FED 1 Leica DRP with slow shutter dial

Hello!

Really very interested by this camera!
Why is it considered as a Fed rather than a Leica? I don't speak of paint or of the vulcanite which can always be changed...
I cannot really see the viewfinder window. But I suppose there are other marks to classify it as a Fed.

Of course, I think of my Leica fake (??) too. We discussed about it in another topic.

Thanks. Jacques.

hey people
I can support the affirmation this camera is a real Leica with several external cosmetics!
Regards LP

I agree too ... I don't see anything "FED" about it at all.

Regards, Bill

I believe according to Steve Berkowitz whose camera that is this was sold as a Leica copy.. why would they do that if they would make more money on the real Leica... also I think he was telling me that it was examined and determined to be a fake, I can't be sure though because we went through about 20 different "Feicas" in about 1/2 hour time . I sent Steve an email, hopefully we'll get some clarification from him or he'll post here directly. It is also assumed to be an "old school" copy.

Vlad.

I still support this camera is not a fake, but a refurbished original Leica by non Leica experts.
Regards, LP

Even the viewfinder window is a Leica's...

Amitiйs. Jacques.

Hello All,

Sorry I am not able to get back as often as I would like to. My business keeps me online all day and all night, and with poor eyesight I must take care of business before my other interests are addressed.

Concerning this "fake" Leica, let me tell you about its story.

It was sold as a Leica Copy from a seller who stated that it was stripped of many Fed parts and replaced with Leica substitutes. He went on to say that the intent was to create a "Frankenstein" camera. I was also given a small plastic bag of all replaced parts from the original Fed (?). Since this camera was posted and questioned I tried to locate the parts but cannot find them. The camera was purchased a number of years ago and with two moves, I'm not surprised I can't locate them.

The camera looked quite nice . As you can see there is no vulcanite, or strap lugs. It has a pretty gray krinkled enamel finish. Also there is a fully operable slow speed dial as well. Vlad had come to my home one afternoon and photographed a number of pieces from my collection (or should I say "Salad" , hmm) and accidentely forgot to shoot an interesting engraved numerical code preceded with a triangle symbol. Maybe the makers "signature"? This is located on the bottom of the back and is covered when you attach the baseplate. A very professional job.

Upon receipt I decided to show the camera to Don Goldberg, a Leica Specialist (DAG Camera Repair). There is a problem with the slow speeds only operating when the camera is held in a straight position and not operating when the camera is tilted.

When I showed Don the camera his reply was "I don't work on Russian cameras". So, for a number of years it sits with all my other Leica copies.

To those who own real Leica screwmount cameras, you know what I mean when I say they have a "feel" all their own. This camera does not have that feel, the silky smooth film advance, the soft shutter release, etc. I own a number of Fed cameras that are very snooth and quite, but don't match my Leica's.

Nevertheless, it's an interesting piece and a welcomed addition to my.......Salad Bar.

Steve

Hello Steve!

My personal salad bar would be honored to count such a camera!
As for yours, it seems that the body is a Leica, including the cover.
But what about the mechanism? It would be useful to have some more pictures about the inside:
-lens unscrewed: tip of the rangefinder?,
-shoe removed: shape of the springs.

Amitiйs. Jacques.

Hello All!
In order to clarify any doubts and turn on the evidences on Leica and Russian cameras differences, I prepared a pictorial explanation on http://www.ussrphoto.com/Wiki/default.asp?ContentID=797&ParentID=49&WikiCatID=51
I believe this could be useful for all of us.
Enjoy!
LP