84 - KMZ | Fed-KMZ 1948

KMZ | Fed-KMZ 1948 Estimate: €4,000–5,000 Year: 1948 Serial No.: 00036 Condition: B English: A rare and historically significant early Soviet 35mm rangefinder camera, bearing the remarkably low serial number 00036, from the very first production series of the Krasnogorsk Mechanical Works (KMZ). The Fed-KMZ marks the beginning of camera production at KMZ, preceding the introduction of the Fed-Zorki and the subsequent Zorki series. Only approximately 100 examples of this initial pre-production series were manufactured in 1947–48, with very few surviving today. This camera is particularly significant, as it bears a considerably lower serial number than the well-documented examples nos. 00063 and 00070. It retains its original black-painted internal chassis and the characteristic early shutter with speeds up to 1/1000 of a second, consistent with the construction of these documented examples. Of exceptional interest is the camera’s unusual body covering and the absence of the small Fed identification plate found on the back of other known examples. The leather covering displays a remarkably convincing, naturally aged patina, entirely consistent with the camera’s overall appearance. Importantly, there are no visible mounting holes, indentations, or other indications that a rear identification plate was ever attached. An extraordinary rarity from the earliest period of Soviet postwar camera manufacturing. With its remarkably low serial number, original early technical construction, and highly convincing, untouched appearance, this camera may represent one of the earliest surviving Fed-KMZ examples and an important addition to the documented history of this legendary Soviet Leica copy. German: A rare and historically significant early Soviet 35mm rangefinder camera with the exceptionally low serial number 00036 from the very first production run at the Krasnogorsk Mechanical Plant (KMZ). The FED-KMZ marks the beginning of camera production at KMZ, even before the introduction of the FED-Zorki and the later Zorki series. Only about 100 cameras from this first pre-production run were made in 1947–48; very few are known to exist today. This camera’s serial number is significantly lower than those of the known models No. 00063 and 00070. It features the original black-lacquered internal chassis as well as the characteristic early shutter with speeds up to 1/1000 of a second. Of particular interest are the unusual leather-covered body and the absence of the small FED nameplate on the back, which other known examples possess. The leather displays a convincing, naturally aged patina that perfectly complements the overall appearance. In particular, there are no visible mounting holes, indentations, or other signs that a rear model plate was ever attached. An extraordinary rarity from the early days of Soviet postwar camera production. Given its strikingly low serial number, original early technical features, and convincingly pristine appearance, this camera could be among the earliest surviving FED-KMZ models and significantly contribute to the documented history of this legendary Soviet Leica copy.