Special USSRPhoto Camera...?
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Topic
Topic author: stephanvdz
Posted on: 20090103090126
after the little discussion of last week, may be it's better to move the discussion to the members only section... (if we want to find 20 cameras at a normal price...)
I checked ebay and a plain Zorki 4 seems to cost between 30 and 70$, they need
- a complete cla and may be new curtains
- disengraving regraving
- dechrome repain
- new leather (sober and chic... not too flashy)
I t could be fun to design a special accessory that would make this serie unique, I think of two easy mods :
- a 85mm cache to be adapted to the viewfinder (may be with a loupe on the other side, like the leica 1,25 loupe), but parralax managment could be difficult...
- a larger speed selection knob, it's really difficult to use with my big hands... ;-)
of course one could dream of a viewfinder that would suit the jup12, with frames for 50 and 85 ...but that's quite another mod...
if we are talking of mods... would ever a zorki 4 shutter gear fit into a fed 1 or 2... just kidding... I thoght about it while reading an article about an old minicooper fitted with a 150hp K serie engine...
Thats for the body...
Stephan
Replies
Reply author: stephanvdz
Replied on: 20090103090845
now for the lens...
a black lens is a must on black paint body...
and we have to make a special engraved front ring of course (that's not difficult since we all have seen sonnars engravings that are fake...)
the lens must be checked for quality and alignment, if possible best quality is a must too... and claed...
but which lens of lens kit...
a J12 ? (viewfinder problem... )
a J8 ? (quite common but always pleasant)
a J3 ? (my all time favorite)
a J19 (kidding)
a wel collimated Industar 50... (tessar chic)
a late helios something ?
and if the 85mm cache option is viable... a J9...
if money was not a problem I'll choose the following kit (in fact it's my usual contax kit)... J12/J3/ind50/J9
Stephan
Stephan
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090103094406
Well Stephan,
I think I can make it easy for you [:)]. I had only one person agree so far to do this in Russia. The only choices we got is FED-2 or FED-5. They use their own camera stock. I am currently finding out what kind of features we can order (like painting, engraving, taking off factory logos on camera and lens, rechroming etc.) And still waiting on the price.
They will need images from us with design like altered photos, etc and they will need some kind of prepayment (not sure for the whole sum or not) and about 2 months of time.
Now I like the FED-2 better than FED-5, but that means that the cameras may be less reliable mechanically as FED-5 since they are older. Also even though they may CLA them I would not expect these to be users (Even though they say they may be), since these are going to be made as collectable cameras. So try to lower your expectations and maybe even expect to re-CLA it if you are really planning to make it a user. The person making these cameras is going to most likely to concentrate on cosmetic aspect probably (I have no way of knowing this, they claim they CLA them but who knows...)
Lens is most likely I-26 on FED-2 and I-61LD on FED-5.. I will go with what majority chooses.
Vlad
Reply author: stephanvdz
Replied on: 20090103095450
never refrain when you make a wish list ;-)
a nice fed 2 would be ok... as for the lens I would prefer a nice i61LD... but that could be found...
I thonk that on the 'user' problem, it's a great challenge... the camera must be a user and not only a shelf icon... I think that we should include the price of a real cla of both a body and a lens... by a qualified tech... how much would fedka ask for that ? (the cla part only)
Stephan
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090103095819
Well if you need "real" CLA you can always to Fedka to do it after you receive the camera if you are not happy with it mechanically (but as I said the repairman who will be making these will also try to CLA but I do not know of their quality and not sure if I can get a guarantee on an old camera)... It just may not be possible to do all at once.. I, for example don't need a user camera, and just need a shelf piece...
Reply author: nightphoto
Replied on: 20090103114710
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090103115530
Oh, I guess I forgot to mention that, sorry [:)], actually it will be the same group of people who makes these custom cameras for moscowphoto, so the FED Zarya Sputnik is their work, which seems pretty acceptable to me.
Vlad
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090103115719
Also if anyone wants to customize their piece after you get it, I can issue an official USSRPhoto.com certificate of authenticity that lists the components of the set in it, so it is officially recorded just for the price of postage.
Vlad
Reply author: Guido
Replied on: 20090103120414
Hello Vlad
I would not be very happy with a FED, I would absolutly prefer a Zorki. Maybe we should look around and ask other sellers? Or maybe we could spend a little more money and use a Zorki 1 as base? Or even all different models?
Best wishes - Guido
Reply author: nightphoto
Replied on: 20090103120839
The Zorki does have the classic "Leica" look if a model1 was to be used ... very nice.
