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
#cam---#lens------turn--cover-----------metal finish-------------------collector/source
-155---no lens------------smooth black-----------------------------------ebay 2013
-173---?-------------1/2--smooth black-----------------------------------Photo Arsenal
-253---253----------------totally black------------------------------------private
-316---?-------------------smooth black-----------------------------------Знание и Труд 1936 #4
-389---889/389-------1---matte cover---totally black-------------------private in Russia
-489---?---------------1---smooth black-----------------------------------DVD Technik
-491---491------------1---smooth black-----------------------------------private in Russia
-508---?/508----------1---smooth black-----------------------------------private in Russia
-575---1190/68-----------smooth black-----------------------------------private
-600---600----------------Vulcanite----------------------------------------private in Russia
-608---?-------------------smooth black-----------------------------------
-689---?-------------------Vulcanite----------------------------------------private
-698---?-------------------Vulcanite----------------------------------------private
-793---?---------------1---pigskin------------------------------------------private
-911---?/934/911-----1---smooth black----------------------------------Alexey Nikitin
-927---1050/927------1---Vulcanite---------------------------------------Alexey Nikitin
-968---1026/47/968--1---smooth brown---------------------------------private
1195---?-------------------Vulcanite----------------------------------------Allegro 2011
1227---2302/24------1---Vulcanite------burnished----------------------Bill Parkinson
1233---1276/14------1---Vulcanite------burnished----------------------Christian G. (Niko80)
1399---1458--------------Vulcanite----------------------------------------private in Russia
1511---?--------------1---Vulcanite-----------------------------------------Aidas
1765---1827--------------Vulcanite----------------------------------------private
2029---?--------------1---Vulcanite------burnished-----------------------ebay
2869---?--------------1---Vulcanite------burnished-----------------------net
2969---34959-------------Vulcanite------burnished--FED-1b-engraving--Alexey Nikitin
3227---2095----------1---Vulcanite------burnished-----------------------David Tomlinson
3618---?--------------1---Vulcanite----------------------------------------1200 cams
4141---?--------------1---Vulcanite------burnished-----------------------A.Zilbert
4304---6744---------1/2--Vulcanite------burnished-----------------------Alexander K.
4643---?---------------1---Vulcanite----------------------------------------Aidas
4700---?-------------------Vulcanite----------------------------------------Знание и Труд 1936 #4
5167---?---------------1---Vulcanite------partly chromed-----------------private in Russia
5298---5977---------------Vulcanite------burnished-----------------------Alexander K.
5323---5165---------------Vulcanite------burnished-----------------------Lens werks.
5330---4534/75-----------Vulcanite------burnished-----------------------Jacques M.
5440---6049/22-------1---Vulcanite----------------------------------------Alexey Nikitin
5461---5681----------------Vulcanite-----burnished------------------------net
5585---5583-----------1---Vulcanite------burnished------------------------Bill Parkinson
5682---?----------------1---Vulcanite-----------------------------------------Massimo Bertacchi
5890---?---------------1/2--Vulcanite------chromed-------------------------Juhani
5899---?---------------1/2--Vulcanite------chromed-------------------------U. Witte