JWalker
Member
Anyone used Kiev J12 or Helios lenses on Contax iia?
Robert Lai
Well-known
You can't use the Jupiter 12 on the post war Contax IIa and IIIa, as the big bulging rear element hits something. You can use it on the pre-war Contax II and III, and all Kievs.
I have been thinking about this issue a bit. I recently obtained a Kiev 2a, and it's a lot of fun. Mine came with the Jupiter 3 50mm f/1.5. All of it was from fedka, and everything works great. So, I've been thinking about the Jupiter 9 85mm f/2, and the Jupiter 11 135mm f/4. These lenses are the pre-war Zeiss designs, just made in the then USSR.
I've had so much fun with the Kiev that I'm tempted to purchase a Zeiss IIIa. One option for wide angles is the Cosina Voigtlander SC line that is sold by cameraquest. Focal lengths offered are 21mm, 25mm, 28mm, 35mm. They are for the Nikon rangefinder, but with wide angles, the small focus discrepancy between the Contax and Nikon's version of the Contax mount shouldn't matter.
I have been thinking about this issue a bit. I recently obtained a Kiev 2a, and it's a lot of fun. Mine came with the Jupiter 3 50mm f/1.5. All of it was from fedka, and everything works great. So, I've been thinking about the Jupiter 9 85mm f/2, and the Jupiter 11 135mm f/4. These lenses are the pre-war Zeiss designs, just made in the then USSR.
I've had so much fun with the Kiev that I'm tempted to purchase a Zeiss IIIa. One option for wide angles is the Cosina Voigtlander SC line that is sold by cameraquest. Focal lengths offered are 21mm, 25mm, 28mm, 35mm. They are for the Nikon rangefinder, but with wide angles, the small focus discrepancy between the Contax and Nikon's version of the Contax mount shouldn't matter.
xayraa33
rangefinder user and fancier
The Helios 103 is a great lens that sells for peanuts and should work fine on your Contax IIa. For colour work I prefer it to the Jupiter 8M and even to the Zeiss Opton Sonnar.
Larry Cloetta
Veteran
I'm also one who preferred the Helios 103 to the Jupiter 8 on my IIa. I'm not quite convinced it is better overall than the Opton Sonnar, but I use them interchangeably, so maybe. Nice lens on the IIa.
Philip Whiteman
Well-known
I have found that you can get good working Contax IIs from UK dealers for as little as £100 and these work beautifully with all the Jupiter lenses, producing lovely results. Some people say the early Jupiters are better - the 1950s and 60s ones I have all fit Contax bodies better than my 1988 J12, but that lens and my 1980s Helios 103 nevertheless produce good, sharp images.
As Contax IIs are cheaper to buy that IIas, look better (to my eye, at least) and (some say) are easier to service on a DIY basis, I'd say look at a II rather than a IIa.
As Contax IIs are cheaper to buy that IIas, look better (to my eye, at least) and (some say) are easier to service on a DIY basis, I'd say look at a II rather than a IIa.
nukecoke
⚛Yashica
There are third party brands 35mm lenses like Komura and Tanar that can fit Contax IIa, if you find the Zeiss 35mm lenses a bit too expensive.
phrons
Established
I use a J12 on a Nikon S2
The J12 is a great lens and I don't really feel the need to buy the nikkor 35mm unless its just for collecting purposes
The J12 is a great lens and I don't really feel the need to buy the nikkor 35mm unless its just for collecting purposes
css9450
Veteran
I have both; the J12 stays on the S2 but my S3 is so pretty I use the Nikkor on it. Its mint! (the camera and the lens)