My FED 3 is bigger and heavier than most of my otheer Soviet cameras; it's about the same in those regards as the Kiev IIa. While the FED 3 can't be slipped into a pocket like the earlier Barnack-style FEDs and Zorkis, it does have a number of advanced features which makes it an attractive shooter.
The feature that most immediately grabs the attention of the Soviet camera enthusiast will be the ease of loading the FED 3 with a back that removes to allow cassette insertion with no film leader cutting or fussy threading of the film as in the Barnack-style cameras. There is also a built-in take-up reel which allows easy attachment of the film leader, and it doesn't fall out on the floor when you open the camera as is the case with the Kiev IIa.
My FED 3 looks almost new. The fast-working lever advance snaps smartly back when released. The relatively quiet shutter works well at all speeds. The combined viewfinder/rangefinder window is brighter than most of my other old rf cameras. The weak spot is the focal plane shutter with its cloth curtains, which seem to develop pin holes even more readily than most of the other Soviet film cameras. A liberal application of black fabric paint will often remedy the situation, but it is prudent to check thoroughly for pinholes prior to any use of the camera.
The interesting light of a Fall morning got me out on the street early with the FED 3 loaded with a roll of Kentmere 100. I managed to finish off the roll on a zigzagging walk to the First Street Rail Runner station. Back home, I processed the film with semi-stand development in HC-110. I was not very impressed with the performance of the Industar 61 lens; it seemed no better to me than any of my other normal Sovent lenses, but the camera performed perfectly so I'll likely get out again soon with it and one of my other lenses.
The feature that most immediately grabs the attention of the Soviet camera enthusiast will be the ease of loading the FED 3 with a back that removes to allow cassette insertion with no film leader cutting or fussy threading of the film as in the Barnack-style cameras. There is also a built-in take-up reel which allows easy attachment of the film leader, and it doesn't fall out on the floor when you open the camera as is the case with the Kiev IIa.
My FED 3 looks almost new. The fast-working lever advance snaps smartly back when released. The relatively quiet shutter works well at all speeds. The combined viewfinder/rangefinder window is brighter than most of my other old rf cameras. The weak spot is the focal plane shutter with its cloth curtains, which seem to develop pin holes even more readily than most of the other Soviet film cameras. A liberal application of black fabric paint will often remedy the situation, but it is prudent to check thoroughly for pinholes prior to any use of the camera.
The interesting light of a Fall morning got me out on the street early with the FED 3 loaded with a roll of Kentmere 100. I managed to finish off the roll on a zigzagging walk to the First Street Rail Runner station. Back home, I processed the film with semi-stand development in HC-110. I was not very impressed with the performance of the Industar 61 lens; it seemed no better to me than any of my other normal Sovent lenses, but the camera performed perfectly so I'll likely get out again soon with it and one of my other lenses.
Random Acts of Photography
Reviewed by Unknown
on
September 29, 2017
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
September 29, 2017
Rating:
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