Fed 3 Tips and Tricks

[matthewm]

Hello all,
This is my first post here as I just found you all while perusing about the internet in hopes of finding some information about a recently purchased FED-3. Found her on eBay for $18 USD and couldn't pass up the opportunity to give one of them a try after reading all the good things about them.

Enough of that...

I'm looking for any tips/tricks/advice for using this camera as I've never owned one before. And just so you know, I'm not converting over from an entirely digital lineup. I've had Seagull and Mamiya TLRs; an RB67; Minolta, Canon, Nikon and Pentax MF SLRs; Canon, Minolta and Agfa 35mm and 120 RF cameras; and Canon EOS Digital Bodies (20D and 5D). This Russian imitation of the much coveted Leica is probably the closest I'll get to an actual Leica anytime soon. (Starving student artist syndrome)

This is a great site with TONS of information and I can't wait to get more involved here. In addition to the FED-3 that I purchased, I also got my hands on a Canonet G-III 17 QL with Canonet flash ALL in the original packaging with all original documentation (even the little plastic protector that comes out of the inside of the film chamber). And both on the same day! How lucky!! So any tips and tricks on that one would be great as well. I had a Canonet 28 for a while, but never could get it to work as the meter was busted. Sigh...

Quick factoid: In the movie Pecker starring Eddie Furlong, the camera he used from his mother's thrift store was a Canonet. If you haven't seen the movie, you should check it out. Horrible acting and sub-par photography make for a fantastic Friday night flick. :cool:

Thanks in advance.

/Matthew

PS. I can be contacted on here, my email address matthewmorsephotography@gmail.com or on AIM: semi supr hero.

[matthewm]

Welcome to RFF Matthew!

I'm sure you'll have lots of fun with your Fed3.
You'll find lots of tips etc at the top of the FSU section.:)
Thanks for the welcome and for pointing me in the right direction!

Cheers!

[Blake Werts]

Ha! Was just in Charleston this weekend shooting some frames with my on FED-2 (color film) and FED-3 (b&w film). Welcome to the group!

[Ducky]

I use the Fed 3b, avatar, with the wind lever. I lovely camera to work with.
Welcome.

[matthewm]

Ha! Was just in Charleston this weekend shooting some frames with my on FED-2 (color film) and FED-3 (b&w film). Welcome to the group!

Thanks! Where are you from originally?
I'm sure Charleston looks magnificent through a FSU RF lens doesn't it? I'm a bit ashamed to say I've not had a chance to explore Charleston with the likes of a FED Camera.

But soon...

[matthewm]

I use the Fed 3b, avatar, with the wind lever. I lovely camera to work with.
Welcome.

Thanks for the welcome.
I'm assuming from what I've read that the FED 3B has the flat top and film advance lever as opposed to the earlier FED 3 that had a wind knob (not unlike the Leica IIIC) and a stacked top. Is that correct? I didn't realize until I started exploring on here that there were multiple versions of this camera so I'm just trying to figure out if I got the FED 3A or 3B.

I've attached a photo of the camera itself and the description was a FED 3 with Industar 61 L/D 53mm/2.8.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll305/matthewm_photo/15hm0.jpg

Any info would be greatly appreciated. And if you need any other photos of it to help with identifying it I think I can snag some more from the auction. Thanks in advance.

Best,
Matthew

[Blake Werts]

Thanks! Where are you from originally?
I'm sure Charleston looks magnificent through a FSU RF lens doesn't it? I'm a bit ashamed to say I've not had a chance to explore Charleston with the likes of a FED Camera.

But soon...

Raised in Laurens, SC but have been living in Charlotte, NC since finishing school (Clemson University). Wife and I love the historic Charleston areas and try to visit a few times a year. We talk all the time about moving down there.

Hopefully I can snag a couple of good photos from the bunch to submit to the FSU photo contest. I'm still relatively new to rangefinders so I'm still learning to work with them. We'll see....

[Blake Werts]

Thanks for the welcome.
I'm assuming from what I've read that the FED 3B has the flat top and film advance lever as opposed to the earlier FED 3 that had a wind knob (not unlike the Leica IIIC) and a stacked top. Is that correct? I didn't realize until I started exploring on here that there were multiple versions of this camera so I'm just trying to figure out if I got the FED 3A or 3B.


