About the FED4

First of all, I really like this camera! The transport movement is really very smooth, and the soft clack the shutter makes when released, is very unobstructive. Focussing the lens is not completely smooth, but accurate. The weight is no problem, but the small shoulder strap makes it a bit uncomfortable after a couple of hours. Loading film, for me, is no problem but since the back is not attached to the body and the take-up spool has to be removed to attach the film to it, it is a bit clumsy. Rewinding the film takes a long time. Because there is no crank but a turnwheel, one needs about a hundred turns before the film is rewinded.

But before one can start rewinding, the sprocket wheel needs to be released. The ring for that around the shutter knob has to be pressed and turned, and for that the transport handle and framecounter are in the way. With a bit of practice however, it becomes easier over time.

One thing that needs modification is the fact that the ring to set the dioptr to get the rangefinder image sharp, has sharp ribs and that does damage your glasses when looking through the viewfinder. A metal file (?) will do the job I suppose. And another thing, after loading a new film, I managed to misplace the camera back without noticing it. This gave a tiny light leak right above the exposed film. Nothing to serious luckily, but something to remember next time!


The Selenium metering cell seems to work fine, but I need to test this more carefully. For Negative film, it is good enough I guess.
While photographing, I kept thinking, I want a wide angle lens, but now, after seeing the results of the 53mm industar, I am not so sure anymore. This lens has it own attraction.
All images below were taken last week in Trier, one of the oldest cities in Germany.