89 - KMZ | Fed-7 Prototype

KMZ | Fed-7 Prototype Estimate: €4,000–5,000 Year: 1969 Serial No.: 6900006 Condition: B English: Soviet 35mm rangefinder camera prototype, developed by the Fed factory in Kharkiv in 1969 and never put into regular production. The Fed 7 represents one of the most fascinating experimental developments in Soviet camera manufacturing. Distinguished by its unusual modernist design, distinctive silver-finished top housing, integrated exposure meter, and sophisticated rangefinder construction, it illustrates the ambitious efforts of Soviet engineers to develop a new generation of advanced 35mm cameras. The camera belongs to the extremely small group of surviving Fed 7 prototypes. Particularly noteworthy are the documented examples no. 6900001, illustrated in Jean Loup Princelle’s *The Authentic Guide to Russian and Soviet Cameras*, and no. 6900004, formerly offered at the 5th WestLicht Auction. Fitted with a later Industar-61 L/D 2.8/55 mm lens, no. 9084600. In very nice condition; the leather covering on the back door is missing. German: Prototype of a Soviet 35mm rangefinder camera, developed in 1969 at the FED factory in Kharkiv but never mass-produced. The FED 7 is one of the most fascinating experimental designs in Soviet camera manufacturing. Its unusual, modern design, the striking silver plated top cover, the integrated light meter, and the sophisticated rangefinder mechanism attest to the ambitious attempt by Soviet engineers to develop a new generation of advanced 35mm cameras. This camera is one of the few surviving FED-7 prototypes. Particularly noteworthy are the closely related documented specimens No. 6900001, featured in Jean Loup Princelle’s *The Authentic Guide to Russian and Soviet Cameras*, and No. 6900004, previously offered at the 5th WestLicht Auction. Includes a later Industar-61 L/D 2.8/55 mm lens, No. 9084600. In very nice condition; the leather covering on the back panel is missing.