What's a fair price for a FED-2?

[giddygoat]

Hi, Someone was selling this one for $100. Of course, I guess I would need to check out the condition first (any pointers as to what to look for would be much appreciated). But assuming if it's in good condition (seller rates 8/10), would $100 be a fair price to pay?
thanks all for your help.

[whoelse]

Originally Posted by giddygoat Hi, Someone was selling this one for $100. Of course, I guess I would need to check out the condition first (any pointers as to what to look for would be much appreciated). But assuming if it's in good condition (seller rates 8/10), would $100 be a fair price to pay? thanks all for your help.

http://search.ebay.com/search/search...5&BasicSearch=

Shipping is U$12-15, never more.

[giddygoat]

Hi,
Thanks for your help. I came across a lot of FED-2s but always in USD. I calculated it'd probably be about USD 35 max (less than SGD70) with shipping but i'd prefer getting one locally where I could test the cam before purchase. So am just wondering what the local pricing is like.
not looking for a collector's version but a simple working one in good condition for a relatively cheapo entry into rangefinders.
Thanks again, whoelse. really enjoyed looking at your pics with the FED-5.

Originally Posted by whoelse http://search.ebay.com/search/search...5&BasicSearch= Shipping is U$12-15, never more.

[whoelse]

Originally Posted by giddygoat Hi, Thanks for your help. I came across a lot of FED-2s but always in USD. I calculated it'd probably be about USD 35 max (less than SGD70) with shipping but i'd prefer getting one locally where I could test the cam before purchase. So am just wondering what the local pricing is like. not looking for a collector's version but a simple working one in good condition for a relatively cheapo entry into rangefinders. Thanks again, whoelse. really enjoyed looking at your pics with the FED-5.

Thanks for your compliment. After these 2 test shoots, will probably do some serious taking and no more play play

I heard Clifford Pier has one shop specialise in Russian camera and has many stocks. Maybe you would like to check it out. Also, for non collector purposes, why not buy a new one? Not necessary Fed2 although Fed2 is consider a legend itself but any legend that has suviour 50year... really need a well maintain one. You know, even Bruce Lee died too.

[giddygoat]

yah, i saw that shop before but seemed like permanently closed one (at least whenever i passed it, which was admittedly, not often).
Well, on the lookout for a relatively affordable RF (likely FED or Zorki) in good condition. Still studying so am not going to spend to much $$$. Just a light-proof box with a good lens on it. Think someone called the FED-5 a great lens with an ugly camera-shaped rear lens cap
Bruce Lee died??!! I thought he and Elvis were kidnapped by aliens and living in Alpha Centauri

[whoelse]

Originally Posted by giddygoat yah, i saw that shop before but seemed like permanently closed one (at least whenever i passed it, which was admittedly, not often). Well, on the lookout for a relatively affordable RF (likely FED or Zorki) in good condition. Still studying so am not going to spend to much $$$. Just a light-proof box with a good lens on it. Think someone called the FED-5 a great lens with an ugly camera-shaped rear lens cap Bruce Lee died??!! I thought he and Elvis were kidnapped by aliens and living in Alpha Centauri

Yah. I think the lens that comes with FED5 is really very good. Made with rare earth mineral that are radioactive. Nice yellow/purple coating and infact I think this is the best lens I've ever used. I have 3 Canon lens, Tokina ATX Pro (Good!), Tamron and Sigma. Non beat the Industar-61L/D. U think Fed5 is ugly? hehee, I think it's beautiful
Very well made too! Infact I think it's better made than the KIEV 4M, a Contax copy :-0

Btw, where is that Clifford Pier shop? was thinking to go recce. Near which side? I nv notice...

[whoelse]

Btw, many early Zorki/Fed are direct copy of Leica 2/3 with it's technical diagram but I believe Leica are more precise and use better material lah.

Think abt it like u have said. As long as it's reliable and it's the len capture the image resolution. You can also buy a nice quality used Leica len. But I think the Industar 61-L/D is very good. Touted the best Russian len and many even find it too vivid and abit too sharp.

[giddygoat]

Originally Posted by whoelse Btw, where is that Clifford Pier shop? was thinking to go recce. Near which side? I nv notice...

If we are talking about the same shop, then I think it's in the Change Alley, that overhead bridge cum shopping centre thingy which no one really seem to really frequent. Can't remember exactly near which end though.
Yah, was hoping to pick up an Industar 61 L/D someday haven't come across an FED-5 otherwise would have bought it. A bit leery about buying from overseas.

[whoelse]

Originally Posted by giddygoat If we are talking about the same shop, then I think it's in the Change Alley, that overhead bridge cum shopping centre thingy which no one really seem to really frequent. Can't remember exactly near which end though. Yah, was hoping to pick up an Industar 61 L/D someday haven't come across an FED-5 otherwise would have bought it. A bit leery about buying from overseas.

Nothing one lah, in fact many of these ebayers sell full time and have sold thousands of item and many have full 100% positive feedbacks. If leery like you said, ebay already when out of business long ago and not able to survive. For expensive items maybe abit worry but for U$19? Like a buffet price eat here and flush away the next day or like a audio CD that stay in the shelve for the next five years you have little to lose. If freud reported, ebay will blacklist them and will not do business with them so almost no freud case around for positive ebayer. Also, buy from those who specialise in camera, you would be surprise their service is very good, honest and they pack professionally. Amoung all these people, I find Russian/Ukraine people are most responsive, friendly and has the best integrity -- nice little surprice.

Ya. shd be the same change alley shop. I hearsay only so will go look out one of these day.

[whoelse]

Giddygoat,
(Humm...maybe I shd change my nick to Hornygoat )

Why do you want a RF camera? Can share with us your thoughts?

