Fotohuis
Well-known
The title of this thread is clear: YOUR favorite FSU camera.
For me my favorite FSU camera is the Zorki-6.
Why? Well the camera is very easy in handling. Just a few shutter times which your can not break by forgetting to cock the shutter first before turning on the speed dial. It is also a small camera. Build in dioptry. An easy bottom for re-winding the film. Engraved letters and possible to read without glasses. Strap lugs available. The VF is not bad at all. And of course compatible with M39 lenses including a J-12 which is almost touching the shutter curtain.
Some minor points: Film advance level has a bit long stroke. An adapter needed for the 1/4" regular tripod connection.
My second favorite FSU camera? Well I think the Kiev-4AM or at least one of the Kiev/Contax copies. My favorite beer? See picture 1.
For me my favorite FSU camera is the Zorki-6.
Why? Well the camera is very easy in handling. Just a few shutter times which your can not break by forgetting to cock the shutter first before turning on the speed dial. It is also a small camera. Build in dioptry. An easy bottom for re-winding the film. Engraved letters and possible to read without glasses. Strap lugs available. The VF is not bad at all. And of course compatible with M39 lenses including a J-12 which is almost touching the shutter curtain.
Some minor points: Film advance level has a bit long stroke. An adapter needed for the 1/4" regular tripod connection.
My second favorite FSU camera? Well I think the Kiev-4AM or at least one of the Kiev/Contax copies. My favorite beer? See picture 1.
xayraa33
rangefinder user and fancier
Mine are pre 1973 Kiev 4 and 4a and the earliest Zorki 4 with the frame around the VF and RF windows and the thicker strap lugs and the older shutter speed numbering system.
These cameras work for me better than the rest of the plethora of FSU cameras.
These cameras work for me better than the rest of the plethora of FSU cameras.
pschauss
Well-known
Kiev 4A - early model without the meter. I find the rangefinder on this camera easier to use than the Zorkii's because it is brighter with better contrast on the rangefinder spot. I also find that I am able to shoot at slower speeds (1/30 as opposed to 1/100) with my Kiev 4s.
Pioneer
Veteran
It is not a rangefinder but I really enjoy working with my Arax 60, an upgraded Kiev 6.
Why? The wonderful Zeiss glass that fits to this camera provides exceptional 6x6 medium format photographs. The camera is a bit heavy, a bit clunky and requires you to take your time. Tripods are a good accessory but not absolutely necessary if you keep your shutter speeds up. That is why I chose the Kiev 6 style over the Kiev 88 style, the SLR body style, oversized and all, makes it easier for me to get steady, handheld photos. I have owned mine for a couple of years now and it has been perfectly reliable.
Why? The wonderful Zeiss glass that fits to this camera provides exceptional 6x6 medium format photographs. The camera is a bit heavy, a bit clunky and requires you to take your time. Tripods are a good accessory but not absolutely necessary if you keep your shutter speeds up. That is why I chose the Kiev 6 style over the Kiev 88 style, the SLR body style, oversized and all, makes it easier for me to get steady, handheld photos. I have owned mine for a couple of years now and it has been perfectly reliable.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
I sold Z-6 very quickly. In short, it was loud like empty tin, too long and absolutely non informative film advance (also build as PiB to service) and shutter release with sharp edges, which made my finger soar for days.
Every time the door was open I have to watch this rare, fragile and expensive film spool, because it does fell of from Zorki 6. And it was only one camera with this PiB I have.
I'm not sure if I will ever get back my Kiev II from service in Kiev. They took camera and silence, just like Leica NJ these days or this famous USA repair guy who can't answer e-mails. But it is very fascinating camera for getting the picture from it. From trying to see the shutter speed to slowest focusing I ever used. And I impressed how sharp lenses are.
I only really like and use FED-2. It is elegant, it feels original, it has contrasty, toned VF which is not a problem to use in doors at all, but on bright light were RF meant to be used it is saving my eyes from this crazy Ontario sun.
Now I could service it completely by myself, including replacement of the curtains. No expensive tools and deep experience with personal Leica stamp is required. Film advance (with film in it) is done by fast stoke of index finger once I have it cleaned and lubricated completely. My FED-2 is "original" it means it is same camera I used in eighties. But I also used another FED-2 and it was as good as mine if not better.
This is the print from previous year.
And this one is from this year. 8x10 print from J-3 wide open and focused with FED-2 where I wanted it.
Not to show how good I'm, but to keep my post apart from FSU best camera theoretics, who will brag how great their camera is, without actual pictures ever taken with camera.
Every time the door was open I have to watch this rare, fragile and expensive film spool, because it does fell of from Zorki 6. And it was only one camera with this PiB I have.
I'm not sure if I will ever get back my Kiev II from service in Kiev. They took camera and silence, just like Leica NJ these days or this famous USA repair guy who can't answer e-mails. But it is very fascinating camera for getting the picture from it. From trying to see the shutter speed to slowest focusing I ever used. And I impressed how sharp lenses are.
I only really like and use FED-2. It is elegant, it feels original, it has contrasty, toned VF which is not a problem to use in doors at all, but on bright light were RF meant to be used it is saving my eyes from this crazy Ontario sun.
Now I could service it completely by myself, including replacement of the curtains. No expensive tools and deep experience with personal Leica stamp is required. Film advance (with film in it) is done by fast stoke of index finger once I have it cleaned and lubricated completely. My FED-2 is "original" it means it is same camera I used in eighties. But I also used another FED-2 and it was as good as mine if not better.
This is the print from previous year.
And this one is from this year. 8x10 print from J-3 wide open and focused with FED-2 where I wanted it.