Regards, Bill
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090103121530
Hi Guido,
so far I have not been given an option to use Zorkis, I did ask at first and was told no.. Apparently these people use their own stock for this and make their own conditions, at least that's what it seems... I do not even know the approximate price to make these custom FEDs yet so we first need to see if the price is even realistic...
Also this seems to be the group that does the best quality work, these are the ones that make all these high quality Leica copies that you see around on eBay.. I am waiting for reply from 2 other sources, but they do not have as much experience in making these pieces... they may be able to do engravings and maybe somewhat paint the cameras but beyond that their range of skills is limited. These guys I'm talking with right now seem to be doing this for a while, so honestly I think this is the source where to get a really high quality pieces... I can ask if we can all send in our Zorkis and for them to customize them as an option, but they all need to be the same cameras that we agree upon... I will ask about this option next time I talk with them.
Vlad
Reply author: Guido
Replied on: 20090103121658
Reply author: nightphoto
Replied on: 20090103123327
Hi Guido and best wishes for the coming year my friend!
That is a beautiful Zorki! Something like that would be very nice with the USSRPhoto commemorative engraving and numbers on it.
I am wondering what the logo will look like on this special camera, Vlad? Any ideas yet?
Regards, Bill
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090103130747
Reply author: AidasCams
Replied on: 20090103135139
Hi,
very interesting idea indeed, but ... I would vote for Universal Viewfinder with UssrPhoto markings! [:)] Beeing a camera collector, I'm not fascinated if the particular camera will loose its identity forever. Not many of us are collecting all types of soviet cameras, but the most majority of soviet camera collectors like soviet rangefinders indeed ... so, it's quite easy to put your commemorative UV on your beloved camera [:)]
Best Regards,
Aidas
Reply author: nightphoto
Replied on: 20090103143005
Vlad,
Logo looks good to me, but the Cyrillic logo on the top maybe should be " .kom" or, in any case the "com" or "kom" should be in the same block letter font as the rest of the name ... it would look better in my opinion!
The guys who make the cameras for Moscow photo seem to use Zorki's quite a bit ... so why not for us, if we need it?
I am somewhat in agreement with Aidas about the identity of the camera, which is why I first suggested Zorki-4 or 4K. With that camera the original engravings identifying the camera, serial number, etc can be left intact, but new USSRPhoto commemorative engravings can be added ... just like the commemoratives made by the factories.
Regards, Bill
Reply author: nightphoto
Replied on: 20090103143559
Another idea is that we could start buying the all black FED-5 cameras that come up pretty often and then just have our logo (whatever it will be in finished form)engraved by a jeweler here in the US. This kind of engraving can be done by many places. Then when they are engraved we can recover them, fill the engraving with enamel, and custom box them ourselves ...
So, if the folks in Russia are too demanding about what camera they will use only, then we can do it ourselves (and probably better then they can do it anyway ... their work is good, but not great .... better engraving is certainly possible.)
Regards, Bill
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090103152047
Bill, yes I could make it block font, not a problem, although I'd prefer to keep it as .com and not .kom since .kom is not the real site address.
I do have the local jeweler here who can do the engravings... so yes if you decide to do it ourselves - we can. I wanna see what kind of coverings we can get for these, maybe Aki-Asahi has some stuff... but let's wait what the guys in Russia say first...
I know there are a lot of people here wanting different things, so we going to have to try to accommodate everyone, but I will have to go for the easier solution though otherwise nothing will get accomplished. If someone will tell me that I can get bunch of FED-2 cameras for a decent price I may just go for that... doing these things ourselves may most likely end up being very expensive considering custom covering, the engraving etc... so let me see what these people I'm talking to come up with...
And Aidas - we're probably gonna keep the original serial # and logo and these are going to be cameras that are very common and not rare and made in millions so I don't think anyone's gonna deface anything [:)]. If anything, we will make it into a collectible [:)].
Vlad
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090103153126
If we're going to to it ourselves for Zorki 4K I like this covering, and it is available for about (I think) $15 for that camera:
http://www.cameraleather.com/colors/sgb_red.htmI'd like to stay away for real leather and do synthetic since it's cheaper and more environmentally friendly.
Vlad.
Reply author: nightphoto
Replied on: 20090103162656
OK Vlad ... although I doubt anyone will be using these cameras to navigate to the web site ... so I am guessing that the Cyrillic logo writing will be reading "USSRFoto.som" in translation? If "CCCP" = "SSSR", then, "com" = "som" ???
