Advice: Russian FKD plate camera . . .

[dcelfving]

Hello all,

I've recently discovered the joys of wet plate photography and am thinking of investing in a proper plate camera - something a bit more capable than my beat up Speed Graphic.

After searching around eBay and a few wet plate sites, I've come across a few mentions of a Russian/Ukranian plate camera called an FKD. Though they look like antiques, they were apparantly manufactured as late as the 1980's. As they're reasonably priced, I figure I may as well take the plunge and get one. In the absolute worst case I figure it'll be an attractive ornament for my living room. Still, I'd love to hear about any experiences my fellow APUG members have had with the camera.

Here's the catch: I'm a bit worried about ordering one from overseas. There's the long wait for shipping, a potentially poor packing job, etc. Does anyone know where I might find one here in the states?

Thanks!

 

[David H. Bebbington]

I just sold a 13x18cm example. It came with two 13x18 cm double plateholders, which would I presume be an advantage for you. The big downside is that the cameras are made of a soft-ish wood (I think pear wood) and on my example at least, the sliding wood block which locks the baseboard would hardly move - the same problem with the filmholder sheaths, they would move by hand but not smoothly. Also, because of the soft wood, quite a lot of the screws securing the fittings to wood parts had stripped their threads, makling it necessary to take them out, pack the holes and replace them. I am sure an FKD could be fun to play with, but they're not as good as they look!

 

[Kino]

For what it is worth, I have purchased a FED 2, Kiev 4, several books on Russian Cameras and full-blown Konvas KCPM 2 35mm motion picture outfit from Ukraine and Russia with NO problems.

Frankly, other than the long shipping times and somewhat high transportation rates, I find the service as good or better than many US sellers and the selection is far better.

 

[srs5694]

I second Kino's comments about Russian and Ukrainian sellers. (My experiences are via eBay.) I've never had a major problem; most of these sellers describe their wares honestly and ship promptly. I've even gotten packages in under two weeks. My worst experience was with a camera with a shutter that was a bit flaky when it arrived, but it improved after I fired off a couple dozen shots (with no film in the camera). I assume some lubrication had clumped up or congealed and the repeated shutter firings helped spread it out again.

 

[timeUnit]

You might want to look at a "Reisekamera", maybe a German or Russian one. I bought a 18x24 cm "Bruno Zenger" reisekamera about a month ago and it's awesome. Works great, looks great, feels great. I payed 130 EUR for it.

 

[Ole]

I still have a 18x24cm German plate camera up for grabs. I could even include two wet-plate backs which could be modified to fit it?

I have both FKD and German plate cameras. While the design is the same, the difference in workmanship is staggering.

 

[Harrigan]

I have a very old FKD 30x40cm camera, perhaps 100 years old or older? It's actually quite well made for a Russian camera but it's antique and the newer ones I have seen are not even close in quality to the one I have. My camera has real hand made dove tail construction not box joints which is incredible.

Mine is mahogany with huge burgandy leather bellows. I have front rise/fall and shift and tilt on the rear. The camera is about 20-25 pounds and extends to about one meter but its not all that stable out very far. I used it for wide angle work so it's not an issue for me.

I do not use the camera anymore but I do use the back and plate holders on another camera. it might make a good wet plate converter.

Not being a wet plate shooter I think these cameras would be pretty good choice for wet plate considering the prices are good and you wouldn't have to worry too much about screwing it up.

 

[dcelfving]

Thanks for all of the responses! I've heard that the Russian/Ukrainian sellers are reputable - I just don't want to for weeks before my camera arrives!

I'll keep looking and researching. Good to know that they're (for the most part) decent cameras.

 

[Nick Zentena]

The Century camera I bought was a plate camera somebody had converted to a 4x5 [#$?#$] press camera back.

Why not look for a Century and it's stand? Even if it comes with a modern back you could put the effort into mounting a plate back.

The Centuries and stand are so big if you can find one locally the amount of other people interested will be fairly low.