What's your favorite FSU RF??

[amac.1225]

I have amassed quite a little collection of cameras, either ones that I purchased myself, or inherited, but now I am looking for my 1st FSU piece. My current everyday shooter is a Nikon N8008s SLR thats coming on 15 years, but works beautifully. However, i was look at pictures from FSU RF's and I love the way they look.

So far, I am leaning towards the Zorki 4 (engraved numbers) and the Kiev 4 (or 4am). I also would like glass that produces sharp images, so that will also be considered. Overall, I am looking for something with good lenses, isn't the most difficult thing in the world to work with, and is reliable. So I ask....

What is your favorite RF/lens setup?????

[Sam N]

Just get a Japanese M-mount body and an LTM adapter. The look is about the lenses and not the bodies. I love using the Jupiter-8 and Jupiter-9 on a Bessa. Neither of these lenses are known for their sharpness at wide apertures, but they have smooth bokeh and a nice look. I've heard that the Industar-61 L/D is extremely sharp, but I haven't used it myself yet.

FSU quality control is known for being spotty. However, you can certainly find great reliable FSU bodies and plenty of people here have FSU bodies that they're happy with.

A Bessa (R2A/R2M) can be bought new with a warranty for a low price. The Bessa will also have a clearer RF patch and be easier to focus. If you want a built-in meter or the option of auto exposure, this is also the way to go. One thing to note is that the Jupiter-12 won't work on the Bessas.

[shorndesertyeti]

I shoot a FED 4 with the Industar-61 and have been very pleased with it. The I-61 produces a very crisp image at close to mid ranges and will shoot an infinity focus with ease. The camera is not light at about two pounds, but it feels very good in your hands. If possible, get the leather shoe with it as it feels better in hand.
The camera and lens were very dirty when I got them (I think they'd been buried in a sand box somewhere), the body and lens were very simple to tear down and relubricate. I have noticed that the FED 5’s lightmeter looks much easier to read than on the FED 4.

[MartinP]

I'd look around for a late model FED-2 which has been "prepared in a workshop" as they say. There are links in here to recommended sellers on ebay who will be accurate with descriptions etc. Lenses would be I-61 or CV for a modern look, with I-50 and Jupiters for an older look. Shouldn't cost more than $50 - 60 even with postage etc. The body size is almost identical to an M3, though the rf is less awesome than the M3 (so is everything else of course) it is still contrasty and very wide based.

For pocketability, look for a Zorki or FED copy of the Barnacks. Get one of these in excellent condition or with a cla already. Time is too short for messing about .

[ully]

I use it with my J12 and Indy 61. Very nice to use and not as bulky as the Fed 5.

[vrgard]

I've got two Kievs and have had no problems with either of them. Sorry, I don't mean to challenge leicasniper, but I've had good experiences with Kiev cameras. I understand that some have had problems, but not everyone, and I also understand that some have had problems with other fsu cameras. I do agree with leicasniper's comment about buying from someone reputable. That may mean buying from an established dealer or that may mean buying from someone trustworthy on this forum, as did I.

As for answering the OP's question, my favorite combination is the Kiev 4A with the Helios 103 lens.

-Randy

[Gradskater]

Zorki 6! only FSU with a hinge back and a wind lever. Viewfinder is small, but very clear (if you clean it). Doesn't have slow speeds, but you get bulb, and you don't have to worry about slow shutter mechanisms breaking. Find a black one, its super cool and takes better pictures than a silver zorki.;)

[Ducky]

Kiev 4am and Helios 103.

[Spyderman]

A few months ago I would have said Kiev-4 with Jupiter-3, but now it would be FED-2 with I-61LD. Next month maybe a Zorki-6 with Jupiter-3 :)

[rxmd]

Kiev with Jupiter-12
FED-2 with Industar-61

[payasam]

The only FSU camera I've ever owned -- as opposed to used -- is a Zorki 1C. As it isn't seeing much use, I'm thinking of selling it or swapping it, perhaps with my I-61 L/D.

