what kind of camera is this?

[schow]

Hey folks,
I saw this ad in the local classifieds in my town, and I don't know what it is. It looks like a voigtlander to me, but I'm a newb. terrible pics, I'm afraid...

Apologies if it doesn't turn out to be a rf.

schow

 

[planetjoe]

For a second, I thought you were kidding.

It's the venerable FED 3b (or 2L, depending on the shutter speed). Former Soviet Union RF, kind of a Leica-screw clone, but a nice little camera all by itself. In the photo it's mounting an Industar-61 50mm lens (although they're usually 53mm or 55mm, I believe). I've got one of these, and excepting a shutter light leak I've not yet been able to fix, I like it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FED_(camera)

...unfortunately, "Rangefinder Cameras of the Soviet Era", a great web reference, seems to be off-the-air.


Cheers,
--joe.

 

[schow]

hey joe,
thanks for the info. A FED, eh? sounds good. The seller seems to think it's German though...
How much would a FED 3b or 2L run? He wants me to name a price, but I need to look at it first to discern a few things...


sherm
PS why did you think I was kidding at first?
PPS the XA is working great by the by.

 

[manfromh]

hey joe,
thanks for the info. A FED, eh? sounds good. The seller seems to think it's German though...
How much would a FED 3b or 2L run? He wants me to name a price, but I need to look at it first to discern a few things...

I got mine for 8 bucks. Though in the US they probably go for about $15-$20, if its in good shape.

 

[fraley]

There are many examples on eBay. Ordering overseas, you pay shipping and wait for it to arrive.