Hello

I'm new to this forum and just wanted to say hi :)

I'm relatively new to the russian camera scene, I bought a zenit B last year after trying some m42 lenses on my DSLR. I then came across the FED series, and after doing some research, went and bought red (original paint I think) FED 2 (d?) I can't remember which version exactly, as I don't have it with me right now. But I've now decided to collect FED cameras! I just ordered a FED 3 50 years anniversary edition and a FED 5 olympic edition from ebay, hopefully I'll be able to try them out soon. I think in the short term I'll be happy just to have 1 of each model of FED, 1-5, and not concern myself with the variants within each model (a, b, c etc...) until later on when I actually have a job! (I'm still at university at the moment, I'm going to take a guess and say I'm the youngest member of these forums? [:D])

Dear Sirrith,

Welcome! I'm just doing the opposite now. Started with Zenits Feds and Zorkis I repair myself, and yet awaiting an M42 adapter for a try on an EOS 350 body. Just honestly never really liked digital. I love shooting slide film and BW.
Russian Cameras have a certain attraction, that you cannot resist ;)

Welcome to the Forum!

To collect just one each? Sirrith, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship! [:D]

Cheers!

Hello Sirrith!

Welcome to the forum! Haha, I totally agree with Sandor, once you get one of each, you will want to get one of each type, then you will want one of each of variations of each type.. trust me it's a disease [:)]. There are a few really good books that classify the FEDs. One is 1200 cameras from USSR and anther one is the book by Asquini and Pegorari - that one is incredibly detailed when it comes particularly to FED-1 cameras and its varieties. I think Senior Asquinni is a registered member here, he may be able to direct you where to buy that book, it's a must for FED collectors.

Feel free to ask any questions here, there are a lot of friendly collectors on this forum ready to jump on any question.

Best regards,
Vlad

This is the book actually!

http://www.camerabooks.com/Products/From-Russia-with-a-click---an-attempt-to-classify-some-important-Russian-Cameras-by-Albino-Pegorari-and-Claudio-Asquini__FROMRUSSIAWITHACLICKPEGORARI.aspx

Vlad

And the Wiki entry on this site here:

http://www.ussrphoto.com/Wiki/default.asp?ContentID=168&ParentID=4&WikiCatID=39

Vlad

Thanks all for the welcome messages!

Milo, I started off with film when I was a kid, with an EOS 3000, then sort of forgot about photography, and picked it up again recently with my 450D. I find digital to be more convenient, as developing film myself is impractical (I lack the facilities) and quite costly if I do it at a shop.. But of course I don't mind doing it now and then!

Sandor and Vlad, Just one of each for now, I do intend to get more later on, haha. And thanks for the link, Vlad, I may purchase that book later on when I need more information I can't find on the net!

For now I'm just waiting for a good condition FED 1 (preferably pre-war) to turn up on ebay at a "reasonable" price, and a FED 4 50 year anniversary edition, but I find myself lusting after a FED 3 (earliest version with the decorative bezel around the viewfinder) which is a bad sign for my wallet...