Travellin' Man

Rodchenko

Olympian
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Mar 7, 2013
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Well, a travelling camera.

I'm looking to start a new 'Pass the RF' for the UK, and I'd like to use a Leica M9.

Yeah, right! :rolleyes:

Money's tight, and I figured that the best fun per pound would be found in a decent FSU RF. It would need to be small, reasonably reliable, and easy enough to use. Stylish as well would eb a bonus, so I was wondering whether a Fed-2 or Zorki 1 might fit the bill. A quick look at ebay suggests that the easiest to source would be a Zorki 4 or 4K (which I've had before), but that's a bit clunky. A Kiev 4 or 4a would be pretty good, but they've gone up in price of late.

Any suggestions as to what would survive the trip, and be best fun for all?
 
My experience suggests two of the cameras you're not keen on, the Zorki 4k and the Kiev 4a. I've heard that the Fed 4 or 5 are reasonable and they seem to be quite cheap at the moment.
 
I am very keen on the Kiev. I think it's a great camera. But beyond the budget atm. Perhaps I should compare this loosely to the $40 Challenge.

Fed 4 is a safe option, I suppose, but it is (hush! don't let it hear me) ugly.
 
Hi,

Hmmm, not sure about fun but for prints per pound one of the Pentax ESPIO 928M's I've been looking at in charity shops at about £3 to £5 would do the trick. Nothing like a28 to 90 zoom and AF and P mode and built in flash; plus, they've an excellent lens for a P&S. Like most of the others but my Pentax fits my idea spec.

I like the FED and Zorki 1's and the FED 2 and Zorki 4 and 4k but the lenses mean messing about and needing an extra pair of hands. Plus buying a "new to you one" would mean spending time and money getting them checked over. For the same money you could have several P&S's for colour and B&W and back-up etc.

I know this isn't a popular view but "fun" can be a pita on holiday and get in the way of relaxing. Output from P&S's is about as good as any other camera I own at the 5 x 7 level.

I only take the RF's or SLR's with a ton of lenses when I return to holiday haunts and am not driven to make the most of the visit whilst I'm there and can relax and make the photo's a part of the holiday: otherwise something small, good and pocketable suits me down to the ground.

Regards, David
 
Ah. I think I've not made myself clear. This is not for me to travel with, but for the camera to travel between participants on the forum on its own to shoot a roll and share the results before sending on. It's an experiment that's been tried on here before - with varying results, from the publication of a book to a camera getting lost for years in a cellar. But I think it'd be nice to have a UK round if we can, and see what happens.

I want it to be a rangefinder. Maybe if I can get my Oly35RC fixed up cheaply, I could make it that (and I'm looking at other Japanese budget Rfs as well as my spare Paxette). But a classic looking FSU might be the best value, so long as it will survive the adventure and not be too awkward for folk to use.
 
Fed 3. Reliable and will likely survive the knocks of traveling between photographers. If something does happen, all of you have the skill to "crack the top" and perform the necessary repair. Only drawback to the Fed 3 is its a little big and heavy. Not too bad, but not as small and elegant as a Fed1. I put an I-22 on a Fed 3 and used it as a "field" camera a couple times. With the lens collapsed, it fit in my overcoat pocket just fine. Felt a bit weighty, but it fit well and I could retrieve it for photos quickly. Everyone survived the field experience (including the photographer) and film came back with usable shots. What more can I say?
 
Oooops, sorry Rodchenko I guess I lead a very sheltered life and don't spend much time in cellars either...

Regards, David

PS RF's are a bit vulnerable to knocks. Perhaps something like an Olympus Trip 35 or XA2?
 
Well, since it's RFF, I thought a rangefinder would be best.

Having done a bit of research, I think the Zorki 1 is off the list, as it needs a Leica shaped leader cutting into the film before loading. Too fiddly. Nice looker, though. I hadn't been aware of it before.

Might spring for a Kiev, though. I just love 'em (though it would be out of my hands for goodness knows how long after the first roll or two).

Fed 2 looks to be favourite in the affordable range.

Any more advice?
 
I'd go for the FED 2 or Zorki 6. They are dead simple, completely intuitive to use, and unlike many FSU cameras, look pretty good too. One thing to consider if you are passing this to many people is the usability of the VF. People with glasses will curse the FED/Zorki 1 and Kievs, with their tiny squinty viewfinders and no diopter adjustment. I would consider the FED 2 and Zorki 6 to have the best viewfinders for most people.






Cheers,
Dez
 
Good point about dioptre correction. ISTR that my Zorki 4K had a decent lever for that. I was blessed at the time (and right up to my accident eighteen months ago) with perfect eyesight, so I didn't think about that aspect.
 
I'm leaning towards the Fed 2 as a robust and small rangefinder with possibilities for adaptation as we go on. I've even toyed with the idea of getting a collapsable lens to make it easier to ship, but that would almost double the price.

On the other hand, there is an Agfa Ambi-Silette (sadly with only the standard lens) on ebay, looking very much like it will end up a bargain. Fingers crossed, eh?
 
If you check the threads you will see the reviews and photos. No concerns and the recent users are knocking out some great shots with it.

EDIT: not to criticise the earlier users (except the first one. ;-). Just to say it's still in good condition based on the output. :-D
 
I'll check the threads later, thanks. I just wanted a bit of a headline cause I'm logging on quickly in a gap at work, so didn't want to go through a long thread. Maybe on the train home, though. :)
 
Good idea. UK and FSU camera.
I used to have two Zorki in the past. Have to completely rehaul them, including shutter curtains replacement. Both were sold as fully working from e-bay power sellers in Russia.
Zorki 3-4, personally no interest in them, due to their disproportional look to my eyes.
Have Z6 now from reputable UK guy in Ukraine. Not bad camera, but not really impressed with shutter advance mechanism. Too long. Gave it to young fella to learn b/w film. Once he has enough of it, I will sell it.
I ordered once FED-2 from Kiev and it was posted with film test scan.
Best FSU camera I ever have. In terms how it was working and how good was particular copy of I-26m on it.
My family FED-2 was serviced last year. Film advance is incredibly smooth. By one finger in one second. Faster comparing to Z6. Which I also serviced.
I had Kiev-4AM. Not impressed with way too many clock gears in it, very slow focusing and way too many places for light leaks. Worst camera I ever seen made with potential light leaks.
My vote would be for FED-2 to invade UK with.
But if you going to buy it from e-bay, get one which was CLA'd, checked. Where are couple of e-bay sellers who sell FSU cameras like this.
 
There's a Zorki 5 on ebay now looks decent. Any advice, folks?

I know I sound pretty clueless, but I have owned and pushed a lot of film through both a Zorki 4K and a Kiev 4 (the Zorki I enjoyed, for all its faults and ugliness, but the Kiev I loved), but have had almost no experience of other Russian cameras (short of a dreadful Zenit a friend had), and I know there's a wealth of it here.

The market in FSU cameras on ebay in the UK is pretty much cornered by an English chap who lives in the Ukraine. He has a good rating, and many of his cameras are CLAd.
 
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