Bessa R3A / Industar 61

[LukeBanks]

Just got back from a trip to Spain where I had a chance to test out my new R3A and the Industar 61 I snapped up to go with it. For a lens that cost £20 off ebay and was only supposed to be a stop gap until I could afford better glass I can safely say I'm shocked at how good it is! I'd heard good things (if you get lucky and don't find a 'dog') but I never thought it would be as sharp as it is.

[/url]Mountain Tree by Luke Banks, on Flickr[/IMG]

Fomapan 400, developed as instructed.

 

[xayraa33]

nice sharp lens at any price.

 

[LukeBanks]

Definitely, I was expecting to be frustrated with the results from it but not in the slightest. I wish the 35mm Jupiter would fit on the bessa now.

 

[LukeBanks]

Good advice ray*j*gun, I seem to have hit the jackpot and found a cracker on my first try! I'll never look at my expensive Canon L glass the same now.

From what I'd read my understanding was that the J12 would recess too far in to the Bessa R2/3/4 bodies and potentially damage the shutter?! If it fits on your R2M I'll have to look again. I really want something a little wider than 50mm so that would be a result!

 

[traveler_101]

Which version of the I-61 did you get? I had the last model, the L/D, and it was very poorly built.

I also have a Jupiter 12 (nice compact lens!), but I don't use it on my Bessa R because it interferes with the light meter and may even rub up against the shutter curtains. I use it on my Leica IIIf.

 

[LukeBanks]

Which version of the I-61 did you get? I had the last model, the L/D, and it was very poorly built.

It's the L/D version I picked up too. It won't win any awards for build quality but for £20 that was never a consideration. Mine has a wobbly barrel and the helicoid needs re-lubing but the glass is all in perfect condition and the focus is bang on so can't complain.

This week I found a Jupiter-8 with perfect looking glass and got it for cheap as well. Unfortunately the helicoid lube is stiffer than I can live with so will have to put on some big boy pants and take it apart!

 

[traveler_101]

It's the L/D version I picked up too. It won't win any awards for build quality but for £20 that was never a consideration. Mine has a wobbly barrel and the helicoid needs re-lubing but the glass is all in perfect condition and the focus is bang on so can't complain.

This week I found a Jupiter-8 with perfect looking glass and got it for cheap as well. Unfortunately the helicoid lube is stiffer than I can live with so will have to put on some big boy pants and take it apart!

I had bad luck with the two Industars I bought but finally I got a pair of nice Jupiters 12 and 8. The Jupiter 8 is clean but it was very difficult to turn the the focus ring and resistance had the effect of making the lens wobble. I took it apart and re-lubed it. I like the result. Instructions are here:
http://www.pentax-manuals.com/repairs/j8service.pdf

Also for the Industar 61 L/D
http://www.pentax-manuals.com/repairs/i6ldservice.pdf

 

[LukeBanks]

I had bad luck with the two Industars I bought but finally I got a pair of nice Jupiters 12 and 8. The Jupiter 8 is clean but it was very difficult to turn the the focus ring and resistance had the effect of making the lens wobble. I took it apart and re-lubed it. I like the result. Instructions are here:
http://www.pentax-manuals.com/repairs/j8service.pdf

Also for the Industar 61 L/D
http://www.pentax-manuals.com/repairs/i6ldservice.pdf

Thanks mate. I gave the Jupiter 8 a good service using the Kim Coxon instructions a few days ago, I was surprised at how easy it was to be honest. Having done that I'll definitely give the Industar the same treatment eventually but if all comes back well with the J8 test shots then I can see myself enjoying that for a while first!