Help with Fed 3

[dee]

Hi , my last fling resulted in a jammed Zenit S [ described as checked and in good condition - serves me right for going the SLR route ? ] and a very nice Fed 3 - [ described as new condition ] but the back presess in when I pick it up - not very confidence inspiring !

has anyone any idea what might cause the loose / bending back , and if it can be fixed ?
with exhorbitant shipping of $28 each [ should have checked if she would discount on multiples , but got complacent with my good luck so far ] three reasonably priced cameras , two of which are faulty , cost me £90 ... and I bet I would not get a refund on shipping ... ouch !

... and my last parcel to open . Sod's law strikes again .

dee saster

 

[payasam]

Some Zorki models are notorious for flexing backs. Perhaps that is true of some FEDs too.

 

[Xmas]

Dee

Fed 3 (& 5) backs do seem to have light leak problems but should be rigid ignoring some slack which always seems to be present. Is there signs of physical damage?

Noel

 

[maiko9]

I have the same problem with a '68 Kiev 4A I just received a couple of months ago. It's been nicely recovered with an Asahi LizardSkin kit, & works smoothly, but it too is afflicted with a flexing back. I also own a '60 version of the same model with no hint of such a problem. Although I don't press on that section of the back while in the throes of the Contax Grip, & as I haven't yet exposed a roll, I'm obviously concerned about light leaks & film flatness issues ( the previous owner has assured me he has encountered no such problems..... maybe so). At the present moment I'm mulling over the option of consulting my CLA Guy about the feasability of a cheap solution, or selling it. I love the way this camera feels & looks, but I've other cameras to fry..... I've just very recently been bitten by the MF bug!

 

[Xmas]

A Kiev back may show some sign of movement, but still not leak light.
The pressure plate should not be a problem.

Try it out.

Noel

 

[dee]

the Fed 3 from mvd looks in excellent condition - certainly no visible damage to the back , but it really '' cracks '' when i pick it up - let alone use it ... it would have been reasonable , if mvd did not charge $28 shipping per camera ... and another from her is jammed and she insists that it was OK before she sent it [ OUCH ] I shall try a film through it , but it does not inspire confidence .
Could a Zenit or , for that matter , jam itself in transit - in a case and a box ! ?
It's not that I can't press down the release - I can wind on and trigger the shutter , but it twitches the shutter speed dial and nothing else . Any ideas ? I am down a LOT on this deal !!!

 

[Xmas]

Dee

Where is the movement in the back located, how far and in what direction does it move?
When you wind on does the shutter i.e. both curtains move?
When you release do both curtains travel.
What speed insindicated when wound on.

Noel