Changing lenses during a roll

[Kingston]

Do you usually change lenses when shooting a roll with your FSU?

The reason I ask is because I would like to shoot with a Jupiter 12, I think 35mm would be better for me. However, as I will need to add and remove the turret viewfinder all the time because it won't fit in the case, I'm afraid I might just stick to the Jupiter 8. Hence I'd like to know if some of you still carry both (or other lenses) and change during a roll (and if there are no risks in doing so).

Cheers,

Kingston

 

[Dez]

No problem at all. Just try to keep direct sunlight from shining into the front of the camera. I would go to a shaded area or at least stand with my back to the sun.

Cheers,
Dez

 

[wolves3012]

Like Dez says, not a problem. Many of the FSUs aren't too well protected from stray light once the lens is off, so it pays to use a bit of shade. I often change lenses, mostly 35-50mm or vice-versa.

 

[02Pilot]

During the relatively short time that my FED-2 was my standard carry camera and I actually had more than one focal length available, then yes, I did change from time to time. I only got bit by stray light entering once when I wasn't careful. I've since transitioned to a Canon P as my carry, and I'm changing lenses just as often as I did with the FED.

Just be careful with the rear element of the Jupiter-12; the glass is quite exposed and easily bumped while changing lenses.

 

[Ron (Netherlands)]

35mm (Summaron) and 50mm (Jupiter 3 & 8). The FSU's don't work with my 90mm Elmar nor with my 135mm Canon - the rangefinder cam tends to get stuck into the rangefinder arm).

 

[Dez]

35mm (Summaron) and 50mm (Jupiter 3 & 8). The FSU's don't work with my 90mm Elmar nor with my 135mm Canon - the rangefinder cam tends to get stuck into the rangefinder arm).

Ron, thanks for raising this important point. FSU cameras which don't have roller focus cam followers, and I think that's pretty well all of them, should never be used with lenses that have a focus cam that does not go all the way around the circumference of the lens. The Leica, Nikon, and Canon 135's are typical of this, although I don't see any problem with my Elmar 90. You can get into horrible trouble when you find you have a non-removable lens, especially with bottom loaders like the FED and Zorki 1's.

Cheers,
Dez

 

[rfaspen]

I've never given it a second thought. I treat my FSU cameras just like my other Leica and Leica-like cameras. I'll change lenses when I feel the need to. Always, always in a shaded location. The shadier the better. I've always followed that protocol with every one of my cameras, even SLRs. OK, I suppose there is a limit to how shady the location can be -- I know my cameras well, but lens changes in total darkness would be a challenge.

The FSU gear: Zorki C, Zorki 6, Fed 3b, Fed 1 bodies, and Fed-50, I-22, J-12, and J-8 lenses. Every one works like a champ.

 

[Kingston]

Thanks for your feedback.
I'll try to get a Fed 2 + J8 + J12 + turret viewfinder, that would be nice, but still pretty expensive for FSU material. The turret viewfinders and J12 are each ending over £40 on ebay from what I saw recently, so I went for a Yashica (Electro 35 CC) in the meantime to see how I like to shoot 35mm compared to my Kiev 4. But I hope I will go back to the FSU RF world soon 😀

 

[Steve Bellayr]

I voted yes even though I do not have an FSU but I have used many types of film cameras and never found it a problem to change lenses, even in bright sunlight. Essentially if the shutter is light tight there should not be a problem.

 

[David Hughes]

Thanks for your feedback.
I'll try to get a Fed 2 + J8 + J12 + turret viewfinder, that would be nice, but still pretty expensive for FSU material. The turret viewfinders and J12 are each ending over £40 on ebay from what I saw recently, so I went for a Yashica (Electro 35 CC) in the meantime to see how I like to shoot 35mm compared to my Kiev 4. But I hope I will go back to the FSU RF world soon 😀

Hi,

These are all cheap for what they do and dirt cheap compared to what others will pay for almost identical lenses with different names on them.

Not only that but the FED 2 is the best of the bunch, the J-8 is the answer to a 1930's dream (Zeiss lens on Leica body) and the J-12 just adds to the pleasure.

I can't think of a better way, without spending a fortune, to get so much pleasure from a decent RF. But remember and allow for the fact that they will be pensioners (meaning 60-65 years old) and second-hand, and so may need a little TLC to give them a new lease of life. Luckily TLC for FED's is also cheap, if you go to one of the specialists.

The turret VF is an excellent copy of the best made at the time. Try using a Leitz VIDOM to see what I mean.

BTW, the J-8 is a lovely lens but needs a (Leica style) vented lens hood as it twists round as you focus. The Industar 26's don't twist and you can get a KMZ rectangular hood for it; many think they are sharper, too. Luckily our Chinese friends make nice vented hoods that fit the J-8. And the old Soviet made reloadable cassettes are good too, being based on the Zeiss versions.

Regards, David

 

[Penny Lane]

I'd have to check on mine, but didn't the old tabbed version (and probably the non-tabbed silver version) of the J-8 not turn while focusing? As far as I know it's in the same barrel as the I-26, and mechanically also the same as the I-61 & I-61L/D...

Derk

 

[wolves3012]

I'd have to check on mine, but didn't the old tabbed version (and probably the non-tabbed silver version) of the J-8 not turn while focusing? As far as I know it's in the same barrel as the I-26, and mechanically also the same as the I-61 & I-61L/D...

Derk

Correct, it's the later version (most, if not all of which are black) that have the simplified mount that rotates.

 

[pete hogan]

My Jupiter-8 (tagged in English) 2/50, s/n 6839XXX, does not rotate when focused. Silver, no tab.