Yes, it is my understanding that this is a FED 3B.

[matthewm]

Raised in Laurens, SC but have been living in Charlotte, NC since finishing school (Clemson University). Wife and I love the historic Charleston areas and try to visit a few times a year. We talk all the time about moving down there.

Hopefully I can snag a couple of good photos from the bunch to submit to the FSU photo contest. I'm still relatively new to rangefinders so I'm still learning to work with them. We'll see....

Let me know if you post any. I'd love to see them.
I used to work with a guy from Laurens. Small world.

I'm fairly new to the Rangefinders as well. I've collected a few, but not really usable ones.

Thanks for your input so far. Looking forward to getting out there and shooting some things.

[brachal]

Yep, Fed-3b. If that is the original lens, it is late production. It's a really nice camera. Always advance the film/cock the shutter before changing shutter speeds. Don't point the camera at the sun with the lens cap off ... it can burn a hole in the cloth shutter curtain. Other than that, enjoy it. This is probably my favorite FSU camera.

[matthewm]

Yep, Fed-3b. If that is the original lens, it is late production. It's a really nice camera. Always advance the film/cock the shutter before changing shutter speeds. Don't point the camera at the sun with the lens cap off ... it can burn a hole in the cloth shutter curtain. Other than that, enjoy it. This is probably my favorite FSU camera.

Thanks for the tips. I'm not usually in the habit of pointing my cameras directly into the sun, but knowing me and my luck, I'd probably leave it face up under the sunroof or something and ruin it. So much to learn about these rangefinders. I'm such a noob. But I'll get there. When you say it's a late production model, are you gathering that from the serial number on the lens?

[oscroft]

Welcome and congrats. I have a FED 3B too, and I really like it - although it looks big and bulky, I think it feels great in the hands (and I have small hands). Also, the Industar 61 L/D is one of the best lenses that the FSU made - if it's a good sample it should be very sharp.

[matthewm]

Welcome and congrats. I have a FED 3B too, and I really like it - although it looks big and bulky, I think it feels great in the hands (and I have small hands). Also, the Industar 61 L/D is one of the best lenses that the FSU made - if it's a good sample it should be very sharp.

Thanks a lot for the welcome!
After hearing all these great things about the camera I can't wait to get my paws on it!

I do hope it's a good copy (of both the camera and lens). Keeping my fingers crossed. :D

[brachal]

Thanks for the tips. I'm not usually in the habit of pointing my cameras directly into the sun, but knowing me and my luck, I'd probably leave it face up under the sunroof or something and ruin it. So much to learn about these rangefinders. I'm such a noob. But I'll get there. When you say it's a late production model, are you gathering that from the serial number on the lens?

Leaving her face up on the sunroof for 10 or 15 seconds would probably do it! :eek:

I have yet to figure out how to decode FED serial numbers for either camera or lens. They used a pretty arbitrary system. The Fed-3b was introduced in 1963 and came origninally with the Industar-61. This lens had a black and chrome barrel; it's sometimes called a Zebra or Panda because of this. In the 70s they introduced the Industar-61LD with the FED-5. FED-5 and FED-3 production overlapped by a few years, and late production 3's (77 - 80) had the 61LD. If your lens is original to the camera (and it might not be, all of these cameras have a story) it would be from those years. The Industar 61 and 61LD are almost identical. The LD is all black, has click-stops on the aperture, and has fewer aperture blades. Both make very nice pictures. :)

[matthewm]

Leaving her face up on the sunroof for 10 or 15 seconds would probably do it! :eek:

I have yet to figure out how to decode FED serial numbers for either camera or lens. They used a pretty arbitrary system. The Fed-3b was introduced in 1963 and came origninally with the Industar-61. This lens had a black and chrome barrel; it's sometimes called a Zebra or Panda because of this. In the 70s they introduced the Industar-61LD with the FED-5. FED-5 and FED-3 production overlapped by a few years, and late production 3's (77 - 80) had the 61LD. If your lens is original to the camera (and it might not be, all of these cameras have a story) it would be from those years. The Industar 61 and 61LD are almost identical. The LD is all black, has click-stops on the aperture, and has fewer aperture blades. Both make very nice pictures. :)

Thanks again for the information.
Looking forward to using it.

