FKD view cameras

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FKD 13x18 image by nefotografas (Image rights)

FKD cameras (ФКД - sometimes only labelled FK) are folding tailboard cameras made in the Soviet Union. An entry for the FKD 13x18 at USSRPhoto.com (a wiki), apparently repeating information from the Fedka web-shop, states that the cameras were made in a number of workshops in different parts of the Soviet Union, some of which originally made wooden furniture. These locations included Kharkiv in Ukraine, and Kazan in Tatarstan.

At least two sizes were made:

• FKD 13x18 (about equivalent to 5x7 inch)
• FKD 18x24 (about 7x9½ inch, though this is not a plate size in inches)

There are variations in both models, presumably with time over the years the cameras were made, or perhaps between manufacturing locations. The examples of the 13x18-cm camera shown at USSRPhoto.com are listed as Types 1a and 1b to 4a (and 4b and 4c). Unfortunately the photographs were not archived with the site.

The 13x18-cm camera has an Industar-51 21cm f/4.5; a barrel lens (i.e. without a shutter built-in; exposure would normally be long enough to be controlled with the lens-cap). The 18x24-cm model has been seen for sale with an Industar-37 30cm f/4.5.

The front standard of the camera has sliding panels allowing front rise and fall and left-to-right lens movements. Front tilt is not possible. The rear standard allows tilt.

The camera uses wooden single dark-slides.

Links

• FKD 13x18 user manual (in Russian) at Butkus.org