Black or Chrome Jupiter 8?

[cambolt]

I might be about to purchase a Jupiter 8 50/2 from Fedka. I notice they have two varieties of this lens: chrome and black. Chrome is $6 more 😀. Are the optics any different in either the chrome or black? And what about handling? What's the difference apart from the colour? If I was to go with a black model, since these are apparently newer, is it more likely I will get a more reliable one? Also I noticed in another thread on here that the aperture ring on the black edition apparently rotates with the focus ring. Is that a problem in practice?
Thanks

 

[sevo]

They did not start making black lenses until the seventies, when their production quality had declined severely. YMMV, as they had some batches made to higher standards, but overall, FSU cameras and lenses got significantly worse over the course of time - late ones often being entirely non-functional or missing critical parts straight out of factory.

 

[rover]

I have had 3 black ones made in the late 70s or 80s and they have all been pretty darn good.

 

[uhoh7]

The late i-61s are not great but the black J8s are usually fine--mine is anyway.

 

[Austintatious]

I am very happy with my black J-8. I have read that the older chrome ones, with the focusing tab, can be an outstanding lens.

 

[rbiemer]

I might be about to purchase a Jupiter 8 50/2 from Fedka. I notice they have two varieties of this lens: chrome and black. Chrome is $6 more 😀. Are the optics any different in either the chrome or black? And what about handling? What's the difference apart from the colour? If I was to go with a black model, since these are apparently newer, is it more likely I will get a more reliable one? Also I noticed in another thread on here that the aperture ring on the black edition apparently rotates with the focus ring. Is that a problem in practice?
Thanks

I believe the optics are the same but I prefer the older "chrome" version for a few reasons:
>The black versions don't have the focus tab--I much prefer a lens that does because I find them easier to focus. And slightly faster when I can set the aproximate distance by feel before I raise the camera to my eye.
> the black lens has its markings printed/silk-screened onto it rather than engraved. They can wear off.
> the front of the black lens rotates when you focus which makes using a rectangular hood difficult. And the aperture markings move with the rotation-- I think there are dual sets of markings to make it a bit easier to see what aperture you've set but I prefer being able to look at the lens regardless of what distance and see the aperture setting.

According to some of the posts here from folks who have used the later lenses, I think that both are clearly capable of giving excellent results. If the price difference were a lot more I might well pick the black but for the small difference, my choice would be a "chrome" lens.

None of these thing may bother you and buying from Fedka will go a long way to help you get a good J-8. And if the first one you get from him is not so good, he's good about returns.

Good hunting!
Rob

 

[reagan]

I window shopped them plenty, but I don't have a black J.8 or J.12, so I can't speak from experience on them. I've got se-e-everal of the chrome J.8s that came with cameras. My hands down favorites are the '50s w/tab models. Once given a general wipe-off & lube, mine are smooth without being sloppy and clearly built pretty darn solid.

I'm not a real stickler for images being razor sharp with high detail. I tend to guesstimate focus most of the time. But when I actually take the time to put the RF to the eye and foooocus, I've got no complaints about the glass. Sharp enough for me.

I too was told by the guys I've paid to work on my Zorkis that as far as FSU-RF quality goes, "older is better" across the board, lenses & bodies. Nevertheless, if I wanted a black Jupiter (which I'm sure I eventually will) I'd pick a reputable dealer (like Fedka), shop a little and lay my money down ... 'cause I don't need *all* lenses to be great. I just need one.

"They did not start making black lenses until the seventies,..."

Anybody know the first year for black J.8s or J.12s?

 

[wolves3012]

> the black lens has its markings printed/silk-screened onto it rather than engraved. They can wear off.

Both of my 70s black J-8 have engraved markings other than the aperture scale, which is printed. The aperture scale could be worn off but the way it sits on the lens it's not easy to rub, so I doubt it'll be an issue. Unlike Zorki 4 speed dials!

