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Kris Lockyear
womble
United Kingdom
70 Posts
My Collection
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 Posted - Oct 11 2011 : 12:05:22 PM
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A local camera shop has a "FED 1b" in it's window. What should I be looking for? Are there fakes about to be aware of and if so, what would the warning signs be? Any idea as to the going rate for one of these?
Thanks, Kris. |
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Alexander K.
AlexanderK
Germany
590 Posts |
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Jacques M.
France
2604 Posts |
Posted - Oct 12 2011 : 04:02:43 AM
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Hi Kris,
I agree with Alexander: Aidas's site is very useful.
For me, the 1b is amongst the most exciting prewar cameras. There were numerous evolutions between the beginning (c. 6500) and the end (c. 54000). After, there will be the 1c with some 4 changes only and something like a motorway with the 1d...
A book would be necessary to describe precisely the different cameras belonging to the 1b (I personally have 16 of them). They all have in common the YCCP engraving (on the 1c too) and the rounded basin cover (on the 1a too). And the main evolutions overlap so the 1b is in fact a succession of sub series...
Main evolutions:
- the shape of the viewfinder (3),
- the engraving, large or not,
- the knobs: different knurlings (3),
- the accessory shoe, present or not,
- the shape of the release button.
- the release button: engraved or not?
- the diameter of the shutter speed dial (2),
- depression under the shutter speed or not,
- rims of rangefinder/viewfinder: black or chromed,
- the vulcanite (at least 3 types),
- the hole in the back or not (threaded plug),
- the inside body/shutter box screw: present or not,
- the sensor tip of the rangefinder: rounded corner rectangle or triangle,
- the lens: one turn or half turn,
- the lens: knurling fine or coarse...
Certainly I forget some of them! The "final" camera depends on its serial number. And on what parts the workers had founded in their boxes in 1935-37...
1b-s are not very expensive, so they are not faked. But they are not so common now. The only thing could be a 1b remounted with other parts (1 have one).
What is the serial number of "your" 1b?
Amitiés. Jacques.
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Edited by - Jacques M. on Oct 12 2011 10:46:48 AM |
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Kris Lockyear
womble
United Kingdom
70 Posts
My Collection
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Posted - Oct 12 2011 : 09:06:56 AM
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Thanks for the info, very interesting!
I don't know the serial number. I'll see if I can read it next time I am passing the shop. Sounds like £150 is too much.
K. |
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Jacques M.
France
2604 Posts |
Posted - Oct 12 2011 : 10:07:52 AM
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I think too.
Unless it is an early 1b, next to the 1a-s.
Jacques. |
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FED1b
