Cheap 35mm/50mm lens

M

mothra

Guest
I'm looking for an inexpensive 35mm lens for my Bessa R2. (Or maybe a 50, but I think 35) I don't want to spend $300+ right now ... I'm saving for a negative scanner...

Does anyone have any suggestions?
 
Look for Russian lenses. Jupiter 8 is your type, a relatively fast one (50/2), that can be purchased for less than $100 (on average). Prices range from $30 to $100, depending on shape. Just be aware that some sellers are not reliable. In this forum you may find recommendations about some people selling these lenses on eBay or on their own, so go by them. Let's see if among later posts some recommendations spring in.

Good luck and welcome to the forum!
 
Welcome mothra ! Unfortunately the Russian choice for 35mm is not a real option here, as the Jupiter-12 (35mm f2.8) has a really huge rear element that would block the internal meter and may even damage the shutter blinds on your Bessa.

Another options are Canon (Serenar) and Nikkor LTM lenses. Their slower 35mm lenses (f3.5) may be found in your price range. These lenses can be found more or less easily in some well known online stores (KEH, B&W, Ritzcam, etc) or also on the classifieds section of some other forums (photo.net, for example).

On Russian glass, I've just ordered a 35mm Jupiter-12 for my Kievs from Oleg Khalyavin, on www.okvintagecamera.com. It's my first purchase from there but you'll read a lot of good comments about him and his products and services, so it may be a good place to begin your search.

eBay is eBay, you know, you can get the deal of your life there, and also you worst one... alex-photo has good reputation, I've also had luck with holms and dzerjinski.

Good luck !

Oscar
 
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The J-8 is a different lens. The quality is good, if you find a good one, but the aperture ring operates in reverse, there are no click stops, and it does take some getting used to. Image quality is decent though. The Canon 50s, 1.8ish probably can be found for less than $200 after some shopping. The best choice for a 35mm may be the easiest, but close to the $300 mark. The CV 35/2.5 Classic runs around $230. Add an LTM to M adaptor and you are @$270. The reviews of this lens have been very good.
 
The Jupiter-8M is a bit handier than the J-8, as it has click-stops... and (at least for the Kiev version) the aperture numbers are engraved "top and bottom" of the ring so that as the lens barrel rotates during focusing, you have a better chance of seeing the aperture numbers!
 
rover said:
The best choice for a 35mm may be the easiest, but close to the $300 mark. The CV 35/2.5 Classic runs around $230. Add an LTM to M adaptor and you are @$270. The reviews of this lens have been very good.
Click to expand...

Yep, that's pretty much what I've been discovering. I already have the adaptor though, for my 21mm, so at least I don't have to buy that...

Incidentally, does anyone know of a lists of which lenses have rear elements that are big enough to cause damage to my camera? I keep reading about this, but can't find any real information about it.

Thanks again.
 
Check through the pages at cameraquest.com. I believe somewhere in that great mass of information Steve Gandy has listed the lenses to watchout for.
 
The Jupiter 8 50mm f2 and the Industar 61 LD 55mm f2.8 lens are normally excellent choices. the latter is incredibly sharp and has click stops. It is worth buying a FED camera plus the 61LD just to get the less, if lens is clean.
Cheers,
Bob
 
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