The first version of the famous Leica copy.
A limited pre-series of 10 FED cameras was released in 1933, regular production started in 1934.
The parts of the camera, that normally should be chromed are "galvanized" up to No. #5.800. This transitional finish is the result of the lack of chrome in the new factory.
The body of very early cameras often has a smooth black plastic cover instead of Vulcanite, occasionally cameras with different covers like smooth brown plastic, leather, or gray Vulcanite can be found.
Produced: 1934-1935
Engravings on camera top: „ФЭД Трудкоммуна им. Ф.Э. Дзержинского. Харьков“
Shutter: 1/20s, 1/30s, 1/40s, 1/60s, 1/100s, 1/200s, 1/500s + Z.
Serial number range: up to # 6.000 [According to Princelle].
known examples
camera SN / lens SN / cover material
#0058-----?----------smooth black cover, preseries - private collection, Europe
#142----no lens------gray pigskin ------------------ private collection, Europe
#155----no lens------smooth black cover ------------ seen on ebay 2013
#173-------?--------- smooth black cover ------------ Photo Arsenal
#253-------?---------totally black ---------------------privat collection, Europe
#316-------?---------smooth black cover--------------Знание и Труд 1936 #4
#389-----389--------totally black, matte cover ------ private collection Russia
#489-------?---------smooth black cover ------------- DVD Technik
#491-----491--------smooth black cover---------------privat collection Russia
#508-----508-------smooth black cover---------------privat collection Russia
#575-------?-------- smooth black cover-------------- according to Princelle
#600-----600--------Vulcanite--------------------------privat collection, Russia
#608-------?---------smooth black cover ------------------ ?
#689-------?---------Vulcanite--------------------------privat collection
#698-------?---------Vulcanite--------------------------privat collection
#793-------?---------pigskin --------------------------- private collection
#911-----911--------smooth black cover ------------- Alexey Nikitin
#927-----927--------Vulcanite ------------------------ Alexey Nikitin
#968------?---------smooth brown cover ------------- private collection Russia
#1195-----?---------Vulcanite ------------------------- according to Allegro
#1233---1276/14---Vulcanite ------------------------- Christian G. (Niko80)
#1399----1458------Vulcanite---------------------------privat collection, Russia
#1511-----?---------Vulcanite ------------------------- Aidas
#1765----1827------Vulcanit--------------------------------privat collection
#3618-----?---------Vulcanite--------------------------1200 cameras
#4642-Fed/Elmar--Vulcanite----chromed--------Jacques coll.
#4643-----?---------Vulcanite ------------------------- Aidas
#4700-----?---------Vulcanit--------------------------- Знание и Труд 1936 #4
#5167-----?---------Vulcanite, partly chromed ------- private collection Russia
#5330---4534/75--Vulcanite----galvanised--------Jacques coll.
#5431---6107/K98--Vulcanite---galvanised-------Jacques coll. (Leica engravings)
#5440---6049/22---Vulcanite--------------------------Alexey Nikitin
#5682-----?---------Vulcanite ------------------------- Massimo Bertacchi
#5890-----?---------Vulcanite, chromed -------------- Juhani
#5899-----?---------Vulcanite, chromed -------------- U. Witte