Hello all,

I've recently discovered the joys of wet plate photography and am thinking of investing in a proper plate camera - something a bit more capable than my beat up Speed Graphic.

After searching around eBay and a few wet plate sites, I've come across a few mentions of a Russian/Ukranian plate camera called an FKD. Though they look like antiques, they were apparantly manufactured as late as the 1980's. As they're reasonably priced, I figure I may as well take the plunge and get one. In the absolute worst case I figure it'll be an attractive ornament for my living room. Still, I'd love to hear about any experiences my fellow APUG members have had with the camera.

Here's the catch: I'm a bit worried about ordering one from overseas. There's the long wait for shipping, a potentially poor packing job, etc. Does anyone know where I might find one here in the states?

Thanks!

I just sold a 13x18cm example. It came with two 13x18 cm double plateholders, which would I presume be an advantage for you. The big downside is that the cameras are made of a soft-ish wood (I think pear wood) and on my example at least, the sliding wood block which locks the baseboard would hardly move - the same problem with the filmholder sheaths, they would move by hand but not smoothly. Also, because of the soft wood, quite a lot of the screws securing the fittings to wood parts had stripped their threads, makling it necessary to take them out, pack the holes and replace them. I am sure an FKD could be fun to play with, but they're not as good as they look!

For what it is worth, I have purchased a FED 2, Kiev 4, several books on Russian Cameras and full-blown Konvas KCPM 2 35mm motion picture outfit from Ukraine and Russia with NO problems.

Frankly, other than the long shipping times and somewhat high transportation rates, I find the service as good or better than many US sellers and the selection is far better.

I second Kino's comments about Russian and Ukrainian sellers. (My experiences are via eBay.) I've never had a major problem; most of these sellers describe their wares honestly and ship promptly. I've even gotten packages in under two weeks. My worst experience was with a camera with a shutter that was a bit flaky when it arrived, but it improved after I fired off a couple dozen shots (with no film in the camera). I assume some lubrication had clumped up or congealed and the repeated shutter firings helped spread it out again.

You might want to look at a "Reisekamera", maybe a German or Russian one. I bought a 18x24 cm "Bruno Zenger" reisekamera about a month ago and it's awesome. Works great, looks great, feels great. I payed 130 EUR for it.

I still have a 18x24cm German plate camera up for grabs. I could even include two wet-plate backs which could be modified to fit it?

I have both FKD and German plate cameras. While the design is the same, the difference in workmanship is staggering.

I have a very old FKD 30x40cm camera, perhaps 100 years old or older? It's actually quite well made for a Russian camera but it's antique and the newer ones I have seen are not even close in quality to the one I have. My camera has real hand made dove tail construction not box joints which is incredible.

Mine is mahogany with huge burgandy leather bellows. I have front rise/fall and shift and tilt on the rear. The camera is about 20-25 pounds and extends to about one meter but its not all that stable out very far. I used it for wide angle work so it's not an issue for me.

I do not use the camera anymore but I do use the back and plate holders on another camera. it might make a good wet plate converter.

Not being a wet plate shooter I think these cameras would be pretty good choice for wet plate considering the prices are good and you wouldn't have to worry too much about screwing it up.

Thanks for all of the responses! I've heard that the Russian/Ukrainian sellers are reputable - I just don't want to for weeks before my camera arrives!

I'll keep looking and researching. Good to know that they're (for the most part) decent cameras.

The Century camera I bought was a plate camera somebody had converted to a 4x5 [#$?#$] press camera back.

Why not look for a Century and it's stand? Even if it comes with a modern back you could put the effort into mounting a plate back.

The Centuries and stand are so big if you can find one locally the amount of other people interested will be fairly low.