Bessa L and russian lens compatibility

[theory]

Hello all,

I've been seeing some good deals on the Bessa L as of late and have intentions of buying one. However, my budget is tight and I won' be able to afford most LTM mount lenses aside from the Russian copies.

I wanted to know if anyone here has had any experience using Russian lenses (particulary the Industars and the collapsibles) with their Bessa L?

 

[Scarpia]

I have used and am currently using an Industar 61 L/D 55 mm f2.8 on a Bessa L with excellent results. Of course, I must use scale focusing. I paid $41.00 for the lens, unused along with an unused Fed 5B from the Ukraine postage included.
Kurt M.

 

[RML]

If you like the Industar's characteristics then go ahead. It'll fit quite nicely. I prefer the Jupiter 8, though. The collapsibles are nice but won't collapse fully in my experience.

As it is, I wouldn't go for a 50mm on the L. A 35 or 28 would be more my choice because of the scale focusing.

 

[ChrisN]

Hi Theory, welcome. Keep in mind the "L" lacks a viewfinder, so you will have to allow for a separate viewfinder also when shopping. Also lacking a rangefinder, the "L" body was designed to work best with very wide lenses (12mm to 25mm) with lots of depth-of-field. If you want to use 35mm and up, you might get better value with a Zorki or Fed body.

 

[theory]

thanks for the advice!

Maybe I'll save up a little while longer before making a decision (perhaps then, a black Bessa T might turn up at a godd price!).

 

[gabrielelopez]

Someone maybe knows for sure about Jupiter 35mm? I mean, it has big rear elements, could it be mounted on the Bessas without any damage?
I really wanted to buy one to get a cheap chance of shooting wider, But....

thanks..

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

The word on the Jupiter 12 35mm lens is that it can actually bump the shutter.

Some here have had them actualy fit without bumping. But then the metering doesn't work well.

 

[gabrielelopez]

Even tough I don't care 'bout metering, I can't risk on breaking the shutter..
I would like to put the lens on my Bessa-T..if someone has direct experience on it I would risk it, or I will have to wait and save for the 35 2,5 from CV..
Thanks.

 

[John Robertson]

I have almost the full range of FSU leica screw lenses. There are two which will not fit the Bessas, (I know, I've tried ) 20mm Russar, 35mm Jupiter 12. Both will foul the shutter crate. The Orion 15 28mm does fit. The collapsible Industar, will not collapse properly on the L. and R. It does however on the R2, but some will still not work correctly as the Infinity lock/focussing spar fouls the lens release button. I've had no problems with the Jupiter 8, 9 and 11.

 

[gabrielelopez]

Well, thanks, you solved my doubts...no jupiter for my 35mm, sadly, I will wait for better times..