[Brian Sweeney]

Zorki 3M with the J-3. Very smooth advance.

[robin a]

I use a Zorki 3m and J8.I had some Fed 2's but they were given away to start some others into this madness..........................Robin

[Paul T.]

I would vote for a nice early Kiev 2. they're a terrific camera, if you can score one for $120 or so. For my money, the Kiev/Contax mount lenses are more consistent than the LTM ones, and thjey Kiev is a refreshing change from the Leica style. A couple of weeks ago I pulled out a bunch of photos I'd taken with my Kiev 2 and early Jupiter 3 (which the darkavenger found for me) and they are equal in quality to those of my M3 and Summicron.

Even my first Kiev 4s, and 70s Jupiter 8M, gave lovely photos, too - we scanned a bunch recently, and my g/f, who's a designer and commissions lots of expensive photographers, commented on the perfect, creamy quality of one particular pic of our son.

[nzeeman]

fed 2 and zorki 6 are most popular recently as i see. and there is a reason for this. they are reliable and have long rf base, also they have nice lines. but i would take zorki 5 instead of 6. because it is bottom loader which means - less problems with light leaks. ;)

[wolves3012]

Welcome to RFF amac.

They're all my favourites! I haven't yet found an FSU that I dislike, be that Zorki, Kiev or FED. They all have their individual charms and irritations, strengths and weaknesses. As for lenses, you'll have trouble finding one that isn't sharp (assuming it's up to standard), although the Jupiters have a softer look wide open.

[Highway 61]

A mystifying FSU rangefinder camera fitted with a mystifying FSU lens, altogether put in a grizzly leather mystifying case are by far my favorite FSU toys when I go downtown.

[dazedgonebye]

Fed-2 for looks and feel.
Zorki-6 for function and ease of use.

[minoltist7]

Zorki 6 is good. It has long RF base, but quite small VF

some people treat them with leather - looks like Leica a-la-carte :-)
(top is Iskra, bottom is Zorki 6, and right is Kiev)

http://rangefinder.ru/glr/data/507/IMG_9560.jpg

[Valkir1987]

I like them all, it depends on my mood which one I use. But I still like the Fed and Zorki 1 the most. ;) Next comes the engraved Zorki 4 and the Fed 2, and then the Kiev 4.

I still regret I haven't got my Yashica YK anymore, it was the first camera I started off with :confused:

[shadowfox]

I have a Fed 2, and a Kiev 4, no Zorkis. Now thanks to you guys, I started to think about Z6... :bang:

[pesphoto]

I have a Fed 2, and a Kiev 4, no Zorkis. Now thanks to you guys, I started to think about Z6... :bang:


ug, i know, me too! Been scoping out Z6's for a while now.

Hey Will, you in New Mexico? IM jealous. Go to Ojo Caliente hot springs, it's near Santa FE.

[matchat]

I bought a FED2 to begin with (a type 'b' I think with the leica style wind knob) and I have just bought a Zorki 3M (in need of a good CLA and soon to be sent off to Ed Trzoska).
I have the Industar 26 with the FED2 and the Zorki 3M has the Jupiter 8 lens, I bought the Jupiter 12 (black version) to accompany the FED2 ages since and have just won a Jupiter 9 (black version) on ebay.

I personally prefer the brighter Zorki viewfinder and plan to use it as my regular shooter once I've had it CLA'd (currently the focusing is out).

Whilst other FSU cameras do interest me these two were the most interesting to me as I consider them to be the prettiest of all the FSU cameras.

[Kino Glaz]

I have a Kiev-4 and a Kiev-4A. The Kiev-4 I like more because of the meter. I also have the Zorki-4 which I don't like much anymore. It is hard to handle and fit in the hands. Recently I got a FED-2 which I am playing with now. The FED-2 is becoming a favorite now because of its smaller size and it is faster to use than the Kiev.

