Buying a Jupiter 3: Where to Begin?

[raid]

As you know, there are different versions of the J-3. Brian Sweeney is an expert in figuring out the optical differences and in selecting the "right" J-3.

I am still learning.

For example, is this a good J-3? The lens #5501387 was made in 1955 at Russia at KMZ plant at Krasnogorsk town near the Moscow city.


Maybe we can have some useful pointers put together to assist us hunt down a good J-3.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Expert? HA! My secret weapon is a through-the-lens viewer for LTM lenses made for a 1950s repair shop. 39mm thread mount properly spaced to ground glass, high-mag finder, Black crinkle finish, and a Canon body cap. $15, Ebay, Sold!

I've had the best luch with the mid-50s through mid-60s lenses. The worst ever was from 1950. The 1980s lenses are much softer, but I suspect element spacing in the optical fixture is not as precise. One of the sharpest lenses that I did was a 1959 J-3 with a bad front element, that I replaced with a 1986 front element. The overall result was much sharper than the "before" shots.

 

[raid]

Expert? HA! My secret weapon is a through-the-lens viewer for LTM lenses made for a 1950s repair shop. 39mm thread mount properly spaced to ground glass, high-mag finder, Black crinkle finish, and a Canon body cap. $15, Ebay, Sold!

I've had the best luch with the mid-50s through mid-60s lenses. The worst ever was from 1950. The 1980s lenses are much softer, but I suspect element spacing in the optical fixture is not as precise. One of the sharpest lenses that I did was a 1959 J-3 with a bad front element, that I replaced with a 1986 front element. The overall result was much sharper than the "before" shots.

Yes, you are the Expert!
In general,is the [older] chrome version a better choice than the black model J-3?

Is a 1950 version OK if adjusted properly?

 

[wlewisiii]

Of course, you could take the easy way & get a Kiev & lens? <G,D & R>

William

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The chrome lenses are better than the black ones. I've tried about 5 black lenses with film.

The 1950 lens was made when they were still trying to get it right. Probably the move from German parts to some being made in Russia. It could not be shimmed to focus across the frame.

 

[xayraa33]

The KMZ one was reputed to be the best and first to be made, the very early ones had some Zeiss glass, but Brian ,IIRC, had some problems with one early sample he worked on and it was a little different mechanically.
the late 1950s/ early 60s Zomz J-3s seem the best for adjusting to a Leica standard.
Some of the latest black J-3s are dogs, and the rear lens group is cemented and cannot be adjusted like the old ones.
I find alot of the black J-3s to be soft at the large F openings.
I suspect that they were not as well put together optically as the older chrome J-3s.
This is my impression on the Jupiter 3 lens in LTM Raid.

 

[gb hill]

Raid, the only way to insure a good J3 is to talk Brian into selling you one of his. I have a silver one from 63 and it's off, I think I have it fixed but haven't tried it yet. BTW don't you have enough 50's. esp. that lovely Canon 50/1.4?

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I did sell him one! First one I ever worked on. I had to move the optics out over 1mm on that lens! After that, it was a great performer. I hope it went to someone here...

 

[xayraa33]

BTW don't you have enough 50's. esp. that lovely Canon 50/1.4?[/QUOTE]

One can never have enough 50's

 

[gb hill]

I did sell him one! First one I ever worked on. I had to move the optics out over 1mm on that lens! After that, it was a great performer. I hope it went to someone here...

LOL...I think thats why I hang on to all my stuff. I always regret getting rid of it later on.

 

[hans voralberg]

Expert? HA! My secret weapon is a through-the-lens viewer for LTM lenses made for a 1950s repair shop. 39mm thread mount properly spaced to ground glass, high-mag finder, Black crinkle finish, and a Canon body cap. $15, Ebay, Sold!

Just asking Brian, could you make another one ?

 

[tripod]

Raid sold a Brian Sweeney J3? That's crazy. Sorry to say so, Raid.

 

[raid]

I did sell him one! First one I ever worked on. I had to move the optics out over 1mm on that lens! After that, it was a great performer. I hope it went to someone here...

Brian,

I would never sell one of your lenses unless it is here for another fellow RFF member. [I feel "guilty"!]

 

[raid]

Raid sold a Brian Sweeney J3? That's crazy. Sorry to say so, Raid.

Yes, I know,and thanks for rubbing it in.

 

[raid]

BTW don't you have enough 50's. esp. that lovely Canon 50/1.4?

One can never have enough 50's[/QUOTE]


Yes, but the 50/1.4 is not a Sonnar design lens.
Also, I love to have a Brian Lens (also called a J-3 that is made special).

 

[xayraa33]

Why did you sell the first J-3 Raid?

 

[raid]

Raid, the only way to insure a good J3 is to talk Brian into selling you one of his. I have a silver one from 63 and it's off, I think I have it fixed but haven't tried it yet. BTW don't you have enough 50's. esp. that lovely Canon 50/1.4?

GB: I goofed here; the J-3 that Brian put together for me was very sharp and did very well optically wide open. We all make mistakes ....:bang:

 

[Pherdinand]

do u have a sonnar, Raid? i mean the 50/1.5
🙂
(oil on fire)

 

[raid]

do u have a sonnar, Raid? i mean the 50/1.5
🙂
(oil on fire)

No, I don't, and this is my little "problem" for LTM lenses.
I have a Summarit. Does it count?
I have a Zeiss Jena 5cm/2 Sonnar, and Brian sold me a Zeiss Sonnar 5cm/1.5 in Contax mount, and I have a Zeiss 5cm/2 in Contax mount.

 

[xayraa33]

A Summarit is not a Sonnar type.