76 - FED | Fed-B + Fed 3.5/50mm

FED | Fed-B + Fed 3.5/50mm Estimate: €12,000–14,000 Year: c.1934/35 Serial No.: No. 3-34 Condition: B+ English: An exceptionally rare and historically significant Fed-B, produced by the Dzerzhinsky Labor Commune of the NKVD of the Ukrainian SSR in Kharkov as an experimental development of the standard Fed Leica-type camera. The Fed-B was conceived as a more advanced version of the standard Fed, distinguished above all by its additional slow-speed mechanism. This camera retains the complete dedicated slow-speed control and internal mechanism, along with the corresponding “ФЭД-Б” (Fed-B) engraving on the top plate. The body bears the short designation No. “3-34.” It is fitted with a period Fed 3.5/50 mm lens No. 172198, the serial number stamped on the mounting ring. The camera is accompanied by its original leather case, which shows a distinct, long-standing indentation corresponding exactly to the protruding slow-speed control. The Fed-B represents one of the rarest experimental developments in pre-war Soviet 35mm camera production. Unlike later modifications occasionally found on the market, this example features a cohesive combination of Fed-B top-plate engraving, a complete slow-speed mechanism, an original-era lens, and a purpose-built early case. The camera is in fine, original condition, complete with a matching lens cap, film spool, and case, and has never been offered for sale before. German: An exceptionally rare and historically significant FED-B, manufactured by the Dzerzhinsky Labor Commune of the NKVD of the Ukrainian SSR in Kharkiv as an experimental further development of the standard FED camera modeled after the Leica. The FED-B was designed as a more advanced version of the standard FED and is distinguished primarily by an additional slow-shutter mechanism. The camera features the complete special long-exposure control system, including internal mechanics, as well as the corresponding engraving “ФЭД-Б” (Fed-B) on the top cover. The body bears the short designation No. “3-34.” It comes with a matching FED 3.5/50mm lens No. 172198, whose serial number is stamped on the mount ring. Also included is an early matching leather case with a clearly visible indentation—formed over a long period of time—that corresponds exactly to the protruding slow-shutter button. The FED-B is one of the rarest experimental developments in Soviet 35mm camera production prior to the war. Unlike later modified versions that occasionally appear on the market, this specimen features a harmonious combination of the FED-B top cover engraving, a complete long-exposure mechanism, a matching lens, and an early case with the correct shape. The camera is in beautiful original condition, complete with a matching lens cap, film spool, and case, and has never been offered for sale before.