Posted - Apr 02 2013 : 12:23:54 PM Hello again Gary
Guido is quite right - this camera has been played with possibly to 'improve' damage or wear from use or abuse. Top and bottom plating should be matt chrome and body shell should be black, including the ribs at top and bottom. The original black paint on most Russian cameras tends to be rather soft and easily damaged and this is probably the reason for the ribs being polished alloy. If you want an authentic example then in my opinion this is not the one.
Also there are many 'modified' Russian cameras with fancy paint schemes, coverings, etc, often claiming to be commemoratives or something else that they aren't - some of them are very attractive and well finished cameras in their own right, and may be perfectly usable. However they are not 'original' in the sense that they are not in the same state as they originally left the factory, and most collectors would not consider them original. Also watch out for mixed parts such as Feds with Zorki body shells and vice versa, Zorkis with Fed rangefinder housings and vice versa, incorrect lenses, etc.
I'm afraid there are many pitfalls so good solid research will be amply repaid - in my opinion most Russian/Soviet cameras are full of interest, some of them are very nice looking and there are some very, very good lenses. Try to get some info on the pre-war Feds - historically superb; and also early history of Kiev copies of Contax - fascinating! And don't forget to look at the previous posts on this website - lots of detailed info by some real experts.
ATB Chris.
Gargoyle
Posted - Apr 02 2013 : 06:07:15 AM Hi Guido and Chris. Thanks for the replies, most helpful, will be seeking some more answers from this seller before I buy. After doing a bit of research the serial numbers just don't come up anywhere maybe I'm looking in the wrong area Also cannot find a photo of a gold one anywhere, so maybe that tells me that it could be a fake, or even better it could have been put together from a few different models. At least it will be a talking point here at home for awhile Oh well back to do some more research on this. Cheers Guido and Chris. Gary
Guido
Posted - Apr 02 2013 : 04:12:51 AM Hello Gary
I think it's a not so authentic copy of the popular FED 2 type a (1955-1956, not more than 200'000 items made). But I'm not the FED expert. The gold color is a later modification and I'm sure there are absolutly no parts made in Germany in this camera. Sorry. The price looks a little high to me ... ;->
Best wishes - Guido
ChrisS
Posted - Apr 02 2013 : 04:04:00 AM Hello Gary - Take care!!!
