friend and wont notice this.
The rangefinder is easy to adjust yourself (at the expense of finger nails as I recall)
Noel

 

[Jocko]

just ugly and very common & roughly built.

Ideally suited to Cambridgeshire...!

Seriously indridi, xayraa33 is quite right - the FED 5 is as competant a camera as any of the FSU "leicas". I also think the "ugly" thing is gravely overdone, reflecting the tragic insecurity of Zorki owners 🙂 All things working, you should have no complaints.

All the best, Ian

 

[physiognomy]

Welcome to RFF!

I am one of the (few?) people who doesn't mind the FED 5's looks... There are much worse looking cameras imho... With that I can't see why you would want to buy another FED. I own a few & my 5B definitely gets the most use. They can be roughly built (I've heard), but mine runs smoothly & I've never had a problem with it. xayraa33 is right about the rangefinder alignment, but it is pretty easy to fix... Here are some instructions incase you need them -

Matt Denton's FED 5 Page (click link)

The I61 L/D is a great lens, but the FED 5 works well with all ltm lenses I've tried...

Cheers!

Peter

 

[fidget]

My! that's a nice lens! What's that big ugly thing behind it? 😉

 

[lubitel]

you've got an elmar on your fed 5?! damn! thats probably every fed 5's dream come true 🙂

 

[physiognomy]

you've got an elmar on your fed 5?! damn! thats probably every fed 5's dream come true 🙂

It's a little spoiled because it gets to play with my Nikkor 50/2 & CV 35/2.5 as well 🙂 What a life!

Peter

 

[rbiemer]

Probably the least glamourous of all the FSU cameras but it will do what you ask it to. There are only two things that I don't much like about it: no strap lugs(but an easy fix--I cut the top of the "everready" case off and use the bottom with its strap) and no 1/1000 speed(I don't really miss that a lot).
The FED5 can use all of my LTM lenses(CV21mm, Leica 90mm, Canon 50mm and all the Russian/Ukranian glass I've got) so that's good.
Two things to be aware of:
A) Don't change the shutter speed before winding on.
B) Cock the shutter before changing the speeds.
Enjoy your first FSU camera and , please, let us see some photos!
Welcome to RFF,
Rob

 

[raftman]

I've been very satisfied with my FED 5. It's a decent camera, takes good pics and works rather well. My only issue with it is the viewfinder, which requires being careful if you wear glasses. I don't think it's actually all that ugly, more like... an acquired taste.

 

[indridi]

1/1000 speed(I don't really miss that a lot).

Yes, I was wondering about that (might actually want that some time). Do any of the other FED (or FSU for that matter) have 1/1000 speed ?

A) Don't change the shutter speed before winding on

I've been reading about these cameras alot all over the internet, and I think no one ever mentiones these cameras without emphasising this.

B) Cock the shutter before changing the speeds.

Well, I guess it can't be stressed enaugh 🙂

Thanks for all the replies, looks like fun here.

Indriði

 

[GeorgesGiralt]

I've been very satisfied with my FED 5. It's a decent camera, takes good pics and works rather well. My only issue with it is the viewfinder, which requires being careful if you wear glasses. I don't think it's actually all that ugly, more like... an acquired taste.

Use an O ring gasket from a plumbing store glued to the metal part of the viwfinder with Super Glue. This way, your lenses won't be scratched by the metal.
Go to the store with your camera and select the correct diameter and size of the taurus to fit your taste...
Just my 2 cents

 

[Spyderman]

I was thinking about a FED 5 a long tome ago when I had no experience with FSU cameras and wanted to buy one. The dark viewfinder put me off from that decision. I bought a Zorki 4 instead and never regretted.
On the other hand when you have the FED already, use it! and post some photos!!!

PS: physiognomy: how can you focus a 90mm lens with that squinty VF/RF? 🙄

 

[oscroft]

Yes, I was wondering about that (might actually want that some time). Do any of the other FED (or FSU for that matter) have 1/1000 speed ?

My Zorki-3M and Zorki-4K are the only ones I have to hand right now, and they both have 1/1000.

 

[rbiemer]

Yes, I was wondering about that (might actually want that some time). Do any of the other FED (or FSU for that matter) have 1/1000 speed ?

A) Don't change the shutter speed before winding on

I've been reading about these cameras alot all over the internet, and I think no one ever mentiones these cameras without emphasising this.

B) Cock the shutter before changing the speeds.

Well, I guess it can't be stressed enaugh 🙂
Thanks for all the replies, looks like fun here.
Indriði

I actually miss the strap lugs more than the higher shutter speed but it is nice to have(that's why the Zorki 3m is my main shooter--it has both. And a very nice viewfinder)
My Zorki 3m has 1/1000 and as far as I know, all the Kiev RF cameras have 1/1000.
And, yes, I do tend to emphasize wind then set the speeds. I broke a lovely camera that way and hope that other folks won't.
Rob

 

[raftman]

Use an O ring gasket from a plumbing store glued to the metal part of the viwfinder with Super Glue. This way, your lenses won't be scratched by the metal.
Go to the store with your camera and select the correct diameter and size of the taurus to fit your taste...
Just my 2 cents

If that works, it's very ingenious. Thank you!