FED camera

Felix Edmundovich Dzerjinski (1877-1926) is FED or at least his initials are. The Camera born of the Leica 1 camera of the 1920s the Russian FED appeared about 1933 to the public this even though the Official date was July 1927. The Leica 1 was produced but more as a proto-type than production camera several are still around but in museums. As Leica was producing a Leica model 2 so was Russia and would it would appear as the FED 1 Fedka with close to Âľ of a million produced.  FED Camera Gallery
FED-1
After the Fed Fedka little was changed in the camera. The camera went through slight modifications, as do all things. FED 1 would appear to be the same but some of the things that would change. All early models would be in German time settings "Z" (zu or open) not "B" Bulb a French standard and now used worldwide FED 1A to FED 1G last model. Speeds Z, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, 200 and 500 did not change as the camera went from models A to F, but FED 1G would be different.

FED 1 has a variety of models A to F. FED 1G will be the camera that is also a break in the family. It is to be a shared camera with the new Zenit Camera Company.

FED 1A no accessory shoe but, it shutter speed dial is same as Leica II. One shutter speed dial and no slow speed settings like Leica II. First commemorative camera "FED Work Commune "In the Name of" F.E. Dzerjinshi" engraved in top plate. FED camera will not have any strap lugds as did the Leica II and III did.

FED 1B added an accessory shoe and shutter speed dial made smaller. First NKVD commemorative "FED Work Commune NKVD - UkSSR "In the Name of" F.E. Dzerjinshi" engraved in top plate UkSSR was the independent state of the Ukraine over seen by the USSR.

SIBERIA with large dials for cold use in extremely cold weather.

FED 1C notable is the viewfinder cover is no longer rounded but it is chiseled like the Leica III. The accessory shoe will lose its backstop pin. Second NKVD commemorative "FED Work Commune NKVD - UkSSR "In the Name of" F.E. Dzerjinshi" engraved in top plate UkSSR was the independent state of the Ukraine over seen by the USSR.

FED 1000 Proto (FED 1C) based on the FED 1C camera shell but with a new shutter. This pure copy of a LeicaIIIa with full range of shutter speeds and like the Leica two speed dials. Speed dial on top 1/25 to 1/1000 and front speed dial of 1/25 to 1sec and Z. Was to have the new to have a copy of the Sonnar 50mm F2. This true Leica IIIa copy was never released.

FED 1000 (FED1C) based on the FED 1C camera shell but with a new shutter. Camera has only one shutter dial 1/25 to 1/1000 plus Z. FED 1000 will have the new 50mm F2. The lens is more than likely a copy of the Leitz 50mm f2 produced at the time and not the Zeiss 50mm F2.

FED 1D camera production was stopped for one year and factory was moved to a newer factory this do to WW II. A new NKVD commemorative was released the Ukraine lost her independence so to reflect this "FED NKVD - URSS Kharkov Kombinat "In the Name of" F.E. Dzerjinshi" would be engraved in top plate.
From this model will also come the cold weather camera the FED Siberia.

FED 1E no real changes in this camera from D to E. Some of the first production were made in Siberia (BERDSK). This is the only model that has two commemoratives. First is commemorative "Manufactured in the factory of F. E. Dzerjinski at Kharkov" this for the opening of the new Factory after WWII. Them in mid-production the commemorative "NKAP - URSS Order Of The Red Flag Of Work manufactured in the factory F.E. Dzerjinski" when the factory had won a special award. End of the NKVD camera production Factory will now be an independent company!

Shutter cage will be made of bronze and not aluminum.

FED 1F with a new company comes a logo. Camera will be the same as the 1E except for the new logo now engraved on top of VFH. First and last engraved commemorative celebrating a new factory for factory "manufactured in the factory F.E. Dzerjinshi." Chrome now more well finished.

FED 1G or FED Zorki camera produced as a joint and last venture of the FED factory and the new Zorki camera company FED with FED Industar 10 (22) 50mm F3.5 coated lens (Elmar Collapsible type) with new lens setting. The first change will be the new shutter 1/20 is now 1/25 and 1/40 is dropped. Leica shutter collar is replaced with a non-removable cup shape collar. Shutter button is threaded for standard cable release. Camera will be the last of the pure Leica shaped cameras produced.

Industar 10 a direct copy of the Leitz Elmar 50mm F3.5. Made of chrome plated brass with all uncoated glass elements. F-stops were F3.5, 4.5, 6.3, 9, 12.5 and F18 German Standards. Made by Industar but marked FED.

FED-2

FED 2 had about 3 different proto-types none of which were to see production. This camera will bring an end to the range finder with separate viewing window. A new camera evolved from this combining both windows into one and diopter controlled.

