Reccommend me a FSU

[Pepe]

I had a worki 4k. Sold it because it was too heavy and I was afraid of Sunny F11/16.

But I kind of dropped my Olympus 35RC the other day... so I am now rangefinderless...

I am no longer afraid since I started using my grandfathers Zeiss Ikonta 6x9 folding camera, but I don't have an enlarger for negatives of that size.

Perfect moment to get back on track towards a decent 35mm rangefinder system. But I can't afford nor justify a Leica, Zeiss or even a Bessa, yet.

But that's no reason not to slowly build up a system based on L39 screw mount is it ?

So.... who can answer me this :

What is the best FSU rangefinder with wide RFbaselenghth (FED2? I prefer to shoot wide open, hence base for focus, if necesary), small size, low weight, ability to change speeds w/o cocking shutter (I don't want to ruin one some night out in some greasy bar... :-D ) ... Basically is here a small vesion of a FED-2 ?

Thanks

 

[kestas]

What is the best FSU rangefinder with wide RFbaselenghth (FED2? I prefer to shoot wide open, hence base for focus, if necesary), small size, low weight, ability to change speeds w/o cocking shutter (I don't want to ruin one some night out in some greasy bar... :-D ) ... Basically is here a small vesion of a FED-2 ?

Thanks

FED-2, Zorki-5 and Zorki-6 has widest RF baselenght among LTM FSU cameras and you can change speeds without cocking shutter. but shutter speeds is quite limited 1/25 (1/30) - 1/500. VF is darker compare to Zorki-4/4K.
so, i guess you need two cameras 🙄 . Zorki-4 (bright VF, 1-1/1000) and FED-2 or Z-5/6 (wide RF base lenght, ability to change speeds without cocking shutter)
i don't know what is better, FED-2 or Zorki-5/6. many people prefer more classic look of FED, other believe that built quality of Zorki is better.

 

[wolves3012]

The Zorki 6 has a nice bright finder and a convenient hinged-back body. the wide RF base and a lever wind. No slow speeds though but they aren't hard to find or expensive. You could do a lot worse than a FED 3b, although that doesn't have the longer-base finder. Slow speeds but a dimmer finder. In practice I don't think the finder base is a major problem, the shorter base is accurate enough for most situations IMO.

My suggestions if you use the camera in poorer light would be for a Zorki 3/4/5/6 since the finders are definitely brighter.

 

[mike goldberg]

Hi...
I recommend this 2 camera combination... both are m39 screwmouunt:

Fed-2... Yes, VF is a bit dim and shutter speeds are limited.

Bessa R... It's not FSU, however it IS screwmount, many RFF guys
[including me] love it, very bright VF... and of course, you have the meter.
Also, it's very easy to change speeds.

Good luck,
mike

 

[GeneW]

Not to sound flip, but I'd say essentially any FSU cam that has a sound shutter, decent internegative spacing, no light leaks, and a good, matched lens. Any model can be good or not so good, depending on the quality. I've bought some here at RFF and have found that 100% if the seller said it was a good'un, it was. eBay is a crapshoot.

So, after that comes aesthetics. I really like the Fed 2 and the Kiev models. Nonetheless, I've had some Zorki 4's that worked really well, though personally I find them clunky. They were very serviceable cams though.

A good Jupiter 8 is a good starting lens for any of the models. One could go on and on about other lenses, but I suspect you know about most of them anyway by virtue of being a member here.

Gene

 

[alternatve]

I found the FED 3b a good FSU model to use. It's handy with it's lever winding and slow speeds. It has the same dimensions as the Leica M3 which it was modeled after. Not for those who want a small RangeFinder.

If you want a long rangefinder base, why not try a Kiev? It has a 90mm rangefinder base, beating even the Leica!

 

[Keith]

As much as I like my Fed 2 ... I have numerous LTM lenses for it courtesy of a Leica habit ... I think the Kiev is the best Russian RF. My Kiev II blows away my Fed 2 in all aspects and though they are a little dearer and you will have to get lenses there is no comparison. A Kiev and a couple of Jupiters can be owned for under $200.00 and there is not much you can't do with this combination. With the fast Jupiter 3 ... the extra shutter speed of the Kiev (1/1200) is very useful! 🙂

 

[tedwhite]

The Kievs have the longest rangefinder base. Kieve 4AM is my recommendation. I've owned both FED 2 and Zorki 4K. The Zorki is way easier to use and has - in comparison to the FED 2 - a "modern" viewfinder. As in you can actually see through it.

However, and as Mike Goldberg says, if you've got lots of M39 glass, get a Bessa R. Has a meter and a wonderfully bright viewfinder.

 

[mike goldberg]

Good morning all...
It's early morning in Jerusalem, Wed., 18 April, and I've just hung up
HP5+to dry.

A good starting point is the glass. Jupiters are superb lenses.
My buddy Ruben across town, would fully agree with Keith re: the Kiev.
BOTH the Kiev and Fed-2 have long RF bases. I'm really enjoying my
Fed-2 with an excellent J8.

