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, 1 turn ---- 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
#2313 --- 18266 1/2 turn .--.. Vulcanite ----- burnished ---- Bill Parkinson
#2869 ----?-1 turn ------------- Vulcanite --- burnished--------seen on the net.
#2969 --- 34959 ---------------- Vulcanite --- burnished, FED 1b engravings--------Vlad
#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, Leica engravings-------Jacques coll.
#5440 --- 6049/22 -------------- Vulcanite --------------------------Alexey Nikitin
#5461 --- 5681 ------------------ Vulcanite, --- burnished ---------seen on the net.
#5585 ---- 5583, 1 turn ------- Vulcanite --- burnished ---- Bill Parkinson
#5682 -----?---------------------- Vulcanite ------------------------- Massimo Bertacchi
#5890 -----?---------------------- Vulcanite --- chromed -------------- Juhani
#5899 -----?---------------------- Vulcanite --- chromed -------------- U. Witte