FED3 film winding

[Mauro]

I have purchased a wonderful FED3 just few days ago, and I am already taking my first shots with it: but I have a techncial question.
When winding the film, I hear a sound like "grinding" coming from the top/centre of the wind lever; the film winds up regularly, so is it a normal sound or should I worry about it?
Thanks in advance for any advice and tip about this camera, as I am new to Soviet rangefinders.

Have a nice day!
Mauro

 

[Jocko]

Hallo Mauro!

Just two points really;

1) The camera could probably do with a CLA (Clean/Lubricate/Adjust). It may be over 40 years old and the original lubricants have probably have dried out or gone solid. Any mechanical problems could also be remedied during this procedure. Many RFF member do their own CLAs. I'm much less competant, so I send cameras to Oleg - a highly respected Russian repairman. To find him, click the link "Russian Cameras" on the left-hand side of the homepage.

2) Yes, some Feds make a grinding noise, even when new from the box! It's unlikely to be anything serious, but a CLA should fix it.

Hope that helps a little,

Regards, Ian

 

[fidget]

hi, nice to learn that you are enjoying your FED3. As Jocko syas, a CLA may help.
I had posted on a similar theme here http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21001
When winding, if the clutch is hard (and most seem to be) then the strain when winding will be greater and some noise or roughness might be felt throught the winder. This will become more obvious when you come to rewind the film as this also will have to overcome the clutch. It's worth checking.
Would instructions help?

 

[Mauro]

Dear friends, thank you very much for your useful comments and advices.
It seems to me that film winding and rewinding in my FED3 works smoothly, I just hear that small noise when winding; but maybe I am used to modern SLR, I have never payed with such an old camera. By the way, I will develop my first film very soon, so I will be able to judge: of course I will tell you more, and post some pictures.
Thanks again, and have a nice week!