FED-Mikron-2

FED-Mikron-2 is the second version of the FED-Mikron camera. The camera was produced at the FED factory in Kharkov from 1978 to 1986.

Like many Soviet photo cameras, FED-Mikron-2 was created on the basis of an existing camera, or to be more precise, on the basis of the Japanese Konica C35 camera.

FED-Mikron-2 Specifications

• Type: 35mm rangefinder camera
• Manufacturer: FED plant
• Production period: from 1978 to 1986
• Format: 24x36cm on 135 film
• Lens mount: fixed lens
• Lens: Industar-81 L/D f2.8/38
• Rangefinder base: 45mm
• Shutter: leaf shutter with speeds from 1/30 to 1/650 sec.
• Viewfinder: optical parallax viewfinder combined with a rangefinder
• Lighmeter: built-in light meter
• Flash synchronisation: sync socket “X”
• Selftimer: none
• Weight: 460 grams

In the Soviet Union, very often cameras either did not develop at all or became simpler from year to year. But FED-Mikron is a nice exception.

For example, in the second version, a rangefinder mechanism appeared and the light meter improved. In addition, the frame size doubled to the standard 24×36mm.

The FED-Mikron camera is made of high-quality aluminum with a nice coating. The camera is not very big but heavy enough.

The camera is equipped with a non-replaceable Industar-81 2.8/38 lens. Unlike FED-Mikron, focusing is done using a rangefinder. The minimum focusing distance is 1 meter, and the maximum is infinity.

FED-Mikron-2 is equipped with a central shutter with automatic stepless shutter speeds from 1/30 to 1/650. This is a fairly good set of shutter speeds. But here the love of the Soviet Union for simplifications is noticeable because the first model had shutter speeds from 1/30 to 1/800. In manual mode, you can shoot only with a shutter speed of 1/30.

The camera has an optical viewfinder combined with a rangefinder. Special frames inside the viewfinder window help compensate for the parallax, which helps to take photos with the correct frame borders.

It should be noted that even though the camera was created for old mercury batteries, now it is quite easy to find modern analogues of these batteries (not radioactive ones).

The device does not have a self-timer but is equipped with a flash mount. This is another advantage over the first model.

Conclusion

FED-Mikron-2 is a really good camera. Although this camera is considered a device for beginners, it is more powerful and functional than many semi-professional cameras created in the USSR. A good lens, semi-automatic shutter speeds, and stylish appearance make this camera very convenient for those who like to shoot on film.