FED 2 Type d 1958 - 1963
Dzerzhinsky Commune, Kharkov, Ukraine
There were seven FED 2 models made at the hippie commune in Ukraine. I'm sure it was a groovy
place to work but I'll bet the Sputnik workers were paid better.
This FED 2 is utilitarian in design and function. There were FED 2's of this ilk that were available in colors.
The concept seems silly to me considering the camera's no nonsense attitude. A red FED would
be cool though.
If you look into that little window on the left, you'll see the dim image of what you've got
the camera pointed at. If you squint and concentrate, the rangefinder will line up
as you focus the lens. It isn't easy but it can be done.
I guess things were brighter in 1961. I know they were for Roger Maris but he wasn't in Ukraine then. He was in New York. I don't know for sure,
but I don't think he was ever in Ukraine.
A cow gave up its hide to make this rugged case. The case is nearly fifty years old.
The cow, and many generations of its ancestors, are gone.
Maris is gone, too.
The shutter release sits above the film rewind release thing which needs to be turned
toward "C" which you can't see in this picture.
The "B" is for normal operation, comrade.
Soviet cameras often make me feel like I'm ripping the hell out of
the film when I advance to the next frame.
Soviet film advance mechanisms appear to have been manufactured
in garages by vodka soaked machinists. I frequently have to
unload films in my darkroom when emptying Soviet
cameras. Once I even cut myself while doing so.
"We will bury you"
-Nikita Kruschev
"Beep, beep, beep"
-Sputnik
..- ... ... .-.
These photos were taken around December 20th. In
Massachusetts that's the deepestpart of winter. A bleak time. Especially on cloudy days. Colors are muted and
days dissappear quickly.
Amherst, MA. Early afternoon.
The plastic Flamingo endures summer heat and winter cold without a word
of complaint.The footprints around him were made by his more mobile friends, slate-colored juncos.
Arista 200