Damaged J8 performs well

[fidget]

I've just completed a test film in my R2. My collection of FSU lenses contains some which have focus issues or are just plain messed up. So with a new roll in I shot the same detailed scene at f5.6 with a selection of 50s from a tripod.
I didn't test some lenses as I don't plan to use them, the rigid I50's for example, maybe I should. I ran out of lenses to test so had a look at what else I could try. One which I included was my 1963 J8. I had not intended to use this as it has many light scratches in the coating on the front and rear elements, although it looks clean and shiny to the naked eye.
The results from my tests showed up some of the expected poor/faulty lenses but also gave a few surprises, not least was that the image quality from the scratched J8 was just as good as the perfect black J8s and better than most of the I61s.
Could this be a user?

Dave

 

[payasam]

For the answer to your question, Dave, read what you wrote.

 

[fidget]

Ah yes🙂
What I should ask is: although this lens looks like a user from my test, can I expect the fine scratches to create any extra problems when in real use?
Didn't one of members post nice images made with a badly scratched J8?

Dave

 

[wolves3012]

Scratches on a lens coating could be expected to cause flare problems if they're bad enough and very slight loss of brightness if they are severe enough. Otherwise they shouldn't be noticeable. You've certainly answered your own question though!

 

[alternatve]

I have a terribly scratched I-50 that performs well. It suffers from flare and sharpness issues though. But these are minor. I'm impressed with the Tessar and Sonner lens designs, even after being dragged all the way to Russia and mass produced, the performance is simply outstanding.

 

[payasam]

Scratches on the front are not a big deal. Deep ones can be filled with paint, as Daniel says, and in ordinary use a hood takes care of most problems. Scratches on the rear element are another matter.

 

[TVphotog]

Heck, I have a couple of J8s with major inclusions. One has two bubbles in the front element and the other only has one. They perform great. I love the lens, especially the chrome tabbed versions. Here is one pic I have showed before. This is from the lens with the two bubbles.