The first mass produced 35mm camera from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) was the FED from 1934, a Leica II clone.
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| Zorki 1d + Industar 22 + FED 3a + Jupiter 8 |
FED article by Oscar Fricke
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| JEL Special Edition Zorki 6 + Jupiter 8 and FED 2 + Industar 61LD |
As part of WWII reparations, the Soviets gained access to blueprints, tools and other materials to manufacture Zeiss designed optics well into the the 90s with minor updates.
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| Zorki 1d + Jupiter 8 TX400/Diafine |
When properly adjusted and serviced, FED and Zorki cameras + Industar and Jupiter lenses are capable of producing high quality images.
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| Zorki 1d + Industar 22 APX100/Diafine |
Millions were manufactured but the main issue was lack of quality control.
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| FED 3a + Jupiter 8 Foma 100/Rodinal |
Being a tinkerer at heart cheap FEDs and Zorkis became my guinea pigs from which I gained enough confidence to buy unloved Leica IIs in need of TLC.
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| Zorki 1d + Industar 22 APX100/Diafine |
It is interesting to note that just about every industrialized nation in the 20th century attempted to manufacture a Leica clone.
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| FED 2 + Industar 61LD Fuji 200 |
Notable copies include Kardon, USA and Reid, UK which are now highly collectible and command prices greater than a genuine Leica.
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| FED 2 + Industar 61LD Fuji 200 |
The post WWII camera and optical industry of Japan was also founded on Leica copies from Canon, Nicca/Tower (later Yashica), Leotax, Minolta (Chiyoko) and etc.
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| Fed 3a + Jupiter 8 Foma 100/Rodinal |
Eventually the Japanese beat the Germans in their own game and ultimately became the largest manufacturer of cameras and lenses in the world.
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| Zorki 6 + Jupiter 8 HP5+/DDX |
A testament to Japanese tradition of discipline, industry and ability to innovate!
China also made Leica copies - a souvenir from my visit to Shanghai last year.
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| Zorki 1d + Jupiter 8 TX400/Diafine |
China also made Leica copies - a souvenir from my visit to Shanghai last year.
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| Shanghai 58-II + 50/3.5 lens |
My original plan for today was to take pictures with this camera, unfortunately it became too hot and muggy ;o(