Ruben has written a lot about the Kiev shutter curtain and winding
problems. We met last Friday, and he showed me a Kiev
shutter curtain mechanism. After 3 years of research and experimentation,
Ruben believes he has resolved the issue of soft and smooth
film advance/shutter cocking in the Kiev.

A Kiev is somewhat larger and heavier than a Fed-2, and you must learn
the "Kiev/Contax grip" ... so as not to block the right RF window.

Re: Zorki, I've never had one in my hands... A lot of guys like them.

Good luck, whatever your choice.
Cheers, mike

 

[captainslack]

Get the Bessa, if you can afford it. If not, I have to agree with Keith: the Kiev's blow the FED's & Zorki's away for build & VF quality & RF base length.

And with ANY FSU camera, cock the shutter before changing the speed. Some models you may not have to, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

 

[mike goldberg]

Hmm...
I'm pleasantly surprised that several guys above like the Kiev as much
as they do. My #1 choice is still the Bessa R. The bright VF and meter
are wonderful. Of course it IS more expensive.
Ciao, mike

 

[nzeeman]

fed 2 or any kiev will be good deal. if you need slow speeds get kiev. if you need more compact option get fed2 with industar 22.

 

[alternatve]

*Disclaimer: I'm not a professional in this, there are many others out there and in RFF that are more relaible and experienced in this, but I'm going to give it a shot.

Firstly, some good websites to flip through before you get a model.

www.commiecameras.com
Everything you need to know about Russian cameras

http://jay.fedka.com/
The center of FED and Zorki 1 excellence.

http://www3.telus.net/public/rpnchbck/
Everything you needed to know and more about Kievs

www.fedka.com
www.okvintagecamera.com
http://www.dvdtechcameras.com/index.htm
Good websites to purchase Russian cameras without the Russian roulette style of evil bay.

I currently own this three cameras, so that's what I'll be introducing them to you. I didn't want to reinvent the wheel and write all their stats down here, so I'm just going to give you my personal comments.

FED 1/Zorki 1
People usually get this for the looks then for the shooting. It still takes greats picture though, but you might want to get something more modern as the viewfinder is squinty and film loading can be a hassle. This cameras are already close to 50 years of age, so a CLA beforehand is preferable.

FED 2
The Favoured one. This is one of the more popular models here and rightfully so. It has a ncie design, small in stature and has a long rangefinder base. The the viewfinder can be a bit squinty as well, but it's ok for me. It's jsut too bad this model lacks slow speeds, else I'll take this everywhere.

FED 3
The underdog. Pretty underused, most prefer the FED 1 or 2. I think it has a nice shape and design though. It's a good shooter as well if you get a good one. The viewfinder can be a bit squinty to some.

I hope this has helped you in going about in your decision. 🙂

Samuel

 

[ruben]

I am a plain ignorant about Feds and Zorkis, for my shame. But upon recently buying a Fed, I noticed the following. While the price of Feds are very much alike those of Kievs, Soviet lens screwmount are more expensive than their kiev counterparts.

Cheers,
Ruben

 

[robin a]

I am a plain ignorant about Feds and Zorkis, for my shame. But upon recently buying a Fed, I noticed the following. While the price of Feds are very much alike those of Kievs, Soviet lens screwmount are more expensive than their kiev counterparts.

Cheers,
Ruben

Why is that?I've wondered that myself........Robin

 

[Pepe]

The Bessa is out. Too expensive. I lost my job last week (well I quit because of substanial back-pay), and my second child will be born sometime next week. My autofocus minolta gear will be up on Ebay soon enough. But that's another story.

I'd go for Fed because of the screw mount. Allows growing towards Zeiss-Ikons, Bessas or the M-system with adapters. But most of all those 12mm rectilinear beasts.... I love ultra wides.

Are there any Contax-mount lenses still being made ? Won't that account for the price difference.

After researching in those links Alernative gave, it seems the Fed-2's with the mushroom wind lever allow speed changes regardless of shutter cocking. On Ebay the go at about 30 with a lens. Fifty EUR shipping included is scarily little, but I've seen Alex-Photo mentioned here before in good light; no ?

 

[vrgard]

I assume it has to do with supply and demand in that there are more folks who may be interested in a screwmount fsu lens for their fsu, leica, canon, etc., camera, than there are folks who have a Kiev camera and want another lens for it.

-Randy

P.S. I was responding to Robin's inquiry above.

 

[mike_j]

I can't really recommend any FSU camera, they are, in my experience, all heavy, clumsy and unreliable. Some of the lenses are a quite different matter, good performance and unbeatable value.

If you can't afford a Bessa now why not pick up a cheap fixed lens camera (Yashica, Minolta or whatever) and wait until you can buy a nice Bessa R2.

 

[johne]

If you are interested in a good, relaible performer, try a Zorki IIC. If interested, send me a PM.
Johne

 

[Pepe]

If you can't afford a Bessa now why not pick up a cheap fixed lens camera (Yashica, Minolta or whatever) and wait until you can buy a nice Bessa R2.

Because any one of those with full manual controls will set me back the same amount or more, considering I want a 2.0 or faster.

Any Canon GIII QL17 goes for double what a Fed2+J-8 goes.