I think this is really rare. A year ago I got a FT-2 from eBay which has engravings on the front. Princelle says that only the first 100 cameras had such engravings on the front. Is this information believeable? Unfortunatly it doesn't work... when I cock it it always releases the shutter. I disassembled it and found out that the pin that holds the drum after cocking is worn out.
your FT-2 is very valuable in all cases, while it's one of the last cameras from the first FT-2 batch. Just few months ago I have had an early FT-2 with serial number #5800239! (it's in Viktor Suglob collection recently ... ) So only 27 cameras between our two items indeed! My camera was identical to yours, but already with usual markings. Need to mention, what my other FT-2 #5800469 comes with already changed design of shutter handle ...
We were talking about FT-2 cameras with 7 digit serial number, but existing also another FT-2 batch with 8 digit serials ... I possess FT-2 with serial number # 58009145 ...
Rare FT-2
Posted - Mar 11 2008 : 5:24:26 PM
) So only 27 cameras between our two items indeed! My camera was identical to yours, but already with usual markings. Need to mention, what my other FT-2 #5800469 comes with already changed design of shutter handle ...