First FSU camera

[pcfranchina]

Hello All. First time in the Russian Rangefinder group. I curently have a few rangefinders, A Canonet 28, a Canonet ql17 GIII, and a Bessa R3a. I am thinking of selling or trading my Canonets for a FSU camera. Any recomendations? I would like to be able swap lenses with my Bessa too.

I really never use my canonets and would rather something a little more interesting. I hear its kinds iffy on ebay would rather get something from someone here.


Any help would be appreciated.


Thanks

 

[Kim Coxon]

If you are interested in a Fed 2 there's this 😉

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19761

Kim

 

[dll927]

If you are talking about buying an FSU camera, I'd start with Fedka in NYC. Call up www.fedka.com. Yuri is a litle higher-priced than a lot of ebay, but you know you'll get a camera he will stand behind. Also, it takes a LOT less time to arrive than from the (former) USSR. I've bought three from him, and they are pretty decent samples.

 

[JoeFriday]

personally, I'd keep the QL17... you might find it more convenient for a travel camera than your Bessa or a FSU setup

as for what FSU body.. you'll probably want to go with a LTM setup.. which means Zorki or FED.. and keep in mind that they don't use framelines, so you'll be using a 50mm setup, unless you have a viewfinder for your current lenses

but picking up a cheap FSU is a great excuse to use a Jupiter-8!

 

[Jocko]

Hallo! In a way, this is one of those unanswerable questions, but I'd suggest that the obvious choice for a first screw-mount FSU camera would be either the Zorki 4K or FED 2. Both are widely available and cheap. A slightly more esoteric choice might be a Zorki 6 or the Leica-like Zorki/FED 1.

All these cameras have avid partisans. Personally I favour FEDs; the FED 2 is a classic design, robustly built with beautiful handling and a fine, long-base RF. The limited range of shutterspeeds (1/30th -1/500) are seldom a problem in general use, but the viewfinders are small and rather dull, although individual cameras can vary quite a lot.

Many people love the Zorki-4. A large, bright viewfinder and a wider range of shutter speeds (1 -1000th) are strong plus points, but I never took to the camera, partly on aesthetic grounds. The Zorki 6 offers a similar specification to the FED 2, with a much better finder and a conventional door to load film. But the latter can sometimes prove a weak point, prone to lightleaks and accidental openings. It's not hard to remedy these quirks - and many users have no trouble at all - but such problems sapped my confidence in an otherwise delightful camera.

If you want something really interesting, go for the Zorki or FED 1 - basically a Barnack Leica. Unique, peerless and perfect in its way.

There are many other possibilities - and you'll probably end up owning the lot!

Incidentally, a good e-bay seller - like the excellent Alex-photo - is as trustworthy as anyone.

All the best, Ian

 

[kmack]

If you want something really interesting, go for the Zorki or FED 1 - basically a Barnack Leica. Unique, peerless and perfect in its way.

An additional reason for getting a nice Zorki or Fed 1 is that it may forstall the inevitable desire to get a Barnack Leica. 😀

My first FSU was a Zorki 4, after a CLA by Oleg (OkVintageCamera) it is a nice performer, larger viewfinder than some of the other FSU rangefinders and still one of my favorites despite it being somewhat clumsey to use.

Fedka would be a natural choice for you, but Oleg is also a great dealer and has a few Zorki and Fed 1's listed on his site.

 

[w3rk5]

Since you want to be able to swap lenses with your Bessa you'll be getting either a FED, Zorki, or possibly a Drug.

Kim Coxon, Fedka, and Oleg are all good soruces to buy from. I've never had any issues from solid sellers on e-bay though.

I personally like FED's best. 🙂 Good luck on whatever you decide to buy.

 

[nzeeman]

if u need something compact and pretty take zorki1/fed1 but they can be more expensive than other cameras.
so its better to take fed 2 or if you use slow speeds a lot take a zorki4. they can be find very cheap. and later when u get addicted take zorki 1,2,3...6 and all others fsu.
😉

 

[pcfranchina]

Do the Canonets (New 28 and GIII) seem like a fair trade for an already CLAed FSU camera? or am I better of selling them both seperatly? Both my canonets are in great shape and the GII was just CLAed.

 

[ErnestoJL]

If you can invest some money, (IMHO) I´ll keep the G III, it´s an excellent travelling yet compact RF. Then a Fed3 or a Zorki 4k from any good US based supplier (specialized in FSU cameras, of course) , I guess will be your best choice.
If you can get any Jupiter 8 with your purchase, You´ll have an excellent copy of the pre-war Sonnar 2/50 from ZI. The Industar 61 is also very nice performer however a bit slower.

Ernesto

 

[pcfranchina]

the GII really doesnt get much use, and the 28 gets none. If anything I grab the Bessa and go. (or the evil minolta digital)