Fed-5: loose bottom plate, stuck self-timer, relubing lens

[nedski]

Hi, all!

I just got a Fed-5 off of ebay. Based on the papers that were included with it, looks like the previous owner got it as new old stock from Lomography a few years ago.

The rangefinder was seriously out of whack which was easily fixed. The original shellac was still on the adjustment screws -- before I adjusted it I doubt this camera had ever taken a picture in focus except by accident.

I'm really happy with the first roll that I put through it. Shutter speeds are accurate, the rangefinder is bright and easy to focus, and the ergonomics are fine once you get used to them. I can't wait to shoot more with it.

I've got two questions for which I haven't been able to find answers.

The back is a bit loose on the right (take-up spool) side. With the back closed and latched it's possible to slide the the right side down maybe 1mm or so. My test roll, shot indoors at ISO 1000, didn't show any light leaks but I'm concerned it may leak in sunlight without the neverready case. Is this fixable, perhaps with some sort of shim on the closing latch?

Second, the self-timer appears to set - it's in the 12 o'clock position - but pressing the self-timer release when the shutter is cocked doesn't do anything. Am I missing something obvious, or is it busted?

Finally, I've got a question about rebuilding the lens. The focusing ring on the Industar-61 alternates between being stiff and free when focusing. It needs have the helical grease replaced. I found the instructions for doing this, which seem pretty clear, at Matt Denton's site. Can anyone comment on how difficult this is to do? The hard part seems to be preserving infinity focus.

Thanks for any help you can give. Searching this forum has been tremendously valuable.

[batterytypehah!]

I did my I-26 relube following Matt's instructions, they're very complete. It's not difficult.

Welcome!

[nedski]

Originally Posted by batterytypehah!

I did my I-26 relube following Matt's instructions, they're very complete. It's not difficult.

Welcome!

Thanks for the speedy reply.

This is the part that scared me a bit: "VERY IMPORTANT -- before taking off the helicoid limiting screw, note where the helicoid 'wings' hit it at the limits. This is critical for infinity focus."

It wasn't obvious from the pictures what this meant - it all makes sense once you're in the thick of it?

[fanshaw]

You can re-lube the lens without taking off the helicoid limiting screw by simply removing the ring on the back of the lens (3 screws) which enables another part to be lifted out. Then remove the focussing ring. You can then clean off most of the old grease from the helicoid threads and re-lube. Purists would want to dismantle and clean the lens completely, but the method I described works very well and avoids disturbing the helicoid register.

[wolves3012]

To try and answer some of your questions...

The lens is quite easy to relube, if you follow the instructions it's fairly obvious how to make sure it goes together again properly.

If the body doesn't leak light, I wouldn't worry about the slack in the back fitting. If it really bothers you, you can dismantle the lock on that side and try to shim it. The locks aren't too difficult to take apart but they are fiddly and easily put together wrongly! I think you'll need to *remove* washers or whatever, the lock has to sit lower to lock tighter.

As for the self-timer, it's quite common for them not to fire the shutter - they just wind down and nothing happens. If you're picky, you can try and see why, it's usually because the operating rod is too short. Most people never use the thing anyway and just live with it.

[nedski]

Originally Posted by fanshaw

You can re-lube the lens without taking off the helicoid limiting screw by simply removing the ring on the back of the lens (3 screws) which enables another part to be lifted out. Then remove the focussing ring. You can then clean off most of the old grease from the helicoid threads and re-lube.

This worked perfectly. There's just enough room to get the stiff junk out and to pack new grease in. Now it's smooth as butter. I can't wait to go shooting tomorrow. Thanks!

[nedski]

Originally Posted by wolves3012

If the body doesn't leak light, I wouldn't worry about the slack in the back fitting. If it really bothers you, you can dismantle the lock on that side and try to shim it. The locks aren't too difficult to take apart but they are fiddly and easily put together wrongly! I think you'll need to *remove* washers or whatever, the lock has to sit lower to lock tighter.

I'm going leave it for now and only bother if there's a leak. There's a little c-clip holding the lock assembly together and I have visions of it flying across the room when I pry it off.

Originally Posted by wolves3012

As for the self-timer, it's quite common for them not to fire the shutter - they just wind down and nothing happens.

The self-timer doesn't wind down. It's set but the release button feels jammed - I can't press it down the smallest bit. Call it broken.


Thanks for the help.

[Justin Smith]

My Fed-5 bottom plate is a bit loose on the supply side. I haven't noticed any light leaks with it, so I haven't bothered to shim it - I think that this is a good way to proceed. (If it ain't broke, don't fix it )

[nedski]

Just as a a follow up: The self-timer came unstuck all by itself while I was shooting Thursday, and now appears to work just fine. Gotta love it.

[Dfin]

I have just seen a FED 5B & 53 mm lens on UK-ebay for 28pstg. Is that a fair price ?

[BradM]

Originally Posted by Dfin

I have just seen a FED 5B & 53 mm lens on UK-ebay for 28pstg. Is that a fair price ?

Depends what else came with it.
If it's just the camera and lens, it is a little expensive unless it is a collectable variant.

If you are just looking for a FED-5V as a user - ebay seller alex-photo has a mint one for sale with the standard Industar 61 L/D (f2.8/55mm) for AU$29+AU$27 postage.
eBay item: 350422870908
He also has a used one for $19 that looks functional.

Alex has a good reputation amongst the FSU camera community.