I am for synthetic covering too (especially since I am a vegetarian for the last 25 years, to be kind to the animal friends)!
Regards, Bill
Reply author: Luiz Paracampo
Replied on: 20090103164418
Hey people!
I found everything a great the Idea.[:D][:D][:D]
Mr Puliaev (from our forum) is a personal friend of Mr Aleksander, director of Vilieika Zenit factory Belarus (now making door locks and motor cycle carbureters)May be this could be a good source. One can contact him directly. (In Russian Please!)
I shall give my first touch spell.
Regards LP
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090103170112
Well.. I am not sure if Vileika can be of any help to us though... what is Sergey's name here on our forum? I thought he only partipated on ZCG....
I can always have a batch of custom Smena 8M cameras manufactured directly at LOMO too, since I have contacts there, but they require minimum 100 pieces order....
Vlad
Reply author: stephanvdz
Replied on: 20090103173829
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090104110351
Got a reply from Moscow:
- Cameras can either be painted any color, top and bottom can be black or gold
- All will come with caps
- Shutter curtains will be replaced so cameras will be like new
- Leather cases for them are all very old, so probably no cases
- Paint job is factory quality and very good
- Cameras will cost around 115EU each
I sent a request about us wanting Zorki 4/4K cameras and whether sending in our own cameras is an option and if we wait longer if he can find Zorkis for us.
Will keep you informed.
Vlad.
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090105192537
Got another reply from them. Regarding Zorkis: he says that he has more than 100 Zorkis but they are all non-working and need major overhaul.. also they need to be painted and he says it is very hard to get someone to do that - takes a very long time and shortage of specialists.. he says that Zorkis maybe take a year or more to get fixed and painted.. he also says he has about 20 FEDs ready to go, all painted black, he was going to make something out of them and if we want to make these cameras this would be good time to do so since he has them all prepped and ready... we just need to give him designs and mockups.
Sending our own Zorkis is the same problem, painting so many will take a long time because of shortage of people and time to do so...
No one else that I sent request to at this time is available to make these cameras for us so far, except for making them ourselves here, I do have the engraver but no one to paint them, unless we find already painted cameras, like Bill said - black FED 5's.
Ok, so let's vote here... tell me who is fine with FED-2, who is still in on this? Consider Zorki is not being an option at this point as much as we wanted them. I personally am OK with FED-2. (These cameras are already modified, CLAed and have replaced curtains, just need our custom engravings).
Vlad
Reply author: Guido
Replied on: 20090105193703
Hello Vlad
I'm voting for Zorki. If they have a problem with the delivery let's wait this year and say it's a 3 year USSRphoto collectors model ... ;->
Best wishes - Guido
Reply author: nightphoto
Replied on: 20090105195958
I'm still in and I'm fine with FED-2 model. I think this would be a good opportunity to have 20 cameras made if we have that many folks who one one or more of them.
However, of course some members, like Guido, have a special interest in special models, so I would say that the logo and style of engraving should also be made available in some way, so that if Guido or someone else wants to have a USSRPhoto.com Zorki, or maybe say a USSRPhoto.com Smena (for Juhani;-) then that would be possible and could be sanctioned and registered by Vlad and USSRPhoto.com officially.
I wouldn't mind having a black Zorki-1 with the commemorative engraving also!
But count me in on any model that everyone else agrees on.
Regards, Bill
Reply author: imcphoto
Replied on: 20090105222452
Hi, Vlad
Count me in for Fed, Zorki is the nice option, what if we go with Fed and preorder few Zorki cameras for the 3rd addition? As far as logo
it seems fine although it feels a little bit wide, can we do some engravings on the bottom?
Reply author: okynek
Replied on: 20090105231105
I'm a little bit late for this post.....
I have very good friends who hand built in they garage real CNC router. And they use it for engraving.
(for Russian lovers could be interesting they web side:
http://www.redstarrc.com/main.html)They never did engraving on cameras yet, but they are willing to try. The advantages are they are local (to me:), from Baltimore(US) and that we can supply individual CAD or COBALT drawing for each camera. Not only different models they can work on, but even personal names or slogans can be engraved. Quantity also not much matter price vice. The disadvantages are that they do not work on cameras or painting. They only can make engravings. We have to send exact drawings in requested format and camera's parts what have to be engraved. We have to put this parts back ourselves. But they should be way less expensive then $150/camera (115E).
