FSU glass on a Voigtlander/Bessa

[jan normandale]

I need some thoughts and options regarding purchase of a V-B to use with FSU glass. I am having to try and determine a way to use this glass with adapters if necessary in as versatile camera from the Voigtlander / Bessa line as possible.

Suggestions and experience would be appreciated. Currently I have a Fed and a Kiev, I want to use a more modern camera if possible. I'm prepared to do fiddly things like use an adapter if it will work and they are available. Thanks in advance to the RFF crew!

cheers, and Happy Solstice Season!

Jan

 

[FrankS]

No problem, Jan. You can use LTM FSU lenses directly on a Bessa R, or with a screw to M-mount adaptor on a Bessa R2/2a/3a body.

 

[lido]

Jan, I use Jupiter 8 on my Bessa R and love it. It is a 1980 black one I got from G-man here. The only issue is a close-up focus, it is a bit off, so as long as you take pictures of subjects 2m or farther away from the camera you are fine. Almost any FSU LTM lens can be mounted on Bessas, with no adapter on R and with LTM to M adapter on R2, R2A and R3A. The one exception I know of is Jupiter 12 (35mm) as it goes too deep into the camera and can damage the meter cell. I use CV Color Skopar Classic 35mm most of the time on my camera, and only use J8 if I can't get close enough.

Hope this helps.

 

[Kragmeister]

Prior to getting a Bessa-R I was using various FSU RFs. I got a deal from Stephen Gandy on the R with the compact f2.5 35mm since I knew that the Jupiter-12 would not work on the body and 35mm is my "normal" lens. Otherwise I'm using FSU LTM lenses.

Current favorites are:

FED 50mm f3.5 collapsible (see this thread for info on my experience)

KMZ Jupiter 8 50mm f2, 1961 production

KMZ Jupiter 9 85mm f2.8, 1966 production

FED Industar 61L/D 1989 production

All of them are spot on focus wise and provide a look that I like in my photos. FWIW I used them on a FED 4 and I think there is some issue with either the RF coupling or the mount because the results are better with those lenses on my Bessa-R.

I recently picked up a late FED 3 but the RF is off. I'm planning to adjust it, put strap lugs on the body and use it as a backup for the Bessa-R.

I learned to appreciate these types of lenses in Contax mount with a Kiev 4A so I got 'em in LTM to use on the Bessa-R. Now my Bessa is my standard camera and I even sold off a couple of FSUs that I don't use anymore. I think an R2 or R2A might be better but I'm really happy with the VF and all mechanical nature of the R.

Later,
Greg

 

[hjfischer]

I noticed a couple of responses (Frank S. and Kragmeister's) that mentioned the FSU Jupiter 9 lens. Does this lens work and focus well with the Bessa R/R2 rangefinder base in terms of its 85mm fl? I'm thinking of getting either a 75mm or 85mm lens for my R2 and the price for the Jupiter seems very reasonable. I have the 50mm Jupiter and it's a real bargain and fine lens.
And BTW, everyone have a great holiday season and keep focused in 2006!

 

[Kim Coxon]

Hi Jan,
I have used the I26, I61, J3, J8 and J9 on the Bessa R with no problems. In fact the 2 I61 on the way to you were set up and tested on the R! With the J9, use the outside of the 90 framelines instead of the inside and it works well.

Kim

 

[Kragmeister]

Hey Jan,

First shot with the UFOs in the background is with a Jupiter 9 wide open @ 1/15 sec.

Second shot of the foliage is with a Jupiter 8 wide open @ 1/1000 sec.

Both were test shots taken on a Bessa R with Kodak BWC400 film.

Later,
Greg

 

[Kragmeister]

Forgot to mention, with the J9 I use the 90mm frame lines in the Bessa-R viewfinder. Focus seems accurate enough.

Later,
Greg

 

[Doug]

Greg, on your first shot, of the lady with the earrings, was your viewfinder focus point the ear or the nose?

 

[jan normandale]

I'm really appreciating the responses you have provided. Thanks to all. I would like to hear additional responses on these lenses and mount set ups to make them work well with the V/B cameras.

Jan

 

[RML]

I noticed a couple of responses (Frank S. and Kragmeister's) that mentioned the FSU Jupiter 9 lens. Does this lens work and focus well with the Bessa R/R2 rangefinder base in terms of its 85mm fl? I'm thinking of getting either a 75mm or 85mm lens for my R2 and the price for the Jupiter seems very reasonable. I have the 50mm Jupiter and it's a real bargain and fine lens.

I used my Jupiter 9 85/2 on my bessa R with good results. I also used it my R-D1 with good results but the lack of 85/90mm framelines makes it difficult to use it properly. For the price of the J9 I can't think of a better lens. But test it before you buy! FSU lenses have a slight tendency to front or back focus. Not difficult to set right but still additional work and aggrevation that you probably can do without.

 

[RML]

Current favorites are:

FED 50mm f3.5 collapsible (see this thread for info on my experience)

KMZ Jupiter 8 50mm f2, 1961 production

KMZ Jupiter 9 85mm f2.8, 1966 production

FED Industar 61L/D 1989 production

All 4 are favourites of mine too. Especially the J8 and J9 saw and see quite some action. The collapsible is fun to use. The I-61 l/d is overshadowed by the J8 but still a more than decent lens.

BTW, is the J9 really 2.8? IIRC it's f2....

 

[Kragmeister]

Doug,

The focus point on that shot was the nose.

RML,

Typo, the J9 is indeed an F2 lens. Sorry

Later,
Greg

 

[jan normandale]

Greg and Remy, any FSU lenses that are incompatible or have issues when used with the CVB R2; R3? I have heard that one of the lenses could or does protrude into the shutter. Anything you can give me a heads up regarding this issue?

thanks, Jan

 

[Kragmeister]

Hello Jan,

Brian pretty much covered your question. I only have a Bessa-R and cannot comment on the R2/R3. The Jupiter-12 35mm f2.8 protrudes too far back and won't mount. Shame because I have one in Contax mount and love the look of the images it produces. This is why I got the Bessa-R with CV 35mm f2.5 deal from Cameraquest, it basically came with a free lens. 🙄 This is also why I'm keeping my trusty Kiev 4A and the J-12, it is a great combination.

As for the other lenses, I guess I've been lucky with my particular Jupiter 8 & 9, they seem to focus well at all ranges wide open. I really would like a faster 50mm but am wary of getting a J-3 because of the wide variation in quality of them and tuning lenses is not one of my favorite projects.

Another thing to be aware of with collapsible lenses is that they are not recommended for the Bessa because they can foul on the meter cell. As I mentioned earlier I referenced another thread about mounting a FED 50mm f3.5. AFAIK that is the only collapsible that can be properly mounted because the infinity lock is a flat spring instead of a plunger. Then you have to put some rubber O-rings on the barrel to prevent it from collapsing too far.

Later,
Greg