1967 Jupiter-8: Loving the Results (with samples)

[sockeyed]

Partly inspired by the RFF street photo contest, I threw my silver 1967 Jupiter-8 (50/2) on my R3A, loaded it up with Tri-X and headed out for a photo or two. I took no other lenses with me (though they cried in protest).

Now, this lens isn't new to me - I've had it for over a year and I've always liked the results, but there seemed to be a bit of magic in it this time. Maybe because yesterday it felt it was going solo and wanted to shine. Anyway I souped up the film in HC-110 and scanned the images tonight. I love the results I got. To my eyes, they just look very classic: fairly sharp but not crisp or razor sharp, nice mid-tones and smooth bokeh. The Jupiter-8 is a rewarding lens to use.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

...I demand the samples.

 

[sockeyed]

Samples

Samples

Here are the samples (I can't seem to put them in-line)

 

[Stephanie Brim]

In the camera forums posting images inline is turned off...kinda bites. At least the W/NW forum has IMG turned on.

 

[sockeyed]

You can post images in the Leica forum. I smell favouritism.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

I agree with you about the J-8...it's nice. I have a newer model ('75, IIRC) and it really is a very smooth lens.

 

[Gerry M]

Sockeyed,
Do you have any issues with the focusing in regards to the rf/lens setting? I just got a black J8 for my R2a and there is a large discrepency on focusing. Distant focusing is farther off than closer subjects.
Gerry

Sorry if this sounded really stupid. Late night post. What I meant to say was; at measured distances, the rf image doesn't agree with the scale on the lens barrel. The further the distance, the larger the discrepancy.

 

[xayraa33]

you should use that J-8 more often, it produces beautifull results.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Very nice shots. The Jupiter AND the photographer continue to impress 🙂

 

[sockeyed]

Thanks, guys! The work of all the photographers at RFF continues to inspire me.

 

[JoeFriday]

excellent photos.. the J8 has such an airy look to it.. very pleasing bokeh.. now I'm regretting trading mine off

 

[RML]

Brett, you silly man! Trading off a J8? And it performed well? By Jove, how can you live with yourself! 😛

 

[reagan]

"Distant focusing is farther off than closer subjects."

Sorry man. I thought that got by some guys and it was just too good to go unnoticed. I hate it when I say stuff like that... especially in front of my brother. He's brutal! The sad part is, I completetly understood what you were talking about!

Anyway..... I can sit in my chair and focus on the same object with three different J8s and get three different "measurements" according to their scales. But they all work fine (or close enough for my work - they're "tourist shots" at best anyway). It makes scale focusing a total shot in the dark, but I try to rely on the RF and don't worry too much about reading the numbers... that's just me. That way I minimize doing this.... :bang: which FSUs can easily drive me to. ha!

sockeyed ~ like 'em all, man. Shoot away! 😎