[angusW]

I have a Fed 3b with the "panda" lens. Just putting a second roll through it. Bought it a couple weeks ago. A real treat to use. Tried a couple shots with my Vivitar 283 flash.

BTW, the panda does have clicks on the f-stop.

[matthewm]

I have a Fed 3b with the "panda" lens. Just putting a second roll through it. Bought it a couple weeks ago. A real treat to use. Tried a couple shots with my Vivitar 283 flash.

BTW, the panda does have clicks on the f-stop.

And the Panda is the Black and Silver version of the lens right?
I think I'm supposed to be getting the solid black one. Not sure what differences there are, but if the Panda is any better I may just pick one up. They're a dime a dozen on the Bay.

I've got a couple of old flashes that I may run with it. Never really thought of that. It needs a PC cord for flash, right? Because the shoe is an accessory shoe and not a hot shoe? Or am I wrong on that?

Thanks for your input.

[fidget]

The black L/D version is identical to the Panda version. Just a cosmetic change and the inclusion of "L/D" for marketing.
Individual units do vary. Get a few and play with them for fun....

[Frank Lambert]

You might want to take a look at this website. It is a "pictoral evolution" of the FED 3 and the various lenses incorporated in each stage of production.

http://www.dvdtechcameras.com/collect/fed/1/9.htm

The following is a quote from the "Camerapedia Website", which may help explain what the L/D designation is all about.

"The Industar 61 L/D is possibly the most highly regarded lens for Ukrainian Leica (http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Leica) copies. In an L/D or L/Z version of this lens, the L indicates that the lens has Lanthanum in it, and D indicates M39 mount while Z indicates M42 mount."

By the way, you will enjoy your FED 3.... Have fun!

Frank

[matthewm]

The black L/D version is identical to the Panda version. Just a cosmetic change and the inclusion of "L/D" for marketing.
Individual units do vary. Get a few and play with them for fun....

Probably not a bad idea actually...
Thanks!

[matthewm]

You might want to take a look at this website. It is a "pictoral evolution" of the FED 3 and the various lenses incorporated in each stage of production.

http://www.dvdtechcameras.com/collect/fed/1/9.htm

The following is a quote from the "Camerapedia Website", which may help explain what the L/D designation is all about.

"The Industar 61 L/D is possibly the most highly regarded lens for Ukrainian Leica (http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Leica) copies. In an L/D or L/Z version of this lens, the L indicates that the lens has Lanthanum in it, and D indicates M39 mount while Z indicates M42 mount."

By the way, you will enjoy your FED 3.... Have fun!

Frank

Thank you for the link and information. Looking forward to getting this thing in the mail (hopefully tomorrow).

[brachal]

I want to correct something I said in an earlier post. I got my Panda out last night and looked at it again. Hadn't done so in a while -- the lens has serious cleaning marks on the front element, so I don't use it often. The aperture does have click stops, as was mentioned above, and it also has the same number of blades as my 61LD. Aside from the different coloration, it is essentially identical to my two LDs, although I will say that its build quality is nicer and more solid.

[matthewm]

I want to correct something I said in an earlier post. I got my Panda out last night and looked at it again. Hadn't done so in a while -- the lens has serious cleaning marks on the front element, so I don't use it often. The aperture does have click stops, as was mentioned above, and it also has the same number of blades as my 61LD. Aside from the different coloration, it is essentially identical to my two LDs, although I will say that its build quality is nicer and more solid.

Thanks for all of your input. It's been helpful and informative.
I may hop on eBay after I get the camera and see if I can't find another copy or two of that lens and try them out to see what I get.

Regards,
M

[brachal]

You can't have too many 50's! I have one 61 and two 61LDs, but the lens I use most often with my FED-3 is the Jupiter-8. I like its images and greater aperture range.