FED 2 A, a new model FED first introduced with newer FED Industar 10 (22) 50mm F3.5 coated lens (Elmar Collapsible type) is a totally new camera from the FED 2 proto-type cameras. Still the familiar rounded shape of the Leica the FED 2A will have larger viewfinder developed in the FED 2 Proto-type in a newly redesigned top plate viewfinder. Viewfinder will also have a diopter control lever located under the rewind knob. This is also a follower from the Leica II and III models. The camera itself is also made slightly larger. The FED 2A will also have strap lugs.

Industar 10 a direct copy of the Leitz Elmar 50mm F3.5. Made of chrome plated brass with all Lathane coated glass elements. F-stops were F3.5, 5.6, 8, 11, 16 and F22 International Standards. Made by Industar but marked FED.

The FED 2A has still only one shutter speed dial unlike the Leicas' two (one on the front and the one on top like the FED.) The FED 2s' dial with speeds of: B, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, 1/250 and 1/500 of a second. Shutter carried over from the FED 1G FED Zorki.

The FED brings back the older style logo to the front of the VFH and the new oval shaped logo made smaller to fit on top of the VFH between the accessory shore and rewind knob.

The FED was molded in two parts unlike any Leica of that time.The FED 2A would now have a fully removable back this was a plus for faster film loading.

The FED 10 lens will stop being manufactured for the introduction of a new faster lens. The FED Industar l 26m 50mm F2.8 lenses designed after the Zeiss Sonnar 50mm F2 with focusing arm. Lathane Glass elementsare coated for glare reduction. Housing is now aluminum.

Fed 2B Type 1 will be in appearance the same camera as the FED 2A but adds a new shutter and is flash sync-ed. A faster Industar 50mm F2.8 lens is now available. PC connection on the FED 2B Type 1 will be in the body

The FED 2B Type 2 will be the same camera as type 1 but will move the PC Connection. The PC Connection will be in the of the VFH and will carry over the one shutter speed dial.

The FED 2B Type 2A later models will also have a new Film shutter-cocking knob

The FED 2B with shutter speeds of Russin State Standard are: B, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, 1/250 and 1/500 of a second and will X-Sync at 1/25.

The Industar l 26m 50mm F2.8 lenses now without focusing arm Lathane Glass elements.

FED 2C Type 1 will carry over all that the FED 2B Type 2A is and add a new 15sec self-timer. The FED 2C Type 1 will have shutter speeds of: B, 1/25, 1/50, 1/100, 1/250 and 1/500 of a second and will X-Sync at 1/25.

FED 2C Type 2 will introduce a new shutter. The new shutter and will be Western Standard and have shutter speeds of: B, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250 and 1/500 of a second and will X-Sync at 1/30.

FED 2C Type 2A same camera as the Type 2A but now with a new top plate. FED 2 in Cyrillic script over FED in Latin lettering for the export market.

This will also be the end of the FED Industar l 26m 50mm F2.8 lenses.

FED 2 D carries on with the new shutter introduced in the FED 2C Type 2. The D will introduce a new self-timer. The only way to tell them apart SN of course, is the Timer lever on the D points up and down to activate. The D will continue with the newer top plate.

Western Standard shutter speeds also carry over and shutter speeds are: B, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250 and 1/500 of a second and will X-Sync at 1/30.

FED 2D Zarya is the D with a redesigned top plate a viewing window will replace the view range finder and self-timer will be removed. A less expensive camera made for the domestic market. A second model was planned but not released to the public.

A new housing design for the Industar l 26m 50mm lenses with Lathane Glass elements. Focusing collar is larger and ribbed for easier focusing.

FED 3A redesigned top plate for new range finder with 2C type 2a shutter and film advance knob (finger and thumb knob.) Last designed camera body to have strap lugs. The FED 3 has two models 3A.Type 1 and Type 2 and the shutter speed dial is the differance.

FED 3A Type 1 speed dial is that of former FED 2 D where the dial is engraved with center post rotating to lock speed selected. Detail is given to this dial as it is engraved an line are also etched to each speed changing knob. This is more than likely a change ober from the FED 2 E. Not a comman Model So, RARE.

FED 3A Type 2 speeds are still that of the FED 2 D where a plate around the rotating dial has a dot and lifted and turned to selected speed setting.

FED 2E the last of the FED 2 series it is a FED 2 D with a FED 3B top plate with 2C type 2a shutter and new range finder. Only FED 2 with a film lever advance. Shutter speed are: B, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250 and 1/500 of a sec. Introduction of the new Industar 61 coated lens

FED 3B Introduced at about the same time as the FED 2E. FED 3B will have all the same features as the 2E but now with a new shutter. A shutter that will add back the slow speeds missing in early models. The speeds are: 1sec., 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15 and B, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125 1/250 and 1/500 of a sec. introduced on the FED 2C Type 2 which bring the shutter to Western Standard. Speeds will be read on a silver plate around the shutter activation knob with red arrow engraved on it. The FED 3B will have a single stroke film advance lever.

