Are there any FEDS here?

[Austin O'Hara]

Has anyone ever owned a FED-4 35mm Rangefinder?
I wonder are these Russian cameras under-rated.
Any views / comments welcome.

 

[Pete Askew]

I have friends who have owned but not me. I wouldn't mind betting Brian might have the odd one tucked away though!

 

[Hamish Gill]

I've had a zorki - another Russian RF
They are great cameras, but not without thier faults ... Reliability is hit and miss as from what I understand quality control was dubious! If you get a good one, it's the cheapest way to get into interchangeable lens RF cameras and you will I'm sure enjoy it!
This is interesting Russian Leica Screw Mount Rangefinders

 

[Brian Moore]

Hamish is right and Pete almost so. I have a FED 3 and a FED 5. I also have a Zorki C and a Kiev 4a. My Zorki and my FED 3 have shutter problems. My FED 5 has a light leak that puts a bright spot on the lower right corner of almost every frame. My Kiev works very nicely. (So did the two FEDs when I first got them.)

I find the glass to be very good.

 

[Austin O'Hara]

Thanks everyone for your replies.
You have kept me on the straight and narrrow.

 

[Brian Moore]

I remember now I also have a Zenit 12XP (SLR, though) which came with a really fine Helios 44 lens.

 

[Austin O'Hara]

I remember now I also have a Zenit 12XP (SLR, though) which came with a really fine Helios 44 lens.

Thanks Brian. I am now searching for a Helios 44.
There are lots of Zenit 12XP cameras on eBay