Considering what camera to use, I think that Zorki 4 is a great camera, but from historical view it's not first or last rangefinder produced by USSR (like FED), and it's not the most beloved camera like Zenit E or Smena 8. And it's not unique Russian design like Start or Droug. And it's not the cheapest or more available on the market today. By my humble opinion FED 5 could be a better choice. It has historic name, it was last produced rangefinder in USSR, it has all the fixtures what Zorki 4K has, it has as much engraving space, it easy to find, it cheep, it available in black and chrome, FED 5 are pretty fresh, some can be found brand new in a box (which also can be customized), no scratches or damages and no need to wait for SLA. And what is important to me I will not blame myself thinking that I forever kill such historic camera like FED 1 or Zorki 1 by repainting and re engraving it.
But it's only my modest opinion.
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090105232301
Yea we may do Zorki next year then or something since they are not available.. the logo is just a sample, it's going to have to be fitted on a FED-2.. By the way if anyone has a black FED-2, I would greatly appreciate if you could post pictures of it directly from front, top and back so I can try to superimpose engravings on it for the people who will be making these.
So for now we're going to do a batch of FED-2's. I need to know how many people are in again please. So far it's:
Myself,
Bill,
Igor,
Steve,
Jacques,
Stephan(Please confirm??)
Alain(Please confirm??)
Juhani(please confirm??)
Zhang (he was saying something about FED-2 but not sure if he wanted one or not.. please confirm)
Anyone else?
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090105232753
Hi Okynek.. I do also have an inexpensive engraver locally, I don't think that's a problem, the problem is painting these cameras... it's up to everyone I'm up for anything..
Vlad.
Reply author: cedricfan
Replied on: 20090106012435
I must say that I don't like the FED-2 at all, one camera that I don't have in my collection at all as it is so dull! Zorki-4/4K yes, FED-5 yes, but FED-2 no thanks...
I do understand that there is not many possibilities and if others want it fast then it has to be FED-2. But would like to ask about Bill's idea for the possibility to use the logo on other cameras. Just had a fast look in my vitrine, and from "Smenas" it would be very easy to do on a Vilia. It has a metal band on top, which can be taken off, painted & engraved very easily. And Vilia is available everywhere.
Best regards,
Juhani
Reply author: stephanvdz
Replied on: 20090106133042
ok for fed 2... but let's start thinking about zorki or others for next year... this year is a trial version...
Stephan
Reply author: okynek
Replied on: 20090106162459
Viliya could be indeed a good candidate. Viliya is really easy to modify, even name can be change really easy.
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090107090633
Juhani, Okynek,
if you are planning to have your own versions made, as long as it uses exactly the same logo and a number issued by me, I will provide you with an official certificate for it, that's not a problem.
Vlad
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090107090955
Got some more info from Moscow:
- Deposit needs to be around 15% in order for them to make the camera
- Special box is possible but needs to be also custom made. If you need one it's about 30EUR additional
- Lenses - we have a choice for FED-2 of collapsible or rigid - that is I-22/I-50 collapsible or I-26. It is unclear whether it's possible to paint the lenses, but it may be additional expense. He told me to look at the FED Zarya Sputnik when I receive it to see how lens is done.
All right. Now I need some photos of black FED-2 so I can make some mockups.. doesn't anyone have a black FED-2 here?
Vlad.
Reply author: Jacques M.
Replied on: 20090109112338
Sorry, Vlad, no black Fed 2 here...
Thanks for all that: it's not so easy to adjust different points of view.
My personal position is simple: I wish there is (for this year?)only one type of camera chosen for all the members, according to prices and possibilities. Never mind if it's a Smena, a Zenit or anything else that I don't collect: this special USSRphoto camera would be our common bond and in my collection it would represent all the members, all I have learned this last year thanks to you.
To be more precise, I wouldn't have the idea of proposing my "no name" Fed NKVD 1d to be re engraved, for example. That would be only my camera, not the symbol I wish.
But it's only my opinion.
Amitiés. Jacques.
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090109132623
Thanks Jacques, it is hard for everyone agree on just one type of camera since everyone likes different things, but I do agree with you. [:)]
In coming week I will try then to at least superimpose the design on any kind of FED-2 just so we can approve the layout, unfortunately I've been really busy with work this week to do so.. I will try to have this done ASAP and then I will ask everyone to PayPal the 15% deposit to the seller and let me know so I can count you in. This way they can start making these.
Vlad.
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090113222812
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090113225654
Reply author: nightphoto
Replied on: 20090113234131
Hi Vlad,
I like it ... I will want one and I'm ready to make the Paypal payment whenever necessary.
