A visual stream of consciousness

FED 5B

What Does it Feel like?

Heavy. That is the word that best describes it. It really feels like you are carrying a peice metal around your neck especially if you carrying this baby for long walks! It’s a bit of a let down but it really feals sturdy and it can sustain a bunch of bumps and even drops. This camera will be comfortable for users with big hands. The design of this beast is really what attracted it it to me but I got a bit turned off when I saw how tall it was although it has some benefits. Putting a step up ring or a circular Lens Hood will not cover the viewfinder/rangefinder as much as with shorter cameras. I’ve heard from people before that they would just get the Industar 61 that came with the lens and use the body as a door stop. It will probably do that job spectacularly but it’s not unleashing the camera’s potential.

What’s like shooting with it?

It is very capable and fun for the first hour but with the next, you’ll feel the weight of the camera! I seriously do not know why it is really heavy but still, it is a joy to use. This could be my daily camera if not for the weight. It’s a bit hard to conceal since it’s tall but not impossible and it’s not as noisy as an SLR so it really is capable and it does what you want it to do.

What else do I need to know?

The camera also has some small perks like a shot counter that you do not have to set, double stroke advance lever, self timer, and a sliding back. The hotshoe is also a good addition but I rarely use flash for my photography anyway. The leather case it came with also smells really nice when you hold the cam up to your face. I always have the leather case with me because the camera does not have strap lugs. Don’t ask me why they don’t want to put one. Also, there are rumors that the FED has a sudden death syndrome that it will just die all of a sudden because of poor craftsmanship. It hasn’t happen to me yet but as long as it still works, fine with me.

All in all,

if you do not mind the weight, this can be a regular everyday camera. The slow speeds are really a good addition but yes I can’t get over the weight issue. The aesthetic can be love it or hate it, I really love it. This camera is not recommended for girls but for guys who can use the heavy stuff. It really is a simple camera that feels really classic but has modern quirks.

TECH Specs and summary:

FED 5V Speeds: B, 1, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500 (Flash Syncs at 1/30)

• Sliding back

• HEAVY

• Leica Screwmount (came with the Industar-61 52mm/2.8

• Has many quirks like a Self Timer, Double Stroke advance Lever, shot counter, etc.

• The Leather smells nice!

• Slow speeds are a good addition

• COCK the shutter before changing speeds