FED 4A also introduced at about the same time as the FED 3A has a new top plate with 2C type 2a shutter and a selenium cell light meter is added.

Meter is a match the needle type using EV (Exposure Value) settings. Meter is integrated into the left of the camera and placing the film rewind knob on the side of camera. The light cell is in front right close to the secondary window. The FED 4A will have the FED 2C type 2a shutter and film advance (finger and thumb knob.) Camera has strap lugs last of the FED 2 bodies used.

FED 4B also introduced at about the same time as the FED 3B has a new top plate and logo plate. A new larger range finder is added with this logo plate giving the camera a much smoother up to date look.

Meter is a match the needle type using EV (Exposure Value) settings. Meter is integrated into the left of the camera and placing the film rewind knob on the side of camera. The light cell is in front right close to the secondary window. The FED 4A will have the FED 3B shutter and film advance lever. The speeds are: 1sec., 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15 and B, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125 1/250 and 1/500 of a sec. introduced on the FED 2C Type 2 which bring the shutter to Western Standard.

There is a new framing for the primary window and secondary window. The framed secondary window is a chrome frame with a black insert. Produced with two different logo insert plates FED 4 in Cyrillic for domestic sale and FED 4 in Latin for export. This will be the standard for production.

Fed 5 Type 1 the next step in the evolution of the FED camera. The top plate is once again redesigned.

Top plate still changing will still have the SCLM window for EV match the needle is on the top off center left. This moves the rewind knob back to a more normal position for rewinding film. The film rewind knob is thumb and finger with an outside dial for filmsettings, shutter speed setting and EV number for meter.

There is still framing for the primary window and secondary window but now the SCLM glass is also framed. The frame is plastic not metal as on FED 4 Type 2. Secondary window frame has a brushed chrome insert with FED 5 in Cyrillic or Latin for export now includes the primary window.

The PC connection for flash is moved to the back of the camera close to the eye-viewing window of the top plate. Camera is updated again replacing the accessory shoe with a hot shoe for flash or other accessories.

A black plate for shutter speed number settings surrounds the shutter speed activator dial which is also now black. Activator now has a red arrow makes settings much easier. Still present are slower speeds: 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 and 1/15 of a second plus the other Western Standard speed B, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250 and 1/500 of a second introduced on the FED 3B. This is a new shutter and is the first to be designed to be used with electronic flash units 1/30 of a sec. marked in red.

The film advance is still a single lever now with auto number reset in a black housing.

Introduced in two models FED 5 and FED 5B without meter and with a film rewind fold away crank to replace rewind knob.

Later FED 5C with all the of the features of the FED 5 but minus the diopter for viewing and focusing.

FED 5 Type 2a is the last FED. The FED 5 Type 2 in all features is the same as the Type 1. Minor changes in cosmetics as the brushed metal plate is removed and FED 5 is stencled on name logo plate.

The FED 5 Type 2a will apear in three models 5, 5B and 5C. The FED 5 and 5C will again be the same camera except that the 5C will have focusing diopter.

FED 5B Type 2a in general works the same as the FED 5 but with out a meter and has a fold away film rewind crank to replace the film rewind knob.

FED 5 Type 2b in all features is the same as the Type 2a again with minor changes in cosmetics. The need for a PC connection is lessened in the flash world for most are made to work with a hot shoe. Less need the PC connection is removed.

The FED 5 Type 2b will also apear in three models 5, 5B and 5C. The FED 5 and 5C will again be the same camera except that the 5C will have focusing diopter.

A FED 6 TTL was planed and introduced at the Internation German Photo Expo in 2000 but it was never put in to production.

FED 6 TTL was to have an electonic shutter similar to the Minolta Leica CL. TTL metering system is a diode system shutter speed to lens opening. Lens an updated Industar 61 L/D 55mm F2.8 Leica L39 39mm screw mount. Shutter would be 8 sec. to 1/2000.

(source: www.russianplaza.com)

 

 
Comments (2)
translation
2Monday, 01 May 2017 21:54
Planistigmat
"Z" on Leica camera comes from word "die Zeit" which means "time".
On FEDs and Zorkis there is letter "B" which comes from word "time" too but in russian - "Bремя"
wrong translation
1Friday, 01 June 2012 21:37
In §1: FED-1: you write "German time settings "Z" (zu or open)".
"zu" means closed, not open. open is "offen" in german.

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