Please ask for an extra nice engraving job since we will be ordering again in the future! Also, maybe they may need to move the top design over a little to the rewind knob side so that our logo can be a little bigger, which may be necessary to have the details show clearly (Hammer and Sickle design will be hard to do so tiny).
Regards, Bill
Reply author: stephanvdz
Replied on: 20090114164645
perfect...
don't forget to have a lens front ring done too...;-)
Stephan
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090114165337
Stephan they don't do the lens rings unfortunately.. but they do the lens caps.
So OK, I will send the designs to the seller and will let you know exact amount to paypal them, how much and where for those interested in getting these cameras. He will start making you a camera like this as soon they get the deposit. After that is done **IMPORTANT** please send me a private message so I can record who ordered and when so I can also make certificates. Also please indicate you would like a wooden box for additional 30EUR.
more details to come.
Thanks,
Vlad.
P.S. Per Bill's suggestion I may move the camera to the right a bit.. I'll post the updated image once I do that.
Reply author: Guido
Replied on: 20090114171420
Hello Vlad
For the design: Why not moving the camera logo a bit to the left (centred to the FED logo) and put the serial number right below? BTW: The serial number should normaly have the format "N° 0001". And maybe it would be nice to put a "2 years" engraving also in latin letters on the camera top?
Payment: Could anyone here in Europe with a PayPal account pay for me? I have no PayPal account and I don't want to open one. A money transfer to a IBAN account will be no problem for me. Please send me a private message if you could help me on this. Thank you very much in advance.
Best wishes - Guido
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090114172024
Guido, good suggestion, I will try to make that change! Thanks!
Vlad.
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090114172051
Also Guido you can pay on paypal via credit card without opening account.
Vlad.
Reply author: Guido
Replied on: 20090114173902
Hello Vlad
Sorry, I don't use credit cards over internet either ...
Best wishes - Guido
Reply author: sovietcam
Replied on: 20090114181541
hi guido
you can pay to me!
wenn du willst, kannst du es mir zahlen. wäre die einfachste variante und auch die günstigste. kannst es mir sagen, würde dir dann meine nummer geben.
gruess mike
Reply author: sovietcam
Replied on: 20090114181757
vlad,
nice design!
and i will also a camera, incl. wooden box!
regards
mike
Reply author: Guido
Replied on: 20090114182033
Hello Mike
Thank you for your offer. I will try to find your mail address ... ;-)
Best wishes - Guido
Reply author: sovietcam
Replied on: 20090114183446
guido
i send tomorrow an email with my dates!
i have your email :-)
regards
mike
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090114192252
OK, Mike I'll count you in.
Reply author: Jacques M.
Replied on: 20090115032320
Great, and OK with Guido's suggestion!
Jacques.
Reply author: Bull Halsey
Replied on: 20090117020324
Hi All,
Sorry to have caught this thread so late but I've read everything and you can count me in as well.
Steve
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090118133723
Reply author: nightphoto
Replied on: 20090118141258
Hi Vlad,
Looks good. Although no one will probably agree with me ... I wish the top (view shown) would have only the Cyrillic version of "CCCPФOTO,COM" and "2года" on it, and the English or Roman version would be engraved on the bottom plate.
To me this would simplify the look of the top and make the camera keep it's Russian origin intact. And on the lens cap it would of course have all the lettering in Cyrillic and Roman.
Just my opinion. Thanks for all your work Vlad!
Regards, Bill
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090118141949
Bill, think of Kievs [:)]. It has both Russian and English engravings... also the site is in English language only so I think it will be a bit presumptuous to have only Russian engravings. [:)].. feels somewhat like a misrepresentation if we do that...
Also unfortunately the designs are already submitted, sorry.. now I'm waiting for final instructions from Mikhail (the seller who will be providing these cameras).
Vlad.
Reply author: nightphoto
Replied on: 20090118143424
Hi Vlad,
I wasn't saying that we should have only Russian engravings ... just only Russian engravings on the top ... with English on the bottom plate and lens cap. It wouldn't be misrepresentation ... the whole camera will be a non-factory custom camera anyway and not represented as anything else. And, I'm sure they have not started the engravings yet and may even suggest changes themselves. But in any case, you are the boss and the camera looks good!
Regards, Bill
Reply author: Guido
Replied on: 20090119154149
Hello Vlad
Maybe it's too late now, but I have an other idea for this special camera: Why not put a engraving on the bottom like "Made for ..." with the name of the USSRphoto member who ordered the camera? So it would be more personal.
