Classic Camera Review: Fed 3a

The Fed 3a is a 35mm rangefinder produced in the USSR, first introduced in 1961, a few revisions removed from the original Leica II copy. It retains most of the features of the previous model, the FED 2, and was the last model to feature a stepped deck with a recessed film advance lever and shutter button.

In this classic camera review, we will explore the history of the Fed 3a, its strengths and weaknesses, and provide you with all the information you'll need to decide if this Soviet-made camera is right for you.

A Brief History

The FED rangefinder cameras were mass-produced from 1934 until around 1996.

The factory originated from small workshops of the Children's Labour Commune, named after Felix Edmundovich Dzerzhinsky. The acronym "FED" was derived from his name. The workshops were established in December 1927 in Kharkiv, present-day Ukraine.

In 1932, the new managing director of the factory, A.S. Bronevoy (Russian: А.С. Броневой), proposed producing a copy of the German Leica camera.

During World War II, production was relocated to Siberia after the factory in Kharkiv was overrun by Nazi German forces.

Starting in 1955, FED began to introduce innovations:

• The FED-2 (1955–1970) combined the rangefinder with the viewfinder.

• The FED-3 (1961–1979) added slower shutter speeds.

• The FED-4 (1964–1977) featured a non-coupled selenium exposure meter.

• The FED-5 (1977–1996) came equipped with an exposure meter, while the FED-5B was a more affordable version without a meter, and the later FED-5C also appeared.

  
  

Aesthetics and Build Quality

The 3a was the last model to feature a stepped deck before the transition to a flat top plate. It's far from being a full "Leica clone" like the original FED 1 or Zorki 1, but its body shape makes it stand out when compared to the more commodified, later Soviet-era rangefinders.

The rounded edges of the body and mushroom-shaped dials give the FED 3a a distinct charm—even if it’s not going to fool any onlookers into thinking you have a real Leica.

The FED 3a's full metal construction and hefty weight (approximately 670 grams) make the camera feel sturdy and dependable. The round advance knob is unique in my camera collection, and while it's slower than using an advance lever, it’s quite a satisfying experience. This is the case for all of the FED's functions, which can be described as rudimentary but effective.

Lens Selection

Featuring an M39 mount, there's a diverse selection of classic lenses from well-known brands like Leica, Zeiss, Canon, and Industar.

The FED line of cameras most often came with Industar or Jupiter 50mm lenses, typically f/2.8 or f/3.5. These lenses generally feature a fair amount of flare, vignetting, and soft corners, but remain satisfactorily sharp in the centre and have plenty of character. It's also important to keep in mind that the build quality among these Soviet lenses is always quite varied.

With a wide variety of M39 lenses to choose from, there's an option for every budget and preference. From the sharp, high-quality lenses of Zeiss and Leica to the cheap and cheerful "communist glass," options are plentiful across all price points.

It's worth noting that the viewfinder only displays a frame for 50mm lenses, so there will be fewer lens options when compared to an SLR.

Layout and Controls

The FED 3a features simple manual controls with no built-in light meter, which may be off-putting for people new to the world of film photography. However, others may appreciate the hands-on approach.

At the top of the camera, you will find the film rewind lever, cold shoe, shutter speed dial, shutter button with lock, and the film advance knob.

Important note: The shutter must be cocked before changing the shutter speed to avoid damaging the mechanism. This is common with a few Soviet cameras from this era.

Aperture and focusing are controlled on the lens. When looking through the viewfinder, there is a small patch that displays a faint image in the centre. When the two images align, you will be in focus.

The only other item on the front of the camera is the delay timer. These are generally the first parts of the camera to fail, so I tend to avoid using them.

To load film, there are two rotating latches that hold the back in place.

For full instructions: Click Here

I enjoy the basic functionality of the FED 3a, despite the issues my example has—I'll get to those later. My only real complaint is the small, dark viewfinder, which makes it difficult to see clearly in low light. It also features a large diopter correction ring around the viewfinder, which can make it hard to get your eye close enough to see the full frame. Additionally, the small focusing patch makes fine adjustments tricky, particularly in darker environments. As a result, I found that zone focusing was the easiest way to use the camera.

I didn't find these issues discouraging; in fact, the lack of luxury is part of the camera's charm.

If you are interested in bright and wide viewfinders, check out my review of the Olympus OM-1n, which features excellent viewfinder clarity and coverage (approximately 96%).

Reliability

The FED's simple construction means there is less that can go wrong with the camera. Generally, they're considered reliable if properly maintained, but there are some common issues to watch out for, with the most frequent fault being related to the shutter.

Because the shutter must be cocked before selecting the shutter speed, many examples you find on auction sites like eBay may have inaccurate shutter speeds or could be completely bricked due to misuse. This was the case with my FED 3a, which had a misaligned /semi-broken shutter speed selector. I ended up finding a position where it worked and left it alone, using the aperture to adjust for exposure.

Other issues with my copy included a misaligned focus and light leaks from an untimed shutter curtain when advancing the film. I remedied this by covering the lens while winding the film.

However, this isn't the case for all FED 3a cameras. Any tested and working examples have already survived 60 years, and with the right care, they should continue to function well.

Most cameras of this age could probably benefit from a CLA (cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment), but with over two million produced, finding a replacement shouldn’t be too difficult if something does go wrong.

Price

There are lots of FED 3s available on auction sites such as eBay, typically priced between £40 and £70 in the UK, and I’d try to aim for the lower end of that range. However, you'll have to keep an eye out for the 3a, which seems to be a little less common.

When shopping online, ensure you only purchase from highly-rated sellers, or consider buying from a reputable used camera shop that offers a warranty.

Before committing to a FED, it's also worth exploring some alternative cameras. Other Soviet rangefinders like the Zorki 4 or the Kiev series fall into a similar price range and can be great options to consider.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the FED 3a offers a no-frills approach to film photography. Its vintage aesthetic, simple controls, and compatibility with a wide range of sharp lenses make it a suitable choice for enthusiasts seeking a hands-on experience. Overall, the FED 3a provides a reliable and characterful camera at an accessible price point, making it a worthwhile addition to any film photographer’s collection.

Sample photos: Click here