FED 3 User Manual

FED 3 OWNERS MANUAL
FED 3 OWNERS MANUAL
Introduction:
The Fed 3 is a development of the earlier Fed and Fed 2 cameras, being themselves copies of the Leica II and III 35mm cameras. Many of
the controls and much of the layout will be familiar to Leica screwmount users.
While certainly not in the same class as the Leica III, the Fed 3 actually has some advantages. Tops among its advantages is the fact that
you are not carrying an irreplaceable collectors item should you decide to use it. The viewfinder is also marginally brighter than a Leica
screwmount and is coincident with the rangefinder. Above all, the film can be loaded, in daylight, with the ease and convenience of a
modern 35mm camera - the entire back comes off!
Without getting into ugly specifics about build quality, the primary functional disadvantage of the Fed over Leica screwmounts is the
relatively low top shutter speed of 1/500th sec. But when did anyone ever get a Leica to actually snap its shutter at a true 1/1000th
anyway?
LOADING / UNLOADING FILM
1. Self Timer 8 and 9. Shutter speeds
2. Timer Release Button 10. Rangefinder optic
3. PC connection 11. Flash / accessory shoe
4. Film counter 12 Rewind
5. GOST film speed reminder 13. Viewfinder
6. Shutter release and rewind ring
7. Rewind lever
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FED 3 Specifications

General

Type	35mm rangefinder camera
Lens Mount	M39 screw mount
Shutter Speeds	B
Viewfinder	Optical viewfinder
Film Advance	Lever advance
Focus	Manual
Shutter	Focal-plane shutter

Summary

Fed 3 Camera Introduction and Overview

Introduction to the Fed 3 Camera

Details the Fed 3 as a development of earlier models, its advantages over Leica, and its ease of film loading.

Loading and Unloading Film

Accessing the Film Compartment

Instructions on how to remove the one-piece back of the camera using rotating latches.

Film Loading Procedure

Guidance on placing the 35mm cartridge and feeding the film leader onto the take-up spool.

Film Rewinding Process

Steps for rewinding film, including releasing the shutter and turning the rewind knob.

Camera Operation and Controls

Film Advance and Shutter Cocking

Explanation of the film advance lever's single stroke mechanism for advancing film and cocking the shutter.

Film Counter Dial

Details on using and resetting the film counter, noting its manual rotation capability.

Setting Shutter Speed

Instructions on how to set shutter speeds, including critical warnings and explanations of specific settings.

Viewfinder and Rangefinder Usage

Guidance on adjusting the viewfinder diopter and using the rangefinder for focusing.

Flash Synchronization

Information on connecting flash via the PC connector and using M and X synchronization.

Self Timer Operation

Instructions for using the self-timer lever for delayed shutter release.

Advanced Features and Lens Compatibility

GOST Film Speed Reminder

Explanation of the GOST film speed reminder ring and its associated icons.

Changing Lenses

Details on the Leica Thread Mount (LTM), lens compatibility, and mounting/removing lenses.