FWIW, I believe the optics are essentially the same in all J-8s. The rotating front of the black one is a problem if (a) you use a square hood or (b) you use a polariser. Other than that, it's a bit of a non-issue IMO. Later, black ones, have the advantage of being newer and so the chances of scratches is lower - all other things being equal. The older "chrome" ones are more complex and probably better made.

 

[peter_n]

Back when I bought my J-8 the satin chromed aluminum lenses from late 50's/early 60's were thought to be the best, because that time was the height of Soviet power/influence and the citizens had very high morale. Optical quality was pretty good through the years but those years apparently consistently yielded quality built lenses.

My Jupiter-8 is coded K560 on p. 143 of Princelle's Authentic Guide to Russian and Soviet Cameras 2nd. ed., 2004. It has serial nr. 5956476, no focusing tab, and a red "P" ( П ) indicating that the lens is coated.

 

[fanshaw]

Anybody know the first year for black J.8s or J.12s?

Princelle gives 1976 for the start of the black J8 but this is not correct. I have several Zorki-4s made around 1970-71 with black lenses. One 1970 model has fully engraved markings. On the others all markings are engraved except for the aperture ring.

 

[cambolt]

Actually, I just found one brand new on ebay
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/JUPITER-..._Objektive&hash=item564520bff0#ht_2998wt_1139
What are these like compared to the other two?
Is it still just as likely that I will end up with a brand new dud, rather than a 50 year old dud?

 

[Bill58]

I'd never buy a Russian lens off the 'bay. There's too much of a risk of getting someone's lemon. Get one from Yuri and never regret it.

 

[rover]

New, in 1985.

New old stock, maybe.

 

[Pikapig]

i got a chrome one...i was lucky..focusing was accurate...but the lens has cleaning marks in the front element...got it for ard USD40

its an amazing lens...
Some pics

check it here for more pics
http://camerani.blogspot.com/2011/07/j8-lens-in-testing.html

 

[xayraa33]

I would go with any J-8 that is not a dud regardless if it is chrome or black.

 

[btaylor541]

I would go with any J-8 that is not a dud regardless if it is chrome or black.

That would be my thinking as well. Also, I would think purchasing from Fedka would be your safest bet. If you have a sense of adventure, a purchase or two from the 'bay may be what you would enjoy. I bought a bunch of this stuff from Russia and Ukraine. In terms of dollars, between the duds and the repairs I am probably a little behind what I would have spent with Yuri at Fedka, but it has also been a bit of fun. I figure a purchase on the 'bay will run 2 to 2.5x my purchase price by the time I get something I want to keep and use.

 

[xayraa33]

That would be my thinking as well. Also, I would think purchasing from Fedka would be your safest bet. If you have a sense of adventure, a purchase or two from the 'bay may be what you would enjoy. I bought a bunch of this stuff from Russia and Ukraine. In terms of dollars, between the duds and the repairs I am probably a little behind what I would have spent with Yuri at Fedka, but it has also been a bit of fun. I figure a purchase on the 'bay will run 2 to 2.5x my purchase price by the time I get something I want to keep and use.

I had dud J-8s in black or chrome and great J-8s in black or chrome so my experience is you never know until you try the lens out regardless of the finish, style or year of manufacture.

Fedka would be a good place to buy a J-8 lens if you can return it if it does not meet your expectations.

 

[Rimidal Rezole]

Black Jupiter-8 is convenient for focusing, as the focusing ring is located further from the camera case, but at focusing of this lens the forward lens rotates also. Therefore with such lens it is impossible to use square hood.
The lens chrome makes only advance and back, but the forward lens doesn't turn. Therefore a hood can be not round.
Quality of two lenses very good.

 

[FalseDigital]

I have a Black 1977 J8. Mine focuses correctly and is sharp. No complaints here :]

Here's a couple samples. Sorry if you guys have seen them before as I've posted them a couple times. I've been shooting with my J3 and CV 15mm now so nothing new from my J8.

Bessa-R / J8 / Fuji Reala