Fed s/n 8344

Hello there, I'm new here though a regular on Rangefinderforum. I'd like to ask about an older Fed that I have. I used to collect them but over the years sold all bar this last one as part of 'downsizing'. Here's a pic of my long gone collection (including a couple of Zorkis):

IMG_0053 by dralowid, on Flickr

The camera in question is this one:

FED 002 by dralowid, on Flickr

As you can see, it has various design details that are different on later versions. The knurling of the knobs is also quite fine and the camera has a collimation hole in the back.

I think the serial number on the lens reads 8550.

FED 001 by dralowid, on Flickr

IMG_0762 by dralowid, on Flickr

IMG_2618 by dralowid, on Flickr

So, would anyone like to suggest a date of manufacture? ...and is the accessory shoe a later addition? ...and which would be the right lens cap for that date?

Thanks

Michael

Welcome, Michael!
Your 1b s/n 8344 is beautiful and seems completely original with its lens s/n 8550.

As a date of making, I would say 1935, probably around the middle of the year.
Concerning the accessory shoe, I have the s/n 7926 for the last body "without", and 8338 (first body with) in my data. So, it could be original on your camera.

About the cover, an aluminium one, certainly. But I don't know which one exactly.

Amitйs. Jacques.

Beautiful FED 1b. Made in 1935. I think accesory shoe is original, I have FED 85xx with accesory shoe.
Regarding caps I think both are later than the camera.
Everything seems to be absolutely original and from this body but ring around shutter realease. It seems to be dicker than original ones and has bigger cuts.

Thanks everyone!
Pleased to hear that the camera is correct. The shutter release collar is something from my box of bits, it didn't come with the camera and I do not think it is one I made from a bicycle tyre valve retaining ring...

Best,

Michael

Hello Micha4 and welcome to the forum. :-)

quote:

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Originally posted by Micha4
The camera in question is this one:

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Two small remarks.
On the photo above top plate (not this one with S/N) has 3 screws in one line. The screw on the right side on the photo should be in the middle of the plate.
I don't like position the lens is locked at infinity. It is 11 o'clock while it should rather be something between 7 and 9 o'clock.

Yes, we can discuss about the position of the infinity button. But for these early Fed 1b, it seems we can meet an original 11 pm position too. The "one turn" lenses of the 1a, with that same position, are not far... And by the serial number, the lens could be original on this camera.

About your first remark, I don't understand which screw you talk of, Alfa?

Amitiйs. Jacques.

Ah, yes, because of its flat head!
OK, the camera was dismounted, and the screws not correctly replaced...

Exaclety, because of flat head it should be under ring to which lens is mounted.
Remaining screws have typical heads for early FEDs so I assume they are original.

Yes, you're right, position of infinity button can be even 11 o'clock. I have forgotten about that. Last years I don't see early FEDs on our market at all. So I have forgotten many things about them.

The camera is the original! Congratulations!
Screws are original in your camera, if they are made of steel and magnets. If the brass screws coated with chromium is not original to this camera.

Thanks, Alexey! I did not know.
After a short checking on my cameras, I would say that screws are magnetic up to c. 10/12000. Can you be more precise?

Amitiйs. Jacques.

I didn't know that too. Yes, very interestig.
I was always distiguished screws by shape of head and surface (matt, polished, half-matt etc.)

Thanks, this is the only USSR camera that I am left with so I do not have much more to contribute. I find it interesting that the camera retains many of the specific Leica features found around the same time, the 11 o'clock lens and six screws being some of them.

My current project is a Pentina which I suspect falls outside the interest area of this group.

When I look at your past collection - this is the only camera that you are left but this is the right camera you are left.
Maybe Zorki 12610 would be worth to keep it too.