Zorki 2c or Fed 2

[Phoenix Phil]

I am considering purchasing a Zorki 2C or Fed 2 with a collapsible I-22 lens. Can anyone comment on which one would be a better user? I like the looks of the Zorkis (especially the pricey Zorki 3) but the single viewfinder/rangefinder of the Fed 2 has greater appeal than the Zorki 2C's two window arrangement.

Thanks in advance.

 

[santino]

IMHO you can't go wrong with both, just decide if you would like a seperate window (fed has diopter adjustment too).

 

[JonP]

Pheonix Phil,
It doesn't matter, in a short while you WILL have both. Enjoy them.

 

[kvanderlaag]

I really liked my FED-2.

 

[robin a]

Go for the Fed2 ,the Zorki is a bottom loader.

 

[santino]

I personally like bottom loaders, sure, you need a leica style film leader but that doesn't bother me. IMO if you shoot with FSU gear a little more time spent with scissor and film won't kill you. I enjoy it, it's a kind of spiritual process, I cut my own film leader, I meter my own light and so on. the more manual the better.

 

[clarence]

I would recommend the Fed 2 for it's single viewfinder/rangefinder, the long baselength of the rangefinder, and most importantly, the back loading capability.

Cutting your own film leader for bottom loading is an acquired taste, and any pleasure you derive from it will not be tainted with any practical benefit. Bottom loaders certainly are slimmer, but they are much slower and more troublesome to load, and maintenance will be harder because you do not have a removable back.

Yes, I know that one can cut and load a bottom loader in under 30 seconds with a bit of practice. I shan't argue with that. Empirically speaking, though, back loaders are still faster and easier to load. You also waste a bit less film.

Clarence

 

[Phoenix Phil]

Ok, it seems that I should go with the Fed 2 since I want a low cost introduction to russian rangefinders at this time. If it works out, a Zorki 3 or 3M is in my future.

 

[wotalegend]

I agree with clarence for all the same reasons. I have both of these and I much prefer the FED as a user. The main benefit of the longer baselength RF is more accurate focus with longer lenses.

And I also agree with JonP.....you will end up with both of them eventually anyway.

 

[Jocko]

There is a perfect compromise - the FED 3: A FED 2 that looks like a Zorki 3....

Cheers, Ian

 

[Spyderman]

Jocko probably meant FED 3a, but FED 3 is nowhere near Zorki 3. FEDs 2 to 5 have a dark viewfinder, while Zorki 3 and 4 have big and bright, 5 and 6 slightly smaller but still bright viewfinder.
The FED 3 is fine for daylight shooting, but at night you won't see anything through it...

 

[oscroft]

Well, I've owned a Fed 2 for about 2 hours (it arrived this morning), and on first impression I already love it. As others have said, the long base rangefinder is very nice and mine seems to be pretty accurate, and in the single viewfinder window the rangefinder snaps into focus very nicely - I expect it will work well with my Jupiter 9 (85/2). It's a 2C model, with the rigid I-26, but I also have a collapsible 50/3.5 that came with my Fed 1g (my Fed 2 came with 2 cases, one for each type of lens, which is very handy).

Mind you, I am also on the lookout for a Zorki 3M, but they do seem to be a bit expensive (the 3 is cheaper, but apparently the slow speed mechanism is nasty).

Best,

 

[clarence]

FSU slow speed mechanisms are indeed nasty. They're often the first part of the camera to develop problems.

Unless you've got really steady hands and you plan to shoot at 1/15s with a wide-angle lens often, I don't think the slow speeds will see much use. Even if you can stop the movement in your hands, you often won't be able to stop the movement of the subject.

Clarence

 

[SCOTFORTHLAD]

Ok, it seems that I should go with the Fed 2 since I want a low cost introduction to russian rangefinders at this time. If it works out, a Zorki 3 or 3M is in my future.

Phill,
I have a couple of Fed 2's,both purchased from RFF mEMBERS,and working well.I can spare one,if you are interested,send me a PM.and I will give you more details,and perhaps we could come to some arrangement.

Brian.🙂

 

[comp_wiz101]

Whether or not a Zorki 3 is for you may depend on how much work you think you can do. Oleg can CLA it or you can try your hand at it as well. I had to do the second option on mine, and it was...interesting. I'm not sure about how the designs for the slow speed mechanism compare with other models, but the design was logical, at least for the placement of the mechanism... I also like that slow speeds can be set without lifting the dial.

 

[Nickfed]

I am using a FED-2 at the moment. I like it OK but the viefinder is seriously dim. I think they went overboard to ensure the rangefinder spot has enough contrast and this is because it is so tiny compared with the FED-1. The extra base length means little compared with the two window setup.

Earlier FED-2s don't take the single accessory viewfinder, only the turret. I believe Zorkis do.

While I say don't be put off by bottom loading, I find it a bit hard to say with a FED-2 in my hand.......