Fed-Zorki serial number

Hi all

I just got this Fed Zorki from 1948
The serial number is 05482
I also have a 1949 model with number 05117
Someone knows if it is possible to have a higher number on a camera manufactured one year before?

Thank you very much?

Fred

Fred,
I think it is not possible. This top plate seems for me to be not genuine, sorry.
The numbers must be narrow and more pressed against each other. Furthermore, the number-sign should be more narrow, but this looks like the simple "N". I have seen such engraving on some FED-Zorki fakes. But it is only my opinion.
Could you compare this camera with your second one? Is the engraving the same?

Regards, Alexander

Hmm.. the number is in fact in 1949 high-range... I agree with Alexander, the numbers are also pretty widely spaced, but the rest of the engraving looks very real, I wonder if someone reingraved 9 in 1949 to an "8", makes no sense though...

Cheers,
Vlad.

Interesting comparison on Guido's site, according to the logo comparison this one is quite real engraving but the serial # is strange:

http://www.g-st.ch/privat/kameras/fedzorkifake.html

Cheers,
Vlad.

Also the body between serial number and shoe is too much round as if it was grounded before. Same over the rear rangefinder eye.
Also the distance between the "r" or "p" in "Zorki" and the KMZ logo is too wide.
The "Mockba" on the lens looks strange too.

Interesting would be if there is a sign under the shoe. Fred's Yura has a sign there too. Not that I know much about these signs, but it could be interesting in the future.

Hello Fred

Sorry, I also see some differences to an authentic FED-Zorki so it should be a fake. The lens may be an original one at my first view.

Best wishes - Guido

Thank you for your messages
When I got this one, I knew the serial number was more for a 1949 one...
I am out for some days, but when I'll be back, I will compare the 2 models. I will remove top plate too..
Thank you very much

Fred

Hello Fred,

Have a look too at the speed dial and the counter: the pin is not at the right place. The lens plate has been turned 90° clockwise to fit the lens...

That makes me think of a NKVD disguised into Fed-Zorki.

It would be interesting too to have a picture of the shutter box: made of aluminium or brass?

Not good news, I fear...
Amitiйs. Jacques.

Thank you Jacques for your message
I'm not home till next week and I will remove top plate and shutter box.
Don't worry, When I bought this one, I knew the serial number was suspect...
As I bought a lot with many cameras, It is not a problem of price for this one.. There were many other cameras as the 1a and 1b much more interesting.. I have other cameras to put in this topic but not really time enough to take pics!!!
What do you think about position of infinity lock on Fed S? it's at the level of viewfinder!!

Fred

quote:

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Originally posted by Fred_L
What do you think about position of infinity lock on Fed S? it's at the level of viewfinder!!

Fred

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It is in the right position on your camera, unless the lens is not completely screwed.
But the lensplate seems a Fed one, with its engraved line. On a Fed, the line is at 9. On your camera, it is at 12. Hence the possibility it has been turned to support correctly the KMZ lens.

Amitiйs. Jacques.
PS: I had not seen your question in the good thread. Bravo pour tes acquisitions!

Hi All

As Jacques has asked, some pics of the shutter box and others..

Fred

Hi Fred!

Thanks for the photos!
I would say at first sight that your camera has probably Fed 1d origins...

The press film should be without hole. The hole is present only on the Fed 1d till c. 150000. After, it's without hole. No hole on Fed-Zorkis.
The paint should be crisp, though there are exceptions, as it seems. Please, have a look at this thread:http://ussrphoto.com/Forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1580&SearchTerms=fed,zorki,crisp
The release button and the speed dial are Fed's: more square for the first, and different engravings for the last on Fed-Zorkis.

The shutter box seems made in brass (yellow under the black paint). If it is really the case (it must be checked), it's a Fed before c. 115000.

It is often difficult to be sure if a Fed-Zorki is genuine or not, because these cameras were first mounted with Fed parts. But as for yours, it is certainly an excellent Fed!

Amitiйs. Jacques.