Suggestions?

[steveniphoto]

I currently own a FED4 as a rangefinder and am pretty happy with it EXCEPT for its size. It's both bigger and heavier than my OM-1 and as big/heavy as my SRT 102 so i was thinking of getting another FSU rangefinder..

anyone have any suggestions? i was thinking of getting the zorki 5 or 6 but how big is it compared to the FED4? if its the same size/weight then i'll have to pass on them.

i was also thinking of the FED1 or the zorki 1 as they are clearly smaller. i dont mind trimming the leaders as ive done it before with my friends leica ii but a lot of people ive seen post dont recommend them.

suggestions?

 

[konicaman]

The Zorki 2S (C) especially with a collapsible lens is a rather small packet. They are quite common and rather inexpensive - and with strap lugs (if that matters to you, at least it does to me). Small viewfinder compared to the FED 4, but so have the 1s. Zorki 6 is a bit smaller than a FED4 and has a more modern feel to it and a larger viewfinder than the 2C. I have both the 2S and the Z6 and they both seem rather stable.

 

[ray*j*gun]

The Zorki 2S (C) especially with a collapsible lens is a rather small packet. They are quite common and rather inexpensive - and with strap lugs (if that matters to you, at least it does to me). Small viewfinder compared to the FED 4, but so have the 1s. Zorki 6 is a bit smaller than a FED4 and has a more modern feel to it and a larger viewfinder than the 2C. I have both the 2S and the Z6 and they both seem rather stable.

I second this and the Fed 2 in general is one of the most reliable of the FSU's

 

[steveniphoto]

ok i'll take a look into the zorki and FED2 thanks guys. i was browsing fedka and noticed that they dont have any of the zorki 2 in my price range so i might have to wait a little and see what pops up. i dont really trust ebay too much with older cameras.

 

[konicaman]

Oh yes - forgot about the FED2. If you get one of those you should consider a model with an elevated accessory shoe, as you will not be able to use a turret finder (if you need one) otherwise.

 

[wolves3012]

First off, you mention the weight of the FED 4. Although there's some variation between models, all the usual FSUs are metal-bodied and they are all relatively heavy. Also, you have a light meter and slow speeds on your FED 4 that you'll lose with the other suggested models.

The FED/Zorki 1 are smaller but not that much lighter. With a collapsible lens, they do fit a large ish pocket though, unlike the FED 4. Downsides are squinty VF/RF (but not unusable by any means) and lack of slower speeds.

The Zorki 5 and 6 are smaller than your FED 4 and have much nicer VFs. The FED 2 does have a reputation for reliability and it has the wide-base RF (as do the Z-5/Z-6).

If you're really wanting to go a fair bit smaller, I'd opt for a late Zorki 1. Just don't expect it to be half the weight and take a meter (if you use one).

 

[steveniphoto]

First off, you mention the weight of the FED 4. Although there's some variation between models, all the usual FSUs are metal-bodied and they are all relatively heavy. Also, you have a light meter and slow speeds on your FED 4 that you'll lose with the other suggested models.

The FED/Zorki 1 are smaller but not that much lighter. With a collapsible lens, they do fit a large ish pocket though, unlike the FED 4. Downsides are squinty VF/RF (but not unusable by any means) and lack of slower speeds.

The Zorki 5 and 6 are smaller than your FED 4 and have much nicer VFs. The FED 2 does have a reputation for reliability and it has the wide-base RF (as do the Z-5/Z-6).

If you're really wanting to go a fair bit smaller, I'd opt for a late Zorki 1. Just don't expect it to be half the weight and take a meter (if you use one).

weight isnt so much of an issue just thought i would mention it haha. yeah i decided on getting a zorki 1 or 2 at this point just waiting to get paid so i can buy it thanks.

 

[reagan]

yeah i decided on getting a zorki 1 or 2 at this point

Good call. The Ones are my favorites. And older is better, IMHO. When you get to looking, FYI ...

• Zorki.1c offers eight speeds of Z, 20, 30, 40, 60, 100, 200 and 500.
• Newer Zorki.1d, only six shutter speeds of B, 25, 50, 100, 250 and 500.