Early Fed 1a

My FED-S I use for photography also works great with all the lenses. I've shot about 10 rolls of film so far, once you get used to the camera it's quite easy and fun to operate.

The lens of the FED1a #1233 is a bit hazy so no spectacular images are to be expected...
I've been thinking about having it cleaned by the Vienna Leicashop
but I somehow worry to mess up the original state of the camera...

What's your opinion on having collectible cameras serviced ?

Regards,
Christian

Ok, here's a doozie for you guys. My very very strange FED-1a. Need you analysis.

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Looks like FED-1a by all parameters (as far as I can see) but what is up with the engraving?

Cheers,
Vlad

Hi Vlad!

Looks like a FED-1a but with a newer, re-engraved and newly burnished rangefinder housing. It should have a notched front rangefinder window for that serial number. So probably the flash shoe was removed, the holes filled, the top of the rangefinder housing ground down (you can see evidence of this on the front edge of the rangefinder housing near the rewind knob) then some change in the serial number (maybe a number ground off at the end), then burnished to match the rest of the body and top and bottom plates, then a new shutter speed arrow engraved. Finally the rangefinder housing is put in place.

So you end up with a later version of the logo engraving and a later version of the rangefinder front window, but with an early serial number and burnished finish.

This is just a guess! The lens is a later lens too I think, but that is common on the early cameras that are found today.

Regards, Bill

Christian,

I never had a collectible camera repaired or regulated. I prefer keeping them in the original condition. At least the condition where I received them... It's only my opinion, but it's an important matter, I think.

Vlad,

I agree with Bill.
You have a strange camera, indeed. As if the 1a was first repaired with parts of 9000/11000 1b (the viewfinder with recess), then worked again (burnishing, removing the rangefinder clip...) to give it again its former appearance...
Anyway, it was originally an early Fed 1a, no doubt (screwed catch of the lock).

Amitiйs. Jacques.

Bill, Jacques, thank you for the analysis, I probably would incline to agree with you as well, only it seems like that burnishing was done before the engraving as there are no damage to the engraving.. really odd..

Vlad

Jacques, I think you are right.
I'll leave the camera as it is.

By the way, what happened to #155?
Was it sold or did the auction end without a bid?

Another FED1a for sale: #2029
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fed-Original-Camera-1934-Rare-Leica-Copy-/130965162387?pt=UK_Photography_VintageCameras_SM&hash=item1e7e21c993

Hello! Your help is needed to find the truth :)
You can see two screws on the picture. These screws have disappeared in cameras with s/n 5xxx and were replaced with 2 rivets. Could you check your cameras with s/n 5xxx to say me which version with screws/rivets you possess, please? Thanks in advance! Alexey

Hello Alexey!
What's the s/n of your camera?

So far in this thread we have the following cameras with screws:
# 155
#1233
#1227
#2969
#4642

With rivets:
#5330

Regards,
Christian

Hi Alexey!

Good question!
I had not seen these two other inside screws (those pointed by your red line).

All the Leicas I own before the IIIc have these two screws more. So, the models A to G (all the prewar models, in fact).

Concerning the Fed 1a, my # 4642 a screwed lock and these two screws more.
My # 5330 has a riveted lock. And the two inside screws are always there. But their heads are filed, as if they were not useful.
On my # 5431: riveted lock and nothing inside.

So, it seems that the two inside screws disappear somewhere between 5330 and 5431... And that they are in relation with the screwed lock.

Amitiйs. Jacques.

Jacques and Christian greetings!
I have the camera: 
#911-screws
#927-screws
#2969-screws
#5440-rivets.
Besides known camera: / not mine /
#3219-screws
#4545-screws
#4857-screws
#5340 - Bill Parkinson-??
Thank you very much!

FED #5340 -rivets.

Hi Alexey

My FED 1a #3227 has screws.



David.

Thank you David! I am very interested in information FED-1 № № 5000-5300. This is a transient cycle. I think this is interesting all the time .....

What do you think about this camera #3662 ?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fed-Original-Camera-1934-Rare-Leica-Copy-/131019770625

All parts seem to be chromed and to me the engraving looks a bit different than usual.

Regards,
Christian