[giddygoat]

Originally Posted by whoelse Giddygoat, (Humm...maybe I shd change my nick to Hornygoat ) Why do you want a RF camera? Can share with us your thoughts?

well, i am actually using SLRs (F80 and FM2) now. the downside of SLRs are that they are pretty bulky. So I was thinking of getting something slightly more compact that i can just carry around with me everywhere and was looking at P&S or small digicams. but I always prefer manual cams and letting the camera do all the work doesn't quite strike me as really fun. and somehow, i always prefered film to digital. then i checked out rangefinders. And got really, really gian. there's something very beautiful about RFs (yup, even the FED-5b). I was actually supposed to wait till i got my teaching assistant pay due next semester but it's so hard to wait.
A friend of mine is also keen on trying his hands on RFs and he recommended me to try the cheaper russian ones. And he has a point as after all, I'd never tried shooting with one before.
so i hope i can get some advice from you RF experts.

[giddygoat]

Originally Posted by whoelse Giddygoat, (Humm...maybe I shd change my nick to Hornygoat )

there's only room for one goat in this town........
Maybe you can be Lambchop

[traveller]

radioactive?? *gasp* Does tat make the lens dangerous??

Originally Posted by whoelse Yah. I think the lens that comes with FED5 is really very good. Made with rare earth mineral that are radioactive. Nice yellow/purple coating and infact I think this is the best lens I've ever used. I have 3 Canon lens, Tokina ATX Pro (Good!), Tamron and Sigma. Non beat the Industar-61L/D. U think Fed5 is ugly? hehee, I think it's beautiful Very well made too! Infact I think it's better made than the KIEV 4M, a Contax copy :-0 Btw, where is that Clifford Pier shop? was thinking to go recce. Near which side? I nv notice...

[giddygoat]

Originally Posted by traveller radioactive?? *gasp* Does tat make the lens dangerous??

You pics will glow in the dark
From what i saw on the net, they said the radioactivity is pretty low (i think they used this element lanthanum or something like that).
I guess if it's really highly radioactive, they'd have called it chernobyl 61 L/D

[whoelse]

Originally Posted by giddygoat You pics will glow in the dark From what i saw on the net, they said the radioactivity is pretty low (i think they used this element lanthanum or something like that). I guess if it's really highly radioactive, they'd have called it chernobyl 61 L/D

Giddy! You did your research! Well-done!
If you do research for everything you buy, very good!

[whoelse]

Originally Posted by giddygoat well, i am actually using SLRs (F80 and FM2) now. the downside of SLRs are that they are pretty bulky. So I was thinking of getting something slightly more compact that i can just carry around with me everywhere and was looking at P&S or small digicams. but I always prefer manual cams and letting the camera do all the work doesn't quite strike me as really fun. and somehow, i always prefered film to digital. then i checked out rangefinders. And got really, really gian. there's something very beautiful about RFs (yup, even the FED-5b). I was actually supposed to wait till i got my teaching assistant pay due next semester but it's so hard to wait. A friend of mine is also keen on trying his hands on RFs and he recommended me to try the cheaper russian ones. And he has a point as after all, I'd never tried shooting with one before. so i hope i can get some advice from you RF experts.

Haha, you are right! RF is fun and I have one everywhere I go. (Even to visit my grandpa, cemetry today and I actually took a few shot of my parent pai-pai).

It's small and easy to work. I have a complete EOS system I keep in the drybox. For day to day, I always have my RF and incase I see something stunning, I'm ready to shoot. Ofcos for portrait or sport, there goes the EOS.

It's a nice feeling to hold a piece of precise engineered gear and control everything. You are the boss, you decide how the picture turn out, forget about battery too. Dare to be different (not acting to be different lah), enjoy what you enjoy and not because who or so is using this or that.

Ofcos it's always good to have whatever we have everywhere but unless prepared in advance, it's quite difficult. So what if you have only a 35mm len? what if you only have a 105mm len? Cant shoot? what if the light is too harsh?

We can however use the limited equipment, light and bring out it's best isn't it?
Can means can one lah. Cannot give you a Nikon F5 also no point.

[zombiez]

whoelse...Please check pm. Hope you can help.

[rubric]

Originally Posted by whoelse http://search.ebay.com/search/search...5&BasicSearch= Shipping is U$12-15, never more.

Is this without insurance? Mine usually come up to US$20.

[giddygoat]

Originally Posted by whoelse Giddy! You did your research! Well-done! If you do research for everything you buy, very good!

my problem is that i over research... then it just makes me want to buy it more
i usually try to find out the specs and reviews but the problem is that i'm not sure about the local market so am not sure how much i should pay for something.
i like the industar lenses cos most are 55mm. that's around my favourite range for running aroung shooting. sometimes i just grab my 55mm micro and my fm2 and run around with it, leaving the other stuff at home. fun!!
problem with russian RFs is that there are so many variants....

[Ansel]

Originally Posted by giddygoat my problem is that i over research... then it just makes me want to buy it more ....

Reminds me of myself.

Giddy you are making me really giddy with all these talk!

My rule for deciding to buy locally or overseas is this: If it is not more than 10-20% more to buy locally where you can see, touch and check out the item before buying, then I'll buy locally. Even for books, which there really isn't much to check and touch, I still buy locally if they cost only a bit more. Please lah, support our local business a little bit, you know it is hard for businesses to survive in Singapore due to our small population.

Regarding the shop at clifford pier, I pass by it everyday and I even have a chance to check out the stuff there. Yes, they have loads of FED-1 to FED-99, but unfortunately they are mostly of poor condition, especially the lenses, if you intend to use it as a camera. If you only want to use it as a display item, or a conversation piece in your home, then fine.

BTW , I have the Industar 61 L/D with a FED-3.