Updated FED-2 all Black and Pebbley

[Zevoniac_57]

This is my first attempt at painting a camera, and applying new skin, so please be kind.

I also apologize for the image quality. I loaned my dig to my sister, so these are 1 hour photo and scanned.

Randy

 

[Zevoniac_57]

Darn! I forgot the coffee. Does it count that I made a nice double with espresso with home roasted beans that morning?

Randy

 

[Solinar]

To me at least, the FED 2 looks much nicer in black. It also fits the hand perfectly and has all its controls in the right place.

 

[Zevoniac_57]

I agree

I agree

The only issue I have is the shutter release is in an awkward place. I solved that with an Abrahams mini-soft release. It raises the release slightly above the wind knob, which for me makes firing much easier and more comfortable.

You can email them at TTAbrahams@aol.com, and buy direct for $10 ea, Website: www.rapidwinder.com.

Or buy from Stephen @ camera quest for a few bucks more
http://www.cameraquest.com/voigtMSR.htm

Randy

I have no interest in either site, just a happy customer

 

[tedwhite]

Randy. It looks like a fine job. I was wondering if you intend to do the logo in either red or white?

And thanks for the tip on the mini-soft shutter release. I've got a FED 2 coming by tramp steamer from Russia. I've seen photos of several with the logos in either white or red. The red blew me away. Would you mind telling us just how much of a job it was, and about the top and bottom plate preparation and paint?

Ted

 

[Zevoniac_57]

Fed Job

Fed Job

Hi Ted,

Thanks to the great directions on Jim Blazik's site, and the new skin from Aki Asahi's site, it wasn't that bad. I learned a few things along the way, and will certainly try it again, with better results.

I'm waiting for some Lacquer sticks to arrive to fill in the logos. I think White for the FED-2 logo on front, Red for the top Logo, and white for the frame and shutter release indicators. Although the "stealthy nature on no logo on the front is growing on me.....

Here's a recap:

Following the detailed instructions on Jim's site I stripped, scrubbed, & buffed my FED (so to speak). I then applied self etching primer and several coats of automotive satin black finish. After that a nice bake in the oven, a nice polish and wax, and Poof Super FED.

I then applied Aki Asahi's pebble finish covering, beautiful and easy.


>>>> I have no financial, or personal interest in either website. Just a very happy customer!!!!! <<<<

Don't be afraid to try it yourself!

Good luck!

Randy

 

[tedwhite]

Can't wait for my camera to arrive. Of course, if it looks as minty in real life as it did in the photos, I might just leave it be, buy another and experiment with it. Maybe buy two more as I'll no doubt file the first one away in some dark drawer labeled "one-trial learning experiences."

Regards,

Ted

 

[rbiemer]

Very nice work, Randy! I have been wanting a black FSU camera but haven't quite decided which camera. When I bought GeneW's FED2 I had repainting in the back of my mind but the camera is just too pretty to mess with so I'm still looking for a candidate.
What did you use to bake the finish with?
I like the combination of the lens and camera you have. Any problems with the focus tab scratching the new skin?
Just lovely! Rob

 

[Zevoniac_57]

Scratch

Scratch

I noticed the trench on the old skin. So I filed down the the notch on the lens a bit and only push in the tab to release it from the notch. The sctrach comes from holding in the button and turning the lens. If I get real brave I'm going to shorten the screw a little.

I baked on the finish in my oven 145-150 7-8 hours. I think I'm going to make a wooden cabinet with lightbulbs for future projects.

Good luck!

Randy

 

[Zevoniac_57]

Oppps, the lens...

Oppps, the lens...

I like the look of the collapsible 50 as well. Although the clarity and color rendition are not the best. I also have an Industar Rigid 50mm 3.5 ( which I have customized a bit- Black paint), an Industar 61 53 2.8 (came pretty scratched up, blades oily), and I've got a chrome Jupiter 8 coming on my Zorki 4.

I'm going to shoot a comparison with all 4 lenses when Z4 arrives.

Have a great day.

Randy

 

[kiev4a]

Etching primer is one of the keys to a project like this. It makes a huge difference in the durability of the finish.

 

[Zevoniac_57]

Primer

Primer

Hi Wayne,

I love the texture the etching primer left on the camera!

I'm having a problem in a few spots of paint flaking. The primer is solid, but I was tapeing off the baseplate to put on the skin and when I peeled it back a nice flake of black came off!!! I emailed Jim Blazik re: paint type, do you have any ideas? I used automotive Acrylic Lacquer spray paint, 3 coats on top of primer. Maybe epoxy would provide a more durable finish?

Randy