Fed 2 vs. Zorki 6
These two models are original Soviet designs that evolved from their Barnack clones. Both cameras have a combined VF/RF with a long 69mm baselength with diopter adjustment and no slow speeds just like the Leica II - B, 30 [25] - 500. VF magnification is about 75% of life size like an M6 .72.
Note: All FSU Leica clones with combined VF/RF were fitted with diopter adjustment and offer a 50mm field of view with ~ .72 VF magnification except for the Zorki 3, 3M, 3C, 4 and 4K which have 100% life size VFs. I have yet to encounter brightline parallax corrected frame lines like those in a Leica M. Overall Zorki wins in terms of brightness and contrast however the Fed is still very usable even under dimmer lighting conditions.
The subject of which model is better is often debated in internet forums. I take a neutral ground and collect both but here are some answers to FAQs:
Easy film loading - hinged back on the Zorki 6 vs. Contax style removable back on the FED 2
Lever wind - Zorki 6 [harder to service] vs. knob wind - FED 2 [easier to service]
RF baselength is 69mm on both models
VF/RF magnification are equal in size [~ .72] but the Zorki 6 is ~ 1.5 stops brighter with more contrast
Flash synch at 1/30 on Zorki 6
Early FED 2s have no flash synch capability but later models had them synched at 1/25 and eventually 1/30
No self timer on early FED 2s vs. self timer on all Zorki 6s
FED 2 is a good camera to learn how to CLA while the Z6 is a bit more complex due to the lever wind and hinged back
With almost 2 million produced, FED 2s have become a camera hackers favorite!
At a comparatively lower 385,000 production, the Zorki 6 is not as commonly listed at eBay and slightly more expensive
See some of my Fed 2s and Zorki 5s and 6s.
![FED 2 [easier to service]](http://members.myactv.net/~je245/windgearset1.jpg){kind=link}