Budget lens for R3A?

M

mikechambers

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I have been saving up for a bessa R3A and finally saved enough to buy one. Of course, I don't have much money left for a lens.

I am currently saving up for a Nokton 50mm 1.5, however that will take some time. In the meantime I would really like to start playing with my R3A.

So can anyone recommend a decent budget lens for my R3A? Ive been looking at the Russian Jupiter 8, but wanted to see if anyone had any other suggestions. I prefer 50mm but am open to going a little wider.

Also I am leaving for a trip to Japan and Seoul in about 10 days, so bonus points if I can get the lens and any adapters in time for my trip.

Thanks for any input...

Mike
 
^^^^ +1000

It's the best budget 50 out there. If you can't afford the Canon, then the Jupiter 8 is the next best bet. After that, you get out of the real budget range.

Edit: your short time constraints - I can't help find a Canon fast but www.fedka.com/catalog is best for FSU. If you want to get a Jupiter 8 that you know will be good, that's the place to go.
 
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50 mm Jupiters are nice portrait lenses, but they may need some adjustments (shimming) to make them focus properly (read more around here for details). I had Jupiter 3 50/1.5 for some time and did some portraits and close focus (shallow DOF) photos with it, but would probably choose a different lens for general photography. I like more contrast and sharpness.
 
Depends what your budget is, the R3A was practically made for the 40mm Nokton, but that might be a bit pricey right now. Otherwise, you've got the various Color Skopars, they can be reasonable on eBay etc.
 
You guys buy one camera per lens...?
/Semiserious
//I'd get a few FSU lenses like the J8, J9 and possibly J12 and then go for a proper one with the focal length I feel best about
 
Industar 61-LD

Industar 61-LD

I'll forever be an Industar 61 LD apologist. It was my first RF lens , and one that produced consistently outstanding results, especially with color. Might have too strong contrast for some, but I like it a lot.
 
Thanks for all of the input. I ended up selling a couple of extra items on eBay and ended up having enough for the nokton 40mm 1.4.

I think I'll also pluck up the Jupiter 8 as a cheap 50mm until I can afford the nokton 1.5.

Thanks again...

Mike
 
1+ for the J8. If you manage to get one in good condition, no regrets from my side. Mine are working fine without shimming.
 
cheapest but tack sharp: go for the Industar 61 (L or L/D). Although the Jupiter 8 has a stop more, I like the Industar more because it has nice f-clickstops and has better handling.
 
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