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, 1-turn ___ Vulcanite __ burnished __________________ Christian G. (Niko80)
# 1399 ____ 1458 _________ Vulcanite ______________________________ private collection, Russia
# 1511 ____ ? ____________ Vulcanite ______________________________ Aidas
# 1765 ____ 1827 _________ Vulcanite ______________________________ private collection
# 2029 ____ ?-1 turn ______ Vulcanite __ burnished ___________________ seen on ebay
# 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
# 3227 ____ 2095, 1-turn ___ Vulcanite __ burnished ___________________ David Tomlinson
# 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