LHSA inspired FED 2
Confident in their ability to clone a Leica II and IIIa in the Fed-B, Fed embarked on an original design prototype camera with a combined VF/RF in the late 1930s. However WWII was around the corner and the factory had to be evacuated to Siberia. The Kharkov factory was severely damaged during the war and while being rebuilt, their Barnack technology was shared with the recently organized Zorki-KMZ plant which survived the war. Zorki was to become the producers of cutting edge designs for export while the Fed camera was aimed for the proletarians.
The two design prototypes from the early 50s pictured above evolved into the Fed 2 which is a Leica II clone in spirit but has a combined 69mm baselength VF/RF with diopter control and a Contax style removable back for easier film loading. Initial production lacked flash synchronizer ability but was added in the Fed 2b below. Worth noting is the aborted 1st prototype pictured above that was taken over by the KMZ- Zorki plant that evolved into the Zorki 3 and 4.
Despite its proletarian roots, to my eyes the Fed 2 is a highpoint in mid 20th century Soviet industrial design.
FED 2
FED 2 type B version 5
[FED 2b]
Solid shutter speed dial B, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500 marker on the body, first model to have a flash synch socket, small knurled knob wind
FED 2 type D Version 7
[FED 2c]
Two piece shutter speed dial with marker at the center B, 25, 50,100, 250, 500. Bigger "mushroom type" knob wind
A famous 20th century artist used a FED 2 just like this.
FED 2 type D Version 8 Camera cover is from aki-asahi at eBay
Same as above with the addition of a self timer [delayed action]
[Fed 2d]
FED 2 E type 1
[FED 2d]
This unit has the modern B, 30, 60, 125, 250, 500 shutter speed progression
Up until this model, you can't use the 35 or 85mm VF but I resolved that issue by using a flash shoe adapter, see my lens page.
FED 2 E type 2
[FED 2d]
Same as above plus note the raised accessory shoe, this is the only version that can accomodate the Rostov accessory 35mm or 85mm VF. But the Universal VF will fit on the earlier versions.
Fed 2d E type 2 in black hammertone
[Fed 2d]
Please note the upper nomenclature is from JIM BLAZIK's Treatise on the Fabulous FED 2, bottom in parenthesis is Princelle's which is used by most eBay dealers.
My favorite Fed 2 shooters are the Fed 2b and 2c sans self timer and the late 2d with raised accessory shoe.
Reference: The Authentic Guide to Russian and Soviet Cameras 2nd edition by Jean Loup Princelle available from Fedka.com
