while the viewfinder is well off to the side. If using an accessory viewfinder, the problem is reduced
as the accessory shoe positions it directly over the lens, but the finder is still raised above the lens.
This is known as paralax error. Many (most?) Fed 5's with brightline finder also have a parallax
correction brightline for the 50mm lens only. Inside the regular brightline is another set lower, and to
the right. In theory, these lines show the field of view of the factory supplied Industar 61 LD at its
minimum focus distance. Some accessory viewfinders also have paralax correction. Some of the
macro lenses made by Leitz came with an optic that was positioned over the viewfinder and
"corrected" the paralax. I am not aware of any Russian equivalents.
USING FLASH
The FED 5 synchronization is designed for use with electronic flash at a shutter speed of 1/30
second. For those unaccustomed to such slow synch speeds, be aware that you may have some
"ghosting" problems with fast films in an average lighted room. Use 100 asa or less and it should
not be a problem.
SELF TIMER
Your Fed 5 also has a timer to allow delayed shutter release. This is commonly used for group shots
while the camera is on a tripod and the photographer wants to be in the picture as well. I frequently
use it for slow speeds when I wish to avoid "camera shake".
First, advance the film. Second, turn the self timer lever counterclockwise until it points at the 12:00
o'clock position. When ready to release, press the timer release button directly above the self timer
lever.
GOST FILM TYPE REMINDER
In the center of the film counter ring are three icons for sun, incandescent light, and flash. These
appear to be designed to work as a reminder for the type of film, but how is a mystery.
CHANGING LENSES
Your Fed 5 uses Leica Thread Mount (LTM) screw threads, 39mm X 1mm. This allows you to use
not only the lenses made in Russia for the Fed, Zorki, Mir, etc., but also other LTM lenses made by
Nikon, Contax, Steinheil, and currently by Voigtlander, as well as Leica.
CAUTION: KMZ (Zenit, or sometimes Zenith) made some LTM mount lenses for their early SLR
cameras and these have a different film registration depth. They may mount, but will not operate
properly except at infinity.
Caution: Not all LTM mount lenses will work with your Fed 5.
Some lenses use a "tongue" to push
against the rangefinder cam, rather than a cylinder. As the shape of the cam itself is different on the
Fed from that of a Leica screwmount, it may not push pass the cam to completely seat the lens.
Never try to force a lens into your Fed 5 lens mount.
To remove the lens, simply turn the barrel of the lens counterclockwise until it comes out. To install
a lens, carefully square up the threads and gently turn clockwise, making certain that it is not
cross-treaded. Continue until the lens is firmly against the camera body, but do not overtighten.
Please email comments, suggestions to
RETURN
