Hello! New member intro and new RF!

[hyunkseo]

Hey guys...

My name is Hyun and I think I've just got bit with the FSU Rangefinder bug... I've been looking for good models of FED-1, Z-1s and FED-3 and 2s.

Two days ago, I've won an auction in eBay for a FED NKVD Factory one.
I believe the version is FED-1c / Type 7 with serial number 66245

I have couple questions regarding this camera... Providing that this camera actually works, I've read somewhere that this camera will not accept M39 screw mount lenses without some modifications... Is this true? If so, how can I modify it so it fits M39 the mount?

and from the Fed-1 and Zorki-1s... which version is the most well crafted/made (From what I've seen, the latest batch of the Zorki 1s seem to be very well made)? Because I heard that early models have metal that could be bent very easily, and have really bad finish and also I heard the early models are hand made?? Would you guys be able to tell me according to the serial number if mine is one of the better batches or not? (Or if it's handmade...) I know that these have hit and miss QC's... so I don't expect any solid answer from you guys.

I think I'm going to clean this camera and put a new sheet of leatherette on it when I get it!

PICS!

 

[wolves3012]

Hey guys...

My name is Hyun and I think I've just got bit with the FSU Rangefinder bug... I've been looking for good models of FED-1, Z-1s and FED-3 and 2s.

Firstly, welcome to RFF!

Two days ago, I've won an auction in eBay for a FED NKVD Factory one.
I believe the version is FED-1c / Type 7 with serial number 66245

Your camera is the "NKVD" model from about 1938.

I have couple questions regarding this camera... Providing that this camera actually works, I've read somewhere that this camera will not accept M39 screw mount lenses without some modifications... Is this true? If so, how can I modify it so it fits M39 the mount?

Yes, it's true. The thread pitch is slightly different on the early FEDs and they are not guaranteed to accept other lenses. You may be lucky, or not. If the threads are a little worn and likewise on the other lens, they may just go on but never force one on. I have an NKVD that will accept *some* other M39 lenses. There is a second problem, however, that the mount-to-film distance is not standardised, so this is also a likely problem. The solution is to fit a mount from a later camera and shim it to the standard distance (28.80mm +/-0.02mm). You would also need to re-shim the original lens to agree with that if you plan to keep using it.

and from the Fed-1 and Zorki-1s... which version is the most well crafted/made (From what I've seen, the latest batch of the Zorki 1s seem to be very well made)? Because I heard that early models have metal that could be bent very easily, and have really bad finish and also I heard the early models are hand made?? Would you guys be able to tell me according to the serial number if mine is one of the better batches or not? (Or if it's handmade...) I know that these have hit and miss QC's... so I don't expect any solid answer from you guys.

Early FEDs were, I am fairly sure, hand-made in the sense that each shutter crate is assembled individually and the crates were made up from several stamped-metal parts. All the screws etc are not aligned the same on each camera. This is also true of the crate-to-bodyshell fittings. Late ones, and Zorkis too, used a 1-piece diecast shutter crate. It's more rigid and more "standard". This tends to make the later ones better. My own opinion is that Zorkis were a little better made but not everyone agrees with that. The best "user" I think is a Zorki 1d or e. That would give it an 8-digit serial number starting from 54 to 56 (i.e. 1954-1956).

 

[paulfish4570]

welcome from alabama ...

 

[John Lawrence]

Welcome from me too.

Have fun.

John

 

[oftheherd]

Welcome from Northern Virginia, USA. Hope your camera works as you would want.

 

[Muller]

Welcome from (currently) Ujeongbu, Korea!

 

[hyunkseo]

thank you guys for the warm welcome guys! I'm from NJ by the way
Muller, how is it there 😉

I've also acquired a Zorki 1d body and a Industar 26M lens to go with it too. How much would it be to service a FED-1 or a Zorki-1? Will it have to go overseas?

thanks again!

 

[Muller]

It's cold, very cold. Cold enough that just above freezing feels "warm". 🙂