While you're on ebay, you may want to pick up a cheap lens hood -- try seller Heavystar. The Industar 61 and the Jupiter both have 40.5mm threads for filters or screw in hoods. These lenses are prone to flaring, so a hood is a nice thing to have around.

[oscroft]

I may hop on eBay after I get the camera and see if I can't find another copy or two of that lens and try them out to see what I get
A Jupiter-8 50/2 is also worth trying - they're good, and they're so cheap every RF user should have one :D

[Blake Werts]

Thanks for all of your input. It's been helpful and informative.
I may hop on eBay after I get the camera and see if I can't find another copy or two of that lens and try them out to see what I get.

Regards,
M

Consider looking at the goods that blyatnikov on ebay has to offer. He has some "new" Industar-61 L/Ds available. You can combine the shipping costs with the other FEDs that you'll end up buying for your collection...

:D

[oscroft]

Consider looking at the goods that blyatnikov on ebay has to offer.
Yes, I've bought a few things from him - he seems like a good guy.

[tpjkevin]

Mind if I pop my head in? I just got my Fed 3B in the mail today.

Time to rummage through RFF for more information. Cheers to a fellow Fed owner. :)

[matthewm]

Mind if I pop my head in? I just got my Fed 3B in the mail today.

Time to rummage through RFF for more information. Cheers to a fellow Fed owner. :)

Just make sure you don't change the shutter speed before you cock the shutter. That was the first lesson I learned on here...and it was a good one. When I first got the camera, it wouldn't come off of the 1/30 shutter speed. I kept fiddling with it and advancing and firing it and finally it started to work just fine. I'm guessing the people I bought it from had maybe tested it and messed it up.

Also, people have been telling me to try out different lenses. I have the standard lens that comes on it, but I've been told by many people here that it's a good idea to pick up a few more and see which is the best. Then just sell off the rest. OR you can do what I'm going to do and fashion a "lensbaby" lens out of one of the not-so-good ones.

Best of luck to you and I hope your Fed3 works well for you and gives you many good rolls of sparkling photographs as only a FSU camera can do.

Cheers!

[tpjkevin]

Just make sure you don't change the shutter speed before you cock the shutter. That was the first lesson I learned on here...and it was a good one. When I first got the camera, it wouldn't come off of the 1/30 shutter speed. I kept fiddling with it and advancing and firing it and finally it started to work just fine. I'm guessing the people I bought it from had maybe tested it and messed it up. So I got it for only $18 US. And it shipped from Cali, not Russia so it was domestic shipping. Not a bad price for a working Fed3. Shipping from Russia alone is usually much more than that.

Also, people have been telling me to try out different lenses. I have the standard lens that comes on it, but I've been told by many people here that it's a good idea to pick up a few more and see which is the best. Then just sell off the rest. OR you can do what I'm going to do and fashion a "lensbaby" lens out of one of the not-so-good ones.

Best of luck to you and I hope your Fed3 works well for you and gives you many good rolls of sparkling photographs as only a FSU camera can do.

Cheers!

Thanks for the tips! Was reading the manual and I was quite thankful I hadn't fiddled with it when I read the shutter change issue.

Mine was shipped from the UK, so it took quite a while for the package to arrive.

I've heard some good things about a Jupiter 8 lens, would that be advisable?

[Blake Werts]

Mind if I pop my head in? I just got my Fed 3B in the mail today.

Time to rummage through RFF for more information. Cheers to a fellow Fed owner. :)

Welcome to the fun world of "FSU" cameras!

[Blake Werts]

... When I first got the camera, it wouldn't come off of the 1/30 shutter speed. I kept fiddling with it and advancing and firing it and finally it started to work just fine...

Hi matthewm, how's that Fed 3b treating you?