Best wishes - Guido
Reply author: stephanvdz
Replied on: 20090120124351
i confirm I'm in... for a nice number (like 13 ? or 2)..; you could also make the number like art edition
01/20 for instance
Stephan
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090124133000
All right everyone, the designs and everything else had been finalized.. I'm sorry Guido, Bill these changes proposed by you were not applied since the mockups I sent had to go through number of people in Russia and had to be quoted on and it's a lengthy process.. Also the extra engravings like individual names would've cost even more.. so whatever designs I posted last time is what is being manufactured.
Ok so here are the details:
The camera is 115 EUR + 15EUR shipping. Optional box is 30 EUR additional, (BUT if you get the box you only get collapsible lens and not I-26).
Please send 30EUR deposit via PayPal for them to start making your camera to <b>moscowphoto@aport2000.ru</b> and indicate whether you want collapsible lens (FED or I-22) or I-26 non-collapsible and whether you want a box or not (then of course you can only have collapsible lens).
The manufacturing process will take about 2 months. Then the rest of the balance is due when you are notified that camera is ready. Please make sure to provide your mailing address in PayPal comments box.
Once you send the payment please send me a private message via this forum telling me you have done so, so I can keep count. If you would like a an official certificate for the camera from me when you know your serial #, also please let me know. I can print a hard copy and you can just pay whatever shipping costs and materials are to mail it to you or I can send you an electronic copy for free which you can print yourself on nice paper stock.
The camera will be as discussed FED-2 black top and dark red (USSRPhoto.com colors) body, with the design posted above.. I apologize for not using all your suggestions, at some point I had to stop and submit the design otherwise we wouldn't never proceeded with this order. [:)].
Vlad
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090124135400
Oh yea, all deposits need to be paid before <b>February 1st </b>in order to get on the first batch shipment.
Thanks,
Vlad.
Reply author: nightphoto
Replied on: 20090124142848
OK Vlad ... Thank you for your good work on this. I have sent in an order with deposit. I picked the collapsible with box. I like the way collapsible lenses look! ... Old school!
Regards, Bill
Reply author: Bull Halsey
Replied on: 20090124152623
Vlad,
I have just sent my deposit to MoscowPhoto for the camera with collapsible lens and box.
Thanks for your hard work in bringing this great idea to reality.
Steve
Reply author: Frankl
Replied on: 20090124194423
Vlad,
I have also just sent my deposit to MoscowPhoto for camera with collapsible FED lens and box. I also appreciate all the hard work you have put into this very unique project. Thank you again....
Frank
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090124201258
Well I wouldn't call it hard work, more like pleasant free time spending.. [:)] and don't thank me yet, we'll see how the cameras are first [;)].. I'm in a same boat as you guys, but the FED Zarya Sputnik that I got from the same people was of very high quality so I think it'll be a nice looking camera. I see everyone is getting collapsible lens and box, I may do the same, I originally ordered an I-26.. may change it around, I want to see a sample of that box, so I asked for picture of something similar to send me. I'll post it here if I get anything from him.. So now we wait and see.. with luck this will be the camera I'll be taking pictures with at Bievres [:D].
Just a reminder, please place your orders before Feb 1 as he needs a final count to place an order with manufacturer.
Thanks!
Vlad.
Reply author: sovietcam
Replied on: 20090125100921
vlad,
i have also send a deposit for me and one for guido to moscowphoto. both with collapsible lens and box.
i thank you for work and time.
mike
Reply author: Jacques M.
Replied on: 20090125104119
That's done too, but without box and with a 26M. For me, a Fed 2 is with a 26M...[:D]
Thanks, Vlad, even before we receive the camera!
Amitiés. Jacques.
Reply author: dee
Replied on: 20090125135253
Fascinating .
I bought 3 x Zorki 1 Leica from Mika @ moscowphoto and 3x Zorki S Leica .
They are all superb . New matt chrome base toplate , thick black top plates and new coverings .
OK , they are faux German wartime , but exquitely engraved .
With black and silver faux Elmars !
A work of art ! They were £ 70 Z 1 and £60 Z S ,
They have new blinds and smooth and quiet .
I could not have bought a standard camera with such care lavished on it -
even altais excellent restorations are no better .
I will stick with my Kievs from Mike Haley and his ex-Arsenal techs !