Not to show how good I'm
, but to keep my post apart from FSU best camera theoretics, who will brag how great their camera is, without actual pictures ever taken with camera. 
farlymac
PF McFarland
I'm leaning toward the Zorki-6 with it's easier film loading, though I really like the FED-2. I was hoping the Zorki-3 would become a favorite, but I got another messed up model.
PF
Zorki-6, I-22, Kodak T-Max 100
Critter Bridge by P F McFarland, on Flickr
PF
Zorki-6, I-22, Kodak T-Max 100
Critter Bridge by P F McFarland, on Flickr
nukecoke
⚛Yashica
Zorki-6 for:
Most usable viewfinder (brightness and eye-relief), long rangefinder base, hinged back, not-easy-to-touch-by-accident shutter speed dial, quick double-pump-possible advance lever, T exposure lock, and compactness.
Kiev-4a for:
Metal shutter curtains, low temperature friendly shutter mechanism, long rangefinder base, click-stopped standard lenses, T exposure lock, slow shutter speeds.
Zorki-1 for:
Compactness with collapsible lenses.
I'm bringing my Kiev-4a to my hometown in Northeast China next week (around -5 °C now).
Most usable viewfinder (brightness and eye-relief), long rangefinder base, hinged back, not-easy-to-touch-by-accident shutter speed dial, quick double-pump-possible advance lever, T exposure lock, and compactness.
Kiev-4a for:
Metal shutter curtains, low temperature friendly shutter mechanism, long rangefinder base, click-stopped standard lenses, T exposure lock, slow shutter speeds.
Zorki-1 for:
Compactness with collapsible lenses.
I'm bringing my Kiev-4a to my hometown in Northeast China next week (around -5 °C now).
Fotohuis
Well-known
OK you have asked for it:
Zorki-6 with J-9. Rollei RPX-400 in ATM-W.
Kiev-4AM with J-12. Bergger BRF 400+ in Pyrocat-HDC.
Pioneer
Veteran
You are certainly right Ko.Fe.
Some artificial flowers on my back porch (I am way too lazy to water real ones) that become the subject of almost all new/used cameras that come my way.
Arax 60 - CZJ Biometar 80/2.8 - TMX100 - D76 1:1 9.5 min @ 20C
Of course, you can also see the example of poor preparation on my part in this little still life as described by Roger Hicks in another post. I should have at least taken the time to sweep away some of the old spider webs and dried leaves from around the pot. This is why I don't make the big money.
Some artificial flowers on my back porch (I am way too lazy to water real ones) that become the subject of almost all new/used cameras that come my way.
Arax 60 - CZJ Biometar 80/2.8 - TMX100 - D76 1:1 9.5 min @ 20C
Of course, you can also see the example of poor preparation on my part in this little still life as described by Roger Hicks in another post. I should have at least taken the time to sweep away some of the old spider webs and dried leaves from around the pot. This is why I don't make the big money.
Fotohuis
Well-known
The Pentacon-6 Carl Zeiss Jena lenses can be very good and still have a small price.
Although the Russian P-6 lens versions are interesting too:
Pioneer
Veteran
I have the Arsat 80/2.8 as well, and it performs great. It seems a bit more subject to flare.
There are so many terrific lenses with the P-6 mount that my LBA may never be cured.
Kind of like the M42 mount except for medium format.
There are so many terrific lenses with the P-6 mount that my LBA may never be cured.
Kind of like the M42 mount except for medium format.
petronius
Veteran
The Lomo LC-A. Remember, it was developed (or copied) as a serious camera.
Why? The lens, the handling and the absence of unnecessary features.
Why? The lens, the handling and the absence of unnecessary features.
tunalegs
Pretended Artist
Have run many rolls through my Zorki 4.
Zorki 4 by Berang Berang, on Flickr
Every other FSU camera I've had, just hasn't inspired confidence or much of anything else really. I do like the Fed 3, but the Zorki 4 has a better viewfinder, and that's what matters.
Zorki 4 by Berang Berang, on FlickrEvery other FSU camera I've had, just hasn't inspired confidence or much of anything else really. I do like the Fed 3, but the Zorki 4 has a better viewfinder, and that's what matters.
wolves3012
Veteran
If I could only keep one I'd have hard time choosing between a Kiev 4a and a Zorki or FED 1. The Kiev has a very complete set of features I like to have and metal curtains to boot. The FED/Zorki 1 is just a tiny jewel if you get a good example, pocketable. The only FSUs that somewhat disappoint (relatively) are the FEDs from 3 onwards - a bit big, not so pretty and the curtains tend to fail.
Fotohuis
Well-known
I can agree on a lot of points for a Kiev-4(xx). Sturdy build but due to the large RF base the "Kiev/Contax grip" needed. Indeed a metal curtain and times from 1s-1/1000s available. More or less the same Jupiter lenses in Kiev-bayonet available.
Easy to load and re-wind (de-lock). However that infinity lock for the distance I am less pleased with it.
Easy to load and re-wind (de-lock). However that infinity lock for the distance I am less pleased with it.
dee
Well-known
It has to be a Kiev II , although my Contax III body with Kiev 4 top plate and meter is my impossible camera !!
[A recognised unofficial borrowed parts conversion for a Kiev III with dead meter back in Ukraine where a new camera would cost a fortune ]
dee
[A recognised unofficial borrowed parts conversion for a Kiev III with dead meter back in Ukraine where a new camera would cost a fortune ]
dee
Fotohuis
Well-known
Kiev-4AM with J-8M. A film test Bergger BRF400 Plus in HC-110 (B). Well the lens performance is pretty good.
p.giannakis
Pan Giannakis
I haven't used many but I did enjoy the FED-3. It was less bulky than the next models with light meter and had a very smooth film advance.
It was the 50 years anniversary model
It was the 50 years anniversary model
