fedc

Strictly speaking, this camera has no name, although it is generally referred to by the initials TSVVS. TSVVS in Latin equates to TCBBC in Cyrillic script and this stands for topographical service of the air force. It is possible that the camera was produced by FED as on its return to Kharkov at the end of the Second World War it was under the control of the Air Ministry. It has also been suggested that it was manufactured by one of the Krasnagorsk optical factories.

This camera is very well made, having a brass body with a dull nickel finish. The body covering is in natural leather. Basically, the camera consists of a Leica type body fitted with a Zeiss lens in a Contax bayonet mounting. It is known in the USSR under the name of "General's FED".

Cameras are usually engraved with a star, with a hammer and sickle in the centre, and the initials TCBBC around the edge. The year of manufacture is also shown, either 1949 or 1950, and a serial number is engraved in front of the accessory shoe. A few examples are known with no engraving at all.


TSVVS

Manufacturer:	Not known (probably FED)
Country of origin: Produced: Number made: Serial no. range: Shutter speeds: Standard lens:		Former Soviet Union 1949 -1950 Small numbers only (less than 1000?) 41 to 9xx B,20,30,40,60,100,200,500 Carl Zeiss Jena Sonnar 2/50

Strictly speaking, this camera has no name, although it is generally referred to by the initials TSVVS. TSVVS in Latin equates to TCBBC in Cyrillic script and this stands for topographical service of the air force. It is possible that the camera was produced by FED as on its return to Kharkov at the end of the Second World War it was under the control of the Air Ministry. It has also been suggested that it was manufactured by one of the Krasnagorsk optical factories. This camera is very well made, having a brass body with a dull nickel finish. The body covering is in natural leather. Basically, the camera consists of a Leica type body fitted with a Zeiss lens in a Contax bayonet mounting. It is known in the USSR under the name of "General's FED". Cameras are usually engraved with a star, with a hammer and sickle in the centre, and the initials TCBBC around the edge. The year of manufacture is also shown, either 1949 or 1950, and a serial number is engraved in front of the accessory shoe. A few examples are known with no engraving at all.


Return To Index Page