Good luck with the project - methinks that it won't be long before all the Ex-USSR camera sources are exhausted .
dee
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090128120232
Reply author: nightphoto
Replied on: 20090128125239
That will be nice!
Regards, Bill
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090304115449
Good news everyone!
Just got word. Seems like our cameras will be ready for shipment in about 2 weeks.
Vlad
Reply author: Bull Halsey
Replied on: 20090304193947
Any pictures or drawings of the final product?
Steve
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090304194907
Hi Steve,
No, unfortunately not.. all I know is that the seller called the guy who was making them and he said that they should be ready in about 2 weeks...
I'm in a same boat as you guys.. I've asked him for a prototype, but he said the guy is making all the cameras at once... so unfortunately we'll have to hope that they'll all be to our spec.. he has the mockups, the drawings and the detailed high-res engravings file I sent them to use.. based on their past work I'm not really concerned because they seem to do a nice job in general.. well we'll wait and see..
Vlad.
Reply author: Luiz Paracampo
Replied on: 20090308230451
Reply author: Luiz Paracampo
Replied on: 20090308230559
Being so, we are forced to develop our oun Russian model!
Regards
LP
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090313155946
Ok guys, the cameras are ready for the following people who ordered them:
Igor (imcphoto) ind22, no box
Jacques ind26, no box
Michael (sovietcams) 2x ind22, boxes
Frank L ind22, box
Steven B (Bull Halsey) ind22, box
Bill Parkinson 2x ind22, boxes (rus + eng)
He only got 5 boxes now, the rest are coming in 10 days.. so someone's camera maybe be held up until then..
Please send the rest of your payment to moscowphoto@aport2000.ru
If you paid 30EUR for each camera deposit you should have this amount left:
130EUR if you had a box per camera
100EUR if you did not order a box per camera
P.S. THERE IS AN EXTRA CAMERA LEFT THAT HE HAS. IF SOMEONE IS INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT ME ASAP. First come first serve on this one.
Thanks,
Vlad
Reply author: cedricfan
Replied on: 20090314054803
Does he have a picture of the camera? Would be nice to see if there's one extra...
Best regards,
Juhani
Reply author: Jacques M.
Replied on: 20090314062327
That's done.
I am eager to see that, and to test it!
Thanks, Vlad! [:)]
Amitiés. Jacques.
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090316094211
Juhani,
working on getting those pictures for you, I'll post them here once he sends them since I'm sure everyone is interested in seeing those.
Jacques, I'm anxious to see it too [:)]. One of the reasons I've asked for pictures from the seller.
Vlad.
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090319090548
Reply author: Bull Halsey
Replied on: 20090319124754
Have to admit it, Vlad.
PRETTY DARN NICE !!
Can't wait.
Thanks for all your hard work putting this project together !!
You should feel mighty proud !!
Steve
Reply author: Jacques M.
Replied on: 20090319131255
Really great!
No doubt it will put colours on my entirely black shelves!
Thanks, Vlad.
Hehe, what do you prepare for the three year camera? [:D]
Amitiés. Jacques.
Reply author: cedricfan
Replied on: 20090319163455
After a long and hard thinking I did make my decision to wait for the 3rd anniversary. The arrival of a NIB Kiev-35AM, Jantar 35-200mm and 25th Kongress Zenit-E did though help a bit...
Best regards,
Juhani
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090319171557
Juhani, that's fine, no problem.
Unless someone else is interested (please let me know ASAP) I will get it for myself as a spare.
Vlad.
Reply author: nightphoto
Replied on: 20090319191814
Thanks Vald! Looks very nice ... I will post photos of mine when they arrive!
Regards, Bill
Reply author: AidasCams
Replied on: 20090320043321
Hi,
I'm happy many of you like this camera! As for me it looks like real disaster, sorry to say that ... Probably I have a bad taste indeed ... [:)]
Best Regards,
Aidas
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090320094314
LOL! [:D][:D][:D][:D]
I think you're missing the point here Aidas, it is supposed to be our own designed and controlled disaster. We all know that that is why it's great [:D]. It was time we released our own "fake" [:D]. You're just being too serious of a collector, this is what we call collector fun.. heheheh
Vlad
Reply author: AidasCams
Replied on: 20090320120825
Vlad,
it's ok with your point of view [:)] I like some fun in collecting too, but the way I realize it is a little bit different than yours ... [:D][:D][:D]
Best Regards,
Aidas
Reply author: Bull Halsey
Replied on: 20090327161113
Hello All,
I just received Camera #2.