[Spider67]

Hi Matthew congrats on a nice camera. You are lucky to have the 61 L/D already on it as many people buy Fed 5´s just in order to get the 61 l/D that comes with it ("as another FSU user once wrote "you may notice the oversize rear end lens cap that comes with the 61 l/D it is called a FED 5"). Enjoy it is quita reliable camera and the 61 L/D can turn out a really good lens. I am also adraid one 50mm just won´t be enough. As Lanthane is a element of the "rare earths" group it was also rumoured that the lens was radioactive...for details just google "Alfred Klomp" and FED or Zorki.
.....Oh yes "Pecker" I liked that little nice movie until I noticed how mauch it pushed the price for Canonets......so don´t remind anyone to watch it! European would be canonet owners will be very thankful!
Best regards
Des

[brachal]

I've heard some good things about a Jupiter 8 lens, would that be advisable?

Most of what you'll need to know about the care and feeding of your FED-3 is in this thread. :) My Jupiter-8 on my FED-3 is my favorite FSU camera combination. I rarely use anything else when shooting FSU. The Jupiter-8 lens is a really great value and a solid performer. In addition to the FED-3, my J-8 spends a lot of time on my Leica IIIf and Bessa R.

[matthewm]

Hi Matthew congrats on a nice camera. You are lucky to have the 61 L/D already on it as many people buy Fed 5´s just in order to get the 61 l/D that comes with it ("as another FSU user once wrote "you may notice the oversize rear end lens cap that comes with the 61 l/D it is called a FED 5"). Enjoy it is quita reliable camera and the 61 L/D can turn out a really good lens. I am also adraid one 50mm just won´t be enough. As Lanthane is a element of the "rare earths" group it was also rumoured that the lens was radioactive...for details just google "Alfred Klomp" and FED or Zorki.
.....Oh yes "Pecker" I liked that little nice movie until I noticed how mauch it pushed the price for Canonets......so don´t remind anyone to watch it! European would be canonet owners will be very thankful!
Best regards
Des

I guess I was fortunate enough to get a great combination. I did notice that a lot of Fed3's don't come with that lens. But so far, it's working great. The focus is a little stiff, but I think with some tweaking and little TLC, I can have it moving as smooth as ever.

Yes, yes! The price of Canonet cameras has skyrocketed recently. I received a very nice one in the original packaging with all original paperwork, etc not too long ago (the QL17 model). It works like a charm and is one of my favorite film cameras to carry around because it's so small, quick and silent. Makes for a nice street shooter.

Best,
Matthew

[matthewm]

Hi matthewm, how's that Fed 3b treating you?

Seems to be fine now. Thanks for asking. It took a great deal of fiddling with that shutter speed and film advance but it's working liek a charm now.

Best
Matthew

[matthewm]

Most of what you'll need to know about the care and feeding of your FED-3 is in this thread. :) My Jupiter-8 on my FED-3 is my favorite FSU camera combination. I rarely use anything else when shooting FSU. The Jupiter-8 lens is a really great value and a solid performer. In addition to the FED-3, my J-8 spends a lot of time on my Leica IIIf and Bessa R.

I've never used a Jupiter 8 on a rangefinder but it works wonders on my Canon EOS 5D with adapter. A sharp lens with beautiful bokeh.

A worthy companion to any great camera!

[Kapa]

I've never owned a Fed 3b but looking at one on the web for about $60 nz. Comes with the standard Industar 61. Have a 4b (or c or d) with working lightmeter but they're a bit of a brick to drag around. Had an Industar 61 Ld with the rear lens cap (Fed 5b) but sold it. Images off that lens were damn sharp though.

[Kapa]

I've never owned a Fed 3b but looking at one on the web for about $60 nz. Comes with the standard Industar 61. Have a 4b (or c or d) with working lightmeter but they're a bit of a brick to drag around. Had an Industar 61 Ld with the rear lens cap (Fed 5b) but sold it. Images off that lens were damn sharp though.... :eek:

[matthewm]

I've never owned a Fed 3b but looking at one on the web for about $60 nz. Comes with the standard Industar 61. Have a 4b (or c or d) with working lightmeter but they're a bit of a brick to drag around. Had an Industar 61 Ld with the rear lens cap (Fed 5b) but sold it. Images off that lens were damn sharp though.... :eek:

Well I'm sure you'll like it. I'm actually thinking of selling mine as I don't really use it since I got a Bessa L. The easier use of the Bessa with more defined click stops and shutter speed selections is easier for me. Especially since Im new to the RF world.

Take care.