fedka repair

[brachal]

I got the Fed3, Kiev4a, and Industar 61 that I sent to fedka for service back today! 😀 The Fed3 had a broken shutter, and the Kiev had a pretty good light leak. The I61 was super stiff and chunky feeling. My initial impression is good. The shutter on the Fed was replaced (old cracks are missing now) and is working very smoothly. The Kiev still isn't as smooth to operate as my 2a, but it's noticeably better than it was. The Industar feels a little tight, but operates smoothly throughout the focusing range. I'm going to try to shoot a roll with each camera this weekend, and will let y'all know if everything is as good as it seems.

 

[JasonC]

Bill,

Any update on the repairs? Thanks.

Jason.

 

[dazedgonebye]

They have both my Fed-2s at the moment...
Keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[JasonC]

Steve,

Please let me know how the repair turns out? Thanks.

Jason.

 

[brachal]

I've been waiting for final resolution before posting more. I got both cameras back in November and shot a roll with each. The light leak in the Kiev was much smaller, but still present. The Fed's shutter had been replaced, but it had a new light leak from somewhere. I contacted Yuri, and sent the cameras back for further work. After additional work by his repair person, Yuri shot a roll with each camera -- the only sure way to test a leak is to shoot, after all. According to Yuri, the Kiev is good to go, but there was still a problem with the Fed. They replaced the shutter a second time, but now think the leak is unrelated to the shutter as it persists even if the frame is shot with the lens cap on. I had an email from Yuri last week stating that they're working on it. He did offer to send the Kiev back ahead of the Fed, but I didn't feel that it would be necessary. I imagine I'll hear something soon, now that the holidays are winding down.

It's taking a while, but I'm not disappointed. As always, Yuri has communicated well, and is a pleasure to do business with. How many repair services will shoot multiple rolls through a Fed to make sure it's right? Other than shipping, all of this work has been covered by the initial service charge.

The I61 is great, by the way.