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 / metal finish type / collection
#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 ---------------------private 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 ---------------private collection Russia
#508 ----- 508 ---------- smooth black cover ---------------private collection Russia
#575 -------?----------- smooth black cover -------------- according to Princelle
#600 ----- 600 ---------- Vulcanite --------------------------private collection, Russia
#608 -------?----------- smooth black cover ------------------ ?
#689-------?----------- Vulcanite --------------------------private collection
#698 -------?----------- Vulcanite --------------------------private 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
#1227 --- 2392/24 --- Vulcanite --- burnished ----------- Bill Parkinson
#1233 --- 1276/14 --- Vulcanite --- burnished -------------- Christian G. (Niko80)
#1399 --- 1458 -------- Vulcanite ---------------------------private collection, Russia
#1511 -----?----------- Vulcanite ------------------------- Aidas
#1765 --- 1827 -------- Vulcanite --------------------------------private collection
#2869 ----?-1 turn --- Vulcanite --- burnished--------seen on the net.
#3618 -----?----------- Vulcanite --------------------------1200 cameras
#4642 - Fed/Elmar -- Vulcanite --- chromed --------Jacques coll.
#4643 -----?----------- Vulcanite ------------------------- Aidas
#4700 -----?----------- Vulcanite --------------------------- Знание и Труд 1936 #4
#5167 -----?----------- Vulcanite --- partly chromed ------- private collection Russia
#5330 --- 4534/75 ---- Vulcanite --- burnished --------Jacques coll.
#5431 --- 6107/K98 -- Vulcanite --- burnished -------Jacques coll. (Leica engravings)
#5440 --- 6049/22 ---- Vulcanite --------------------------Alexey Nikitin
#5461 --- 5681 ------- Vulcanite, --- burnished ---------seen on the net.
#5682 -----?----------- Vulcanite ------------------------- Massimo Bertacchi
#5890 -----?----------- Vulcanite --- chromed -------------- Juhani
#5899 -----?----------- Vulcanite --- chromed -------------- U. Witte