[wolves3012]

I have a Fed 2, and a Kiev 4, no Zorkis. Now thanks to you guys, I started to think about Z6... :bang:
If you don't need slow-speeds you're very unlikely to regret a Z-6!

[wolves3012]

Whilst other FSU cameras do interest me these two were the most interesting to me as I consider them to be the prettiest of all the FSU cameras.
If you like the style of the Zorki 3M, you do realise a Zorki 1/FED 1 is inevitable? :D

[matchat]

If you like the style of the Zorki 3M, you do realise a Zorki 1/FED 1 is inevitable? :D

Way way ahead of you there, I keep checking these out on ebay but for now I have just enough self restraint to prevent me buying one. With a camera awaiting CLA and a car in need of a thorough service before my summer roadtrip i think I'd best be careful with my money for the time being.

[dee]

From Oleg Kiev 4m Helios & Fed 2 and collapsible .
Twin black Oleged Fed / Leica copies .
... and my gorgeous wartime Zorki 1 / Zorki S like new , remade '' Leicas '' from moscow photo...
i.e - all cla and near new !
but my favourite ? - can't choose !

[dee]

... Now, heresy perhaps , but the attraction of the Zorki 3 / 3m / 4 escapes me .
i know that they are more advanced , maybe it was the experience of a Z 4 in the 70s ... seemed big and clumsy ... when most of us really wanted a Leica IIIc and before I even knew about the Zorki 1 etc . The Zorki 3 looks like a lopsided Leica IIIc !

dee

[timmyd18]

to answer this question i've bought a few different cameras in questionable condition in order to save cash. by and large they worked fine and i had a lot of fun comparing them. i don't doubt they'd perform better if I had them done over, but this has been a cheap way to learn a lot about what features are important to me in a camera

[biomed]

I have a Fed 2, a Kiev, and several Zorki 4 cameras. The Kiev is a fine camera, but I don't care for the ergonomics. The Fed is nice, but I like the feel of the Zorki 4. The two Zorkis that see daylight the most are of 1957 and 1962 vintage. Both have J-8 lenses of the same vintage. These are my "Sputnik" and "Cuban Missile" cameras and I will probably keep them for no other reason than that. They are all very usable cameras, but I prefer my Bessa RFs.

Mike

[Brian Sweeney]

> Now, heresy perhaps , but the attraction of the Zorki 3 / 3m / 4 escapes me .

It's like having a Nikon S2 that takes Leica Thread Mount lenses. A 1x viewfinder, combined VF/RF, and removable back.

[gb hill]

I use a I-61 on my Bessa R. Black late model that has the click stops. I have an older I 61 that is silver that is on my Fed 2. It has no click stops. The I-61 is a good sharp lens for the money. My favorite combo is my Zorki 2c with a Leitz elmar 50/3.5 col. This is a fun combo to use. I also carry along my Leningrad 6 exposure meter to experience the whole Soviet effect.:D I just got a J8 but haven't picked my results up from the lab, but I think the I-61 will be hard to top.

[shadowfox]

Hey Will, you in New Mexico? IM jealous. Go to Ojo Caliente hot springs, it's near Santa FE.


Nah, I'm back in Dallas :(
Barely scratched the surface both with my shoes and my cameras, if I can convince my wife, next year, I'll be back there and try Ojo Caliente for sure :)

[pesphoto]

Nah, I'm back in Dallas :(
Barely scratched the surface both with my shoes and my cameras, if I can convince my wife, next year, I'll be back there and try Ojo Caliente for sure :)

Trust me your wife will like it there. :) Aside from all the open air natural hot springs, they have private hot spring tubs! I'll leave it at that........
We stayed at Ojo for a week on our honeymoon. They have a website.
If we could afford it, we'd have a second home in Santa FE.....someday.
We plan on going back as soon as we can.