FED HALF FRAME CAMERAS
(1967) This camera is nearly identical to the Konica EYE half-frame camera of the same period. So this begs the question, "Is the Micron really an Eye? or is the Eye really a Micron?" It is unlikely that Konica would buy Soviet cameras, nor that the Soviets would buy Japanese cameras. It is well known that the Soviets copied MANY Japanese cameras for their home market, such as the Kiev 16mm cameras. It's not too big a logical leap to assume that the Soviets copied the Konica EYE for the original Micron design. Then, in Soviet style, they made changes to the design to fit their own market and needs. The model I was just a prototype. You can identify this version, assuming you can find one, since it did not have any writing on the front of the camera. All models have a focusing 30mm (f1.9) lens. (It's rumored that a few cameras had a 28mm lens.) The lens focuses to 3 feet. Shutter speeds of B, 1/30 - 1/800. Film speeds use the Soviet system (16 - 250). The built-in selenium meter sets the shutter speed and the f-stop in a programmed exposure mode. At 1/30 the f-stop is f1.9; at 1/800 the f-stop is f16. For flash use, the apertures can be set manually with a 1/30 shutter. The camera has a PC contact but no flash shoe. There is also a B setting for the shutter which sets the aperture at f1.9 -- great for night shots. Distance and auto shutter speed settings appear in the viewfinder, although you never know what f-stop gets set. In low-light conditions a red flag covers up the shutter speeds and prevents exposure -- nice touches. Also comes with tripod socket and cable release socket. 46mm filter thread.
(1968) The only difference between this and the original is that this version says Micron on the front and FED on the top of the camera (in Russian). This model actually went into production but few were made.
This model is the most common, and was made from 1968 through 1986. Perhaps 125,000 were made. It says Micron and FED on the front -- in Russian, of course. In addition, the earlier models had a hinged film door while this version has a removeable back. That may sound inconvenient, but it's great if you have large fingers.
This model is a special edition of the model III, made in 1980 for the Moscow Summer Olympic Games. The only difference is being marked on the front with a tower and the Olympic "rings" symbol. They made a lot more than they needed because they hadn't planned on an international boycott of the Games. Who would have THUNK??? Could this guy have had anything to do with it??? Probably not. He was just a junger Schläger in East Germany at the time.
The Micron 2 looks pretty much the same as the other Microns, but it is a full-frame version with a CdS meter -- so it's a in a league by itself.
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