Fed 2, Fed 3 cameras; Jupiter, Industar lenses – which to keep, which to sell?
I’m looking for some suggestions on reducing my small collection of the Russian (very) poor man’s Leica, the Fed rangefinder. I have 3 Fed 2s and 2 Fed 3s, with a few associated lenses. List with serial nos etc below.
My small collection of Feds and Russian lenses; some have to go. Apologies for rough and ready pic and cut-out – not much time
I’ve promised one to a new-found photo blogging friend who likes ‘the Russians’, the rest will go on the Bay (I know they’re not worth a lot, the 35mm Jupiters being probably those to fetch most money).
I prefer the Fed 2 to the Fed 3 because of the longer base rangefinder. So I’m inclined to keep one Fed 2 and one Fed 3 (the one in its original box just because I like the box). As for the lenses, I’ll certainly keep one of the Jupiter 12s, the Jupiter 8 (because I use it on my Voigtlanders) and probably one of the collapsible Leica copies. But maybe I should keep only one of the cameras. Any suggestions and why would be welcomed (assume they are all in perfect working order – not true but easily remedied; just rangefinder adjustment and maybe a bit of paper shimming for collimation).
Know your equipment for a bargain
An interesting story on the value of knowing the equipment. I saw my Voigtlander Bessa-T on Ebay some years ago, listed as ‘not working, spares only’ and fitted with the Jupiter 12. I knew that this lens (a Zeiss copy) should not be put on the Bessa as the rear element will touch the shutter blades – just. For a starting price of less than £20 I thought I’d take a chance that either shutter or lens, perhaps both, was undamaged and that the lens was just preventing the shutter from firing. No one else bid so I got the combination for well under £20. Lens removed, both were in perfect working order. I now have a Voigtlander 35mm for the Bessa and have used the Jupiter on the Feds. Perfect!
Cameras, front to back
Fed 2 no. 763724. Fed 50mm f/3.5 collapsible no. 246836
Fed 2 no. 120005. Industar 50mm f/3.5 collapsible no. 5924285
Fed 2 no. 306168. Fed 52mm f/2.8 no. 2009281
Fed 3 no. 3206434. Fed 52mm f/2.8 no. 1951126
Fed 3 (with original box) no. 4324062. Fed 52mm f/2.8 no. 20477160
(the lenses on the cameras now are not necessarily those originally supplied)
Separate lenses (left to right)
Jupiter 12 35mm f/3.5 no. 8310949
Industar 50mm f/3.5 collapsible no. 110221
Jupiter 8 50mm f/2 no. 7642208
Jupiter 12 35mm f/2.8 no. 8405772
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Could you please confirm if you can put collapsible industar on Fed3? I’ve been trying to find the answer on the internet, but it seems no one ever tried it!
I will, though from your most recent post you seem to have acquired a Leica M2 so I can’t imagine you’d want a Fed. Loved the Leica shots by the way – I should get some Xtol (though it’s quite costly over here).
Pushed the wrong button! This was a reply to Derek.
I must admit I’d keep them all. Not because that’s the right thing to do, but because of all the work involved with selling them on eBay. I’m planning on selling my stuff only through the blog from now on.
You’re right of course, but I need the space. I recently gave away a few things because I don’t think selling on Ebay is worth all the hassle they have introduced, unless it’s a high value item. We classic camera folks need a good alternative to Ebay. I might ask my local camera shop, which carries a very good range of classic film cameras, if they’d be interested to sell on commission.
I use sometimes a FED II and i like it!
Yes, when it’s working well it’s a pretty good shooter, isn’t it?
Let me know when you figured out which one you are selling.