Help with Fed 2

[ColdEye]

I just received a Fed 2 with the collapsible lens today. I know this is just like a screwmount, so I just need to twist the lens. But I can't seem to get it to budge, and I don't want to force it as it might break. Does this have any locks to push before I try to take it off?

[michaelbsc]

Other than the focus lock button on the bottom there is no lock on the lens.

You "should" be able to simply screw it off. Obviously it is stuck. Go slow and be careful.

[ColdEye]

Thanks. I read up and the lens should be set to one meter? I did that and went REALLY slow, good thing it came off. Thanks!

[Gerald C Koch]

You were very lucky. I had a similar problem and the focusing stop actually pulled out of its threads ruining the lens.

[ColdEye]

Yeah, I was really cautious. I'm scared of forcing things. By the way, is it normal for the focusing lever/tab to be near the 12 o clock position when locked on infinity? I am looking at pictures of other Fed 2 and collapsible lens right now and it looks like it is not supposed to be there, or is it just a variation?

[Steve Roberts]

Regarding the focussing lever position, I've just bought a FED 1 body (pre-war, I think) and lens separately. I knew from reading up on the Interweb that lenses were matched to individual cameras back then and that the start of the thread on the body mounts and lenses was somewhat variable, with the result that the body/lens combination was 'select on test' so that the focussing lever ended up in a sensible position. Sadly, the lens I bought screwed in to leave the lever passing over the viewing and focussing windows in normal use! Not having a dozen or so lenses to try before buying, and not being prepared to buy lenses at £40 a pop off eBay until one fits, I'm wondering what to do.

My first thought was to rotate the body's lens mount through 180 degrees (assuming that the spacing between the four screws is as good as one would hope), but on removing the mount I found that there is a small rebate machined in its top edge to clear the camera's top plate. I've yet to investigate whether there's any scope for modifying the lens, but suspect not. Though I would prefer not to, I have a feeling that I may end up machining a second rebate along what is currently the lower edge of the mount before repositioning it. It's a shame to mess with the body, but short of having a heap of lenses to try, seems like the best option in the circumstances. Any thoughts?

Steve

[ColdEye]

I actually have no idea why it is like this, but it is only a minor inconvenience, when I focus I just use the segment where the lever was attached to. Maybe this is one of the older lenses that do not match the newer Fed 2.

[georg16nik]

The tab is @ 12 because this is not the original lens and due to the recessed flange, You wont have an infinity lock since there is no space under the bottom part of the tab, so that You can push it and turn clockwise to lock it at infinity, that is unless the bottom part of the tab is sanded down to almost nothing.
The original collapsible style lens (Fed) for Fed 2 have a tab that is a simple flat spring and in fact needs to be lifted in order to lock at infinity.
The later types rigid Industars do not use infinity lock tabs as Industars 22 or 50 do.

I hope that makes sense.

[ColdEye]

I see. but I can use the infinity lock. This is one confusing camera. ) But the experience of shooting with it is quite nice.

[georg16nik]

Yep, obviously a modified Industar 22! Its good that its synced with the camera.
A friend of mine got a FED 2 but there is no way to put an Elmar or Industar 22 or 50 (and have infinity lock) unless the tab is modified.
So, You are a lucky man