It looks quite nice. The finish looks rich, the camera functions perfectly. The box is fitted to the FED body without any appreciable shake.
I do have one comment. If the camera graphic could have been fitted to the center (lower) of where it is at, I think it might appear a bit nicer.
No big deal, just a thought.
A Very Nice Momento Of 2 Years Success On The Net And Establishing The Finest Source Of Information Concerning Russian/Soviet Photographic Equipment.
Steve
Reply author: cedricfan
Replied on: 20090328032236
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="MS Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Bull Halsey</i>
<br />A Very Nice Momento Of 2 Years Success On The Net And Establishing The Finest Source Of Information Concerning Russian/Soviet Photographic Equipment.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Sounds very much like a true USSR engraving [:o)]
Best regards,
Juhani
Reply author: Jacques M.
Replied on: 20090410094411
My camera arrived some days ago, but I was not at home.
Serial # 10, so probably the last of the batch [;)]
Fine engravings, for sure.
Nevertheless a bit deceived by the clip on plastic lens cap, like the ones for Canon reflexes, and which is not engraved.
Sure I wanted a rigid Fed lens, but it's not a problem to find a correct metal cap... and to engrave it.
So, not so happy as I should be.
Amitiés. Jacques.
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090410095517
Jacques, that is very weird... I'll contact seller right away and try to correct that! The deal was that all caps would be engraved, this is not right.. thanks for alerting me of the fact.
Vlad.
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090410155722
Jacques,
I've talked to the Mikhail at moscowphoto. He says that he is aware of the problem and will send you a correct cap as soon as he gets it from the guy who makes them.
He also says there is another problem, without going into much details, due to some personal circumstances surrounding the guy who makes these cameras beyond Mikhail's controls, he is unable to get some cameras and boxes (including my #0001) from the maker (who is in Ukraine) maybe for another couple weeks hopefully. .
He is profusely apologizing and said that he had shipped whatever he had to people and is aware that some cameras that were ordered with the box will be without it, and the boxes will be sent separately when he receives them himself. So do not panic, it's just taking a little extra time. (Jacques, that is why you received a camera without a cap at this time)
On the other hand, did anyone hear from one of our members - Frank Lambert? He'd put a deposit on one of these cameras and had disappeared, and no one had heard from him since. I've tried emailing him to no avail.. please let me know if you hear anything.
Do not worry I keep on top of this situation, often exchanging emails with Mikhail, so if anything new I will post here.
Thanks,
Vlad.
Reply author: Jacques M.
Replied on: 20090411092150
Really thanks for your help, Vlad! [^]
Amitiés. Jacques.
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090416194539
Just an update, Mikhail is expecting the rest of the cameras, boxes and caps within a week.
Vlad.
Reply author: dee
Replied on: 20090512033021
Hi everyone - Mike Haley is researching special Kievs with repainting by the guys who do black Kievs , he is also having some other cameras
CLA and refinished .
He may be another source of specials and is really keen - he can buy dud cameras from flee markets in Ukriane to work on ... or your donors -
good use for a dead Zorki ?
'' napchop@gmail.com ''
dee
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090512092105
Dee, thanks for the suggestion. Maybe next year we'll be talking to Mike about new anniversary series.. [;)]
Vlad
Reply author: dee
Replied on: 20090512173204
OK - I am jealous , but having Kommited to Kiev Enigmas , the cupboard is bare !
but I do have several georgeous if controversial Moscow photo silver / black '' Leicas '' with new Chrome and coverings ...
Can I '' borrow '' a couple of pics to send to Mike - 'cos my twins have to be as good !
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20090512173829
Dee, You don't have to ask to borrow anything [:)]. If you'd like I think he has couple of USSRPhoto.com cameras left that he will be putting up for auction on eBay. If you're interested you can either wait until then or drop me a note and you can buy it from him directly. Only if you decide.. or anyone else for that matter, only 1 or 2 cameras left.
Vlad.
Reply author: fargo fed fan
Replied on: 20100620092810
Vlad - is it too late to order one for myself?
I just joined the group a month ago and did not know about this.
jay bjerke
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20100620114319
Hi Jay,
sorry, we've released a batch of 15 last summer, they have all been bought at that time.. maybe they will show up for sale someday again.. who knows maybe we'll make another one someday [:)]..
Vlad
Reply author: bucsss
Replied on: 20100721174437
make another one!! [:D][:D]
Reply author: Vlad
Replied on: 20100723181012
Oh we will, I need to find time to organize that [:D]. Stay tuned.
Vlad
