FED 2 Type B and Jupiter-8

[Tenman]

Hi
My name is Tomas and I am new to RF.com, I decided to join this excellent community because of my growing interest in RF cameras and the enormous amount of knowledge that I have seen here true out my visits as a non member.

Now to my questions, I have bought my second RF camera (the first is a Yashica Electro 35 GSN) and it ended up in a FED 2 Type B with a “original” FED lens (FED 1:2,8 F=50mm). I also bought a Jupiter-8 lens in mint condition because I was told it would fit on my FED. The camera is in excellent cosmetic condition and everything seems to work, it is supposed to be serviced by the seller and I have no doubt in that.

But…

1. Is this a good camera as in “will it be great pictures if I do my part of the job”? Yes, I know this question is stupid, it is like shooting your self in the foot and afterwards ask if it will hurt but what I seek is a prize worthy camera that let me do more settings by myself. The Yashica does not let me do that much (and that is maybe for the best J).

2. Will the Jupiter-8 lens fit, I have not tried this yet. And is there any “risks’” with changing lens. I have heard that there is a need for adjustments after lens changing to old Russian RF cameras but is that an issue for even older models then the FED 2 Type B? Also, is it a good lens?

3. I have also heard that I will need to cut the film to work in this camera. Is that a fact or is it something that also goes for older FED´s? If this is the case how shall it be done?

4. Is there a English manual to this camera?

Thank you all so much in advance for your help and good luck with your RF photo sessions J.
/Tomas

[vanyagor]

Originally Posted by Tenman

2. Will the Jupiter-8 lens fit,

it will as far as I know

Originally Posted by Tenman

... And is there any “risks’” with changing lens.

when you screw the lens on avoid doing it when it is focused to infinity.

Originally Posted by Tenman

I have heard that there is a need for adjustments after lens changing to old Russian RF cameras but is that an issue for even older models then the FED 2 Type B?

It never happened to me. You'll need an adjustment for sure with early fed 1. Later cameras might need an adjustment (but mine did not need it)

Originally Posted by Tenman

Also, is it a good lens?

Yes, especially for the 35$ it costs (even cheaper if you are in Russia)

Originally Posted by Tenman

3. I have also heard that I will need to cut the film to work in this camera. Is that a fact or is it something that also goes for older FED´s? If this is the case how shall it be done?

First time I hear that.

Originally Posted by Tenman

4. Is there a English manual to this camera?

Yes, I uploaded it to my website (I found it somewhere on internet). Check it out here

Good luck!

[Tenman]

Hi vanyagor
Thanks for your quick reply. The film cutting part was about cutting a 10cm long and 2cm wide "strip" in the beginning of the film so it would work with the spool. But this maybe is something that only is an issue with older FED´s (FED 1)?

Best regards
Tomas

[Tenman]

I got the manual now, thanks again
/Tomas

[RML]

I used a FED-2 and never cut the film leader.

The J8 is a fabulous lens and will work perfectly on your FED-2.

Enjoy that combo!

[oscroft]

Yep, I use a J-8 on my FED 2b too - I've had some great results from the combination. And no, the film leader doesn't need cutting - you only need to do that for bottom loaders.

[reagan]

Welcome to RFF, Tomas! I think you'll enjoy both camera and lens alot. The Jupiter.8 will surely not disappoint. And the FED lens is no slouch either; you'll like it. Share some pics of it when it arrives!

[rolleistef]

Hi thomas,
the film cutting job is only for older cameras.
The Jupiter 8 is an awesome lens. The two I have (Kiev and LTM mount) are very sharp, low distortion etc. And the Kiev one (haven't tried the LTM with colour film yet) has an excellent colour condition.
Most of the pictures on my gallery were taken with it, and i was never disappointed.
Is it worth your money? Sure yes. FSU cameras have that' little something newer cameras haven't.
I mean, you can never be sure what will be happening when shooting the next film or even the next photograh , it's the most complete and perfect opposite to modern photography : you do everything, with hard to turn shutter speed dial, stiff aperture ring and film advance and all... No don't flee away from your Fed, they aren't all like that.
And beware the GAS : Gear Aquisition Syndrom, which can lead you into buying even some Drugs (another FSU camera) or a complete outfit of every single known FSU cameras, lens and accessories. If you're as broke as I am, you have nothing to fear though.
Don't worry if your first film is just rubbish, it's always the same for any old camera, you need to get used to it (no the contrary, cf DSLRs)
Have fun!

[Tenman]

Hello
I want to thank you all for your replys to my questions . I am sorry i answer this late but there has been so much work

So, I wish you all a great Christmas and a happy new year

[robin a]

12-23 Welcome,you have a great combo there.The Fed will take super photos when you do your part.Make sure your film is loaded correctly,don't change your shutter speed without first winding to your next frame,and remove the lens cap.All learned the hard way......MERRY CHRISTMAS........Robin

[oscroft]

I also have a Fed-2b and use a J-8 on it - it's a good combination and a very good lens indeed.

[Tenman]

Thanks alot robin a and oscroft for your reply and I wish you a great Christmas and a happy new year. This is such great forum with nice people that has so much knowlege and experience.

Thanks for great advices robin a

Thanks to you all

Regards
Tomas

[SCOTFORTHLAD]

Hi Tomas,and welcome!I confirm all of the advice given to you by our friends,and reinforce the need to wind the film to the next frame before altering your shutter speed.Enjoy your Fed,you should see great results from the J8,and have a good Christmas.

Brian.