The FED 2 is a $50 LEICA

What if I told you that you could get an all metal rangefinder camera, with a Leica mount for only $50? Well hopefully you'd believe me because that's what's going to happen in today's video. After a few months of waiting, I finally got my hands on a Russian Fed 2 rangefinder camera. This 35mm rangefinder has really high build quality and easy to understand, reliable operation, and the best part of all - it looks awesome! These old Russian rangefinders represent an incredible value these days for those who want to try out a Leica camera, but don't want to spend the money. This is a perfect entry point into film photography.
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Thanks for watching!

[@mrtonysantos]

FED was named after Felix but not founded by him. Anton Makarenko was the founder of the work/education commune

[@thomashilmersen711]

The great thing about the Fed cameras is that you can use the fantastic Jupiter lenses. The Jupiter 8 is stellar.

[@PitlordWeedsmurph]

I gotta agree with you. The first Jupiter 8 I tried is on my Kiev camera. It’s so surreal because since this version’s focus is on the camera itself, the lens is this teeny tiny silver gadget. If my Nikon 85mm 1.8D was hollow I could fit a couple of these lenses inside like lotto balls. And yet it produces those sharp portraits while having tons of vintage vibe characteristics to the photo. I’m a Helios 44 fanatic (I have 11 different versions), but this cheap little lens is pure love.

[@jd3330]

I have the Fed3 and I bought it for $50 a while back. Still haven’t gotten any rolls developed from it but form factor is spot on! Love the videos sir.

[@Overexposed1]

Thanks so much! Hard to pass these old rangefinders up for the price!

[@brineb58]

I have been using Soviet cameras since the 90s ... they are a great bargain and many of the lenses are magical!!!

[@Overexposed1]

I sure love this one. All the best!

[@alexborodin366]

ГОСТ (GOST) is a Russian equivalent of ISO, not the color balance. Say, 21 DIN = 100 ISO = 90 GOST

[@revaaron]

After using many of these, the Kiev4 is my pick over the Fed. It's about the same price an has the same lenses (in a different mount). The Kiev has the widest range finders window difference of basically any camera.

[@Overexposed1]

I’ll have to snag one and give it a try! Thanks for watching

[@revaaron]

@@Overexposed1 the Kiev 4 + Jupiter 8 or helios 103 is great. The Jupiter 9 is one of the most impressive lenses of the whole system. I usually leave the Jupiter-12 on it though because it's 35mm.

[@Xottapchenko]

You definitely should try ФЭД-5в, it’s lighter and more adjustable.

[@neilpiper9889]

I have a Zorki 4k with a phenomenal 50mm f2 Jupiter lens. Lever wind with shutter speeds up to 1000th. £50 well spent.

[@RobertLeeAtYT]

A note about the rangefinder. If you're not getting sharp images, it's very likely (really a certainty) that the RF is out of calibration. This is user serviceable, if a bit fiddly. Just dig around on the web for procedure.

[@Overexposed1]

Great tip! There’s a handy manual I found online that someone put together addressing this.

[@florinrotaru2430]

@@Overexposed1 Could you share it with us, please?

[@raygiambuzzi2340]

You lucked out, I have used every FSU camera ever made and the FED 2 is the best of the lot!

[@Overexposed1]

It passed the “sexiness” test! Lol. I am super happy with it!

[@CzejenAndCodaj]

I have Fed 5c and this is second my best camera. 1st is my Leica IIIa and on 3 is my Leica m4 both leica in service now :/ I like this camera but You always must look for good one. With Jupiter -8 and Jupiter 12 i have my dream set now :3 Cheers. Nice Video ^^

[@videobyredjade]

Thank you

[@garvinkelly]

Canon 7 is the best rangefinder deal currently imo. Everyone wants the canon P because it looks cooler so it's more expensive than the 7 but the 7 has a better viewfinder and was the top of the line at the time. Very similar shooting experience to the M3 i had but it also has 35mm framelines which is great for me

[@Heyitscristian]

Question: if you were me would you get a fed2 or Minolta srt 101. I have an opportunity to buy both locally. Looking to have a solid daily carry camera.

[@Overexposed1]

The Minolta would be my choice. The quirkiness of the Fed 2 would be a bit off putting after a while. And honestly an slr is a bit more practical to use.

[@denistonti]

The lens on your FED2 is the Industar 26m.... not the Industar 61. Anyway, I like these soviet rangefinders. Greetings from Berlin, Denis

[@Overexposed1]

Hey Denis! Thanks for watching! Would love to visit your beautiful city.

[@denistonti]

@@Overexposed1 Well.... it's not as beautiful as it was... 🙄 But you're welcome! Greetings to you! Denis

[@bernardkealey6449]

Nice channel - found it searching “fed 2 camera”… FED Orphans commune was named in honour of Comrade Cheka Felix, after he descended to hell, not started by him. Evidently was a pretty reasonable and progressive and useful place - for 5 or so years till By the time this model was rolling, I don’t think orphans had been involved for quite a long time, like since the Holodomor when they probably shipped them all to the gulag. Getting back to my original point, like your channel, and look forward to more. Slava Ukraini

[@Louishaa]

I have a Fed 3 very nice camera. Haven't had a chance to use it.

[@Overexposed1]

These Russian rangefinders are an amazing value!

[@Xottapchenko]

C and B symbols are short for «Съемка» and «Возврат» - «Shooting» and «Rewinding»

[@adventureswithvs6461]

Now that you got your Leica will you sell me yours for that $50?!

[@barnabovichblacksmith7117]

Gost scale ist just Iso/Asa from USRR

[@Juanitoooooooooooooooooo]

Ql17 is also often compared as poor man Leica🤣 but maybe a little bit more expensive

[@AbDaniel21]

5:15 says an american who is using the imperial system, while the whole world uses metric

[@Overexposed1]

Bet you’re a lot of fun at parties. Relaxxxx

[@AbDaniel21]

@@Overexposed1 heh

[@cinobra_sciense]

Fantastic, interesting review. Thank you. But one thing This Soviet camera was made in Ukraine, in the city that Putin's army destroyed with bombs and missiles... and still - the camera is russian?😔

[@cafeglobulot]

An american mocking the bad russians ? :D

[@Overexposed1]

Yes. Literally the whole world thinks Russia is a joke.

[@cartograph1st]

Nice, you’ve bought a $50 trash

[@Overexposed1]

Ok buddy