The fall of the Soviet Union, the Internet explosion and the proliferation of the online trade in Soviet cameras has led to an abundance of cheap items but little improvement in their quality or expertise of most sellers. I see a disturbing trend in the Russian camera sales. There are many Russian camera sellers on the Internet, mostly on on-line auctions, who do not know anything about the items they are selling. Either through ignorance, or by choice, common cameras that were produces in millions are called unique and rare, an ordinary FED becomes a KGB camera made on a secret factory smuggled from Germany, a 16mm Kiev-303 is a spy camera, and other such nonsense. A potential buyer who should believe this is treated like a fool. I find this offensive.

Often the cameras are found at garage sales and flea markets in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet republics. Most of the cameras and lenses were made 40-60 years ago and have not been used for the past 30-40 years. Shutter curtains dry out and crack, grease hardens, glass develops haze. These cameras are bought cheaply and sold cheaply. Their new owners discover that these cameras do not work well or do not work at all. They conclude that Soviet photo equipment is poorly made, throw their FED or Zorki in a box with other junk and never buy another Russian camera or lens again. This trivializes the Russian contribution to photography.

I have collected Soviet (commonly called Russian) cameras for over 15 years, actively researching Soviet photo history and acquiring vintage books and magazines.

Why fedka? I chose the name because it was given to the first FED rangefinders made at the Kharkov work commune in the early 1930s. As the Leica did to the world, its Soviet copy, Fedka, introduced 35mm photography to the Soviet Union.

I have traded Russian photo items for over seven years, buying and selling hundreds of cameras, lenses and accessories, and by now converting many cautions collectors and users into true believers in the quality and performance of Soviet optical and mechanical instruments.

Why did I succeed in this endeavor? Because I love it, and my customers see this. I know every item I buy or sell very well, down to the smallest detail. Some collectors call me an expert. Although I cringe when I hear this, it is good to know that I am helping people understand both Soviet history and photography.

Why buy from Fedka.com? Although my goal is simple, to sell cameras, there is more to this than just a business. I like Russian cameras and want other people to like them. I respect my buyers and want them to know what they are buying and what they might expect from it.

This is what I do to achieve this goal: My partner in Ukraine buys our photo equipment from a selected group or dealers from several Ukrainian and Russian cities. Being a knowledgeable photographer, he inspects every item before buying it. After that, every camera and lens goes to reputable and experienced camera repairmen. Every camera is inspected and tested. If needed, and this happens often, all necessary service, cleaning, lubrication and adjustment are performed. For example, older Kievs need new shutter ribbons, early Zorkis and FEDs often need new curtains, Moskva folders require rangefinder calibration, - the list goes on.

After service the cameras are inspected again and shipped to me to New York City. Before a piece of equipment is offered for sale it is inspected again. Of course, the final test, picture taking, is performed by you, the new owner. There is always a chance something may not meet your expectations. A 10 day inspection period is offered on every item you buy from me. I will send you a replacement or refund (less the shipping); the choice is yours.

I will answer all your questions personally and quickly. I will not misrepresent anything I sell, doing my best to ensure that you join over 1000 satisfied Fedka.com customers from 45 countries.