Your best russian Rangefinder ??

[claidemore]

Fed 3b, solid feel, smooth wind, I-61 lens is tack sharp. I'm using one of my Kiev 4's at the moment, just for a change, and there really isn't anything I don't like about it, but the Fed 3 just feels more intuitive. I've got a Fed 1 NKVD coming in the mail, and I have a feeling it's gonna be my favorite for a while. 🙂

To take this question to the next level, what is the russian rangefinder that you don't have, that you would most like to have?

For me it's the Kiev II.

 

[comp_wiz101]

I'd like a CLA'd Drug with a J-3

 

[rbiemer]

jean-marc,
Tough for me to choose. I own and use kiev 4a, 2, and 3. Mostly in that order.
I own but don't have right now(a long and annoying story which I won't repeat here) a Zorki 3m that I find to be the best looking/handling of the lot.
I also use and like the FED 5. Ugly as sin but it works. If it had strap lugs I'd like it better.
I tried the FED2 but even thoguh it's a very capable camera, I couldn't use the viewfinder very well. Really nice size and feel.
I have been thinking about the Zorki 5 and 6 cameras, and will probably get one or the other this summer.
And, welcome to RFF!
Rob

 

[rbiemer]

To take this question to the next level, what is the russian rangefinder that you don't have, that you would most like to have?

For me it's the Kiev II.

FED 6 TTL, please.
In reallity I'm becoming very tempted by the Iskra.
Rob

 

[reagan]

Without a doubt. . . Zorki.1 w/Industar.22 - chrome or black.
For backup? Zorki.3 w/Jupiter.8.

 

[lmd91343]

Zorki 1 or Fed 1 with collapsible I-50. very small, pocket-able

Second choice, FED 2, removable back, very wide base line, combined rf/vf with collapsible I-50 or Jupiter9 85/2.0

 

[Krasnaya_Zvezda]

I'm somewhat hesitant to say it (it feels like asking to be spanked), but at the moment I'm using my wife's FED-5 most of the time, along with a J-12.

I have had great success with this combination. However, for the overall feel of
"FSU-ness", I have to go with Fed 2b with a J8.

 

[rxmd]

To take this question to the next level, what is the russian rangefinder that you don't have, that you would most like to have?

Hm, tie between the Kiev 2 with a Jupiter-3 (or even a collapsible ZK Sonnar) and the Zorki-3M with a J-3 or J-9.

Philipp

 

[pescod]

I basically used 4 russian rangefinder cameras: Kiev 4, Fed 3, Zorki 4k, Zorki 3m. My favorite camera is Zorki 3m even if Zorki 4k and Fed 3 are real good cameras too. I belive that is important that the camera is CLA and choice good lens.

 

[lubitel]

I havent got the pictures back from my new Zorki5 yet. But if they come out sharp, I think it will be my number 1 FSU. Its small as FED2, light, advances smooth, and focuses easier than fed2.

 

[Andrew McK]

I liked the Fed 3b. I liked the whole feel of it. The wind lever, the weight, etc.
But I like the Jupiter 8 lens best and it's on my Zorki
I like the Zorki 6 and the 4K. I like the viewfinders better on Zorkis than on Feds
but I don't like the back on the Zorki 6. I find it slower to load/unload than the fed3b

But each to their own!

 

[PeterL]

I have only one, a Zorki with an I-22, but I love it for its charm. If I want a big VF, I'll grab my SLR or save up for a Zeiss Ikon. The Zorki is much more pocketable, though, and the pictures are just as great. Because of the focussing handle and the lack of meter, I sometimes find it works faster in situations where the light is stable, i.e. street photography when the weather's working with me.


Peter.

 

[Jocko]

I'd like a CLA'd Drug with a J-3

Yes. So would I. Very Much!

Ian

 

[robin a]

Fed2,small and inconspicous.

 

[Marc-A.]

Definitely the Czar (ooops sorry 😀 ) the "little father" ZORKI 3M!
Best with a Jupiter 3 (1953) that I stupidly sold four months ago :bang: but here it is mounted with a Summitar.
I'm thinking of buying a Kiev IIa though ... nice soviet camera too.

 

[Kim Coxon]

Mir/Jupiter8

Kim

 

[Stan]

I don't have much choice; it's Zorki 4K or Zorki 4K. But with my 28mm canon lens in place, they're great little machines
Stan (Down Under)

 

[simonankor]

NKVD-FED... beautiful!

Though the lens mount was wrongly made so it only mounts its original 50/3.5 Elmar copy. But it's all good!

 

[lushd]

May I add - any of the above that have been serviced. Got my FED 2 back this week from Yoshkar Ola and it is a revelation.

 

[Skinny McGee]

Zorki 1 indstar 22