fed2c_4_green
The FED-2 is the first and very successful attempt by Soviet camera makers to improve upon the original Leica design, which was copied in the FED 1 for two decades. The camera has the following features - a removable back cover, a wide base rangefinder coupled with a viewfinder and a dioptric adjustment of the VF and strap lugs. The body and the back cover were cast, which made the camera more rigid than the original FED. The shutter and the film transport mechanism were also redesigned and work very smoothly.
There were many modifications made to the FED-2 during its production from the mid 1950's to 1970. This FED-2 is the third production model - type c (c. 1958). This model features a flash synch and a faster and better (than the original collapsible FED) lens. The winding knob was also redesigned - it became more convenient to use; a memo dial was added on its top.
Most of the FED-2s were black, but some
of the early cameras were finished in various colors - red, green, brown and
blue. This FED-2 is one of them, its vulcanite body covering is
dark blue. These colored
FED-2s are quite uncommon.
- Shutter speeds: B, 1/25 - 1/500
- Lens: Industar-26m, f = 50 mm, 1:2.8, coated, 39 mm Leica thread mount. This is an early version with a focusing lever (later replaced with the focusing ring with large grooves).
- As any Soviet Leica copy this FED-2 is compatible with the 39 mm Leica TM lenses.
The camera is in exc. condition, the RF/VF is clear and sharp, the lens is
clean and clear. The shutter works on all speeds. There are practically no paint
scuffs or brassing, but the chrome surfaces, especially the bottom plate, have
some small corrosion spots.
The camera comes complete with a take-up spool and plastic lenscap.
I regard the FED-2 (especially the later versions, like this one) as the best
of FEDs. It is more convenient to use than the original Leica copy (combined
RF/VF, removable back). It is a true classic camera - it has all the features
you need, a great lens, and you can use any Leica TM lenses with it.
Text and photograph.
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2002, Fedka.com
