I was hoping to find some well priced Leica film cameras in Ukraine but unfortunately, not only were there none, but the selection on second hand cameras to buy was almost non-existent. Yes there are a dozens and dozens of dusty, rusty, half broken Zenit cameras at every outdoor market, but there is only one shop that sells second hand here. Better though still than Belgrade, Serbia where there are zero places to buy gear.

I went into the only shop and picked out the best looking rangefinder film camera and best looking lens I could find. I ended up with a Zorki 1c and a FED 50mm f3.5 lens. I did not get a good deal though, the two together cost 60 USD (52 Euro) but considering the authenticity factor of buying my very own soviet era rangefinder in person from a former soviet country was worth the price.

There are quite a few light leaks on the film of this my first roll, I'm unsure why as future rolls had no problem. The camera worked just fine though the knobs and gears have a lot of resistance and feel lacking of some fluidity that I am familiar with from my Leica rangefinder cameras. Anyway the rudimentary and brutalist visual and tactile vibes I got while shooting this camera grew on me and it was quite enjoyable. I went on to paint and repaint the engravings on the body and the camera really looks great today. I've even put about 5 rolls through the FED lens and honestly I am as happy with it as the Leica Elmar 50mm f3.5 of which this is a copy of. I should clarify, I am am happy with the results of the FED as I am with the Leica. The looks, engineering, and use, of the FED are not up to par with the Leica but no spoiler there.

Camera: Zorki 1c Soviet Era Rangefinder

Location: Lviv, Ukraine

Film: Kodak Color Plus 200

Lens: FED 50mm f3.5 Leica Elmar Copy