FSU cameras were relatively unknown in North America. Jason Schneider in his interesting column on collectible cameras in Modern Photography, would occasionally mention one- I can recall a description of a FED 2, but these were exotic things that nobody saw. An article in the late 70's described Kievs as Contax clones, but the ones pictured were 4/4A's which had just made an appearance at a NYC dealer. No mention of the history of these cameras or any discussion of the far better versions of the 50's. They were not generally available here before the 90's, when the floodgates opened. So the perception of poor quality was generated here fairly recently, based on rough cosmetics, heavy controls, and generally second rate fit and finish rather than real experience with their reliability in the field.
Personally, I have had very good luck buying from Russian and Ukrainian vendors on ebay. I think the only cameras I have abandoned are ones that I broke by doing something stupid (look for LH threads on some newer Zorkis), or bought with the idea of stripping them for parts.
I have a few rules for buying on ebay:
- don't buy from any vendor selling obvious fakes as the real thing
- assume that if the vendor states that something is untested, it is indeed tested and doesn't work properly
- only assume that something works properly if the vendor explicitly states that it works in the listing, or will give specific answers to questions asked.
- read the feedbacks
- avoid vendors who are obviously overcharging on shipping, or who refuse to combine shipping
I am reasonably handy with a screwdriver, so I tend to look for easily fixed things like screwmount Leicas with sticky slow speeds or dirty viewfinders. If I assume that I will have to pull off the top and clean things up underneath, there are all sorts of bargains to be found.
I think FSU cameras are sort of like old British motorcycles, which I also have. Very good value, and lots of fun, but be prepared to do a bit of wrenching. The alternative of having to pay a repair professional for any needed service can soon cost more than the camera is worth.
Cheers,
Dez
