FSU Lens on Bessa R2C

Eryximachos

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This is my first attempt at starting a thread. I searchd the forum but couldn't find the advice I'm looking for, so I'd like to get the thoughts of the FSU lens expert users here.

I just received a Jupiter-9 (f/2 85mm) lens for Contax mount off eee-Bayy for my Contax mount Bessa R2C. I have been anxious since I got the R2C to try out the 85mm frame lines. Here's how the seller described it: "Lens is in EXCELLENT working and cosmetic condition for such old item. Works properly. Focusing and stopping is smooth. Glass is clear. It's really very nice item!"

The lens mounted with a lot of difficulty and it still does not seem perfectly mounted. There's a little bit of lens barrell wobble.

The focusing ring on the lens barrell is very stiff. It couples with the rangefinder but it takes a lot of torque to align the RF patch. Forget using the focus wheel on the R2C body; my index finger can barely move it.

Q: Do you think I just mount it incorrectly? Or is there some design incompatibility between the Jupiter-9 and the R2C mount? Could the stiff focus be old lubricants or result from mis-mounting of the lens?

Q: I I get the lens CLA'd, is it a good idea to send the R2C body along with it so the lens focus can be collimated to the body? If I get a good working 85mm lens I wouldn't mind leaving it on this body permanently (I have other RFers)

Your comments appreciated . . . Jim Eryximachos
 
I have no experience with the Bessa R2C, but I do have a J9 for my Kievs (also Contax mount).

Eryximachos said:
The lens mounted with a lot of difficulty and it still does not seem perfectly mounted. There's a little bit of lens barrell wobble.
Did you have both the lens and the mount set to infinity? This is vitally important for mounting the lens. Mine does have a bit of wobble ... nothing to worry about.

Eryximachos said:
The focusing ring on the lens barrell is very stiff. It couples with the rangefinder but it takes a lot of torque to align the RF patch. Forget using the focus wheel on the R2C body; my index finger can barely move it.
The lens has quite a steep helical and can take a bit more effort than some other lenses to focus. Yours possibly needs the lubrication replaced. I don't know about the R2C, but, with the Kievs, it isn't advised to use the focusing wheel except with the 50mm.
From my version of the Kiev 4 manual: "Non-standard lenses are focused by turning their respective focusing barrels, NOT the focus wheel."

Hope this helps,
Peter
 
The R2C rangefinder's effective baselength is too short for the Jupiter 9 at f/2. Better to shoot at f/4 or smaller. Open up only for distant subjects.
 
Fedzilla_Bob said:
Hi Jim- One of the members here, Russ Pinchbeck, has a site wherein he described how to relube old FSU lenses. Including the J9.

http://www3.telus.net/public/rpnchbck/lens%20and%20optics.html

I was just trying to figure out if the R2C is still being sold and how well lenses like the J9 and the J12 worked with it.


Link for buying a R2C here

http://www.cameraquest.com/voigt_r2s_r2c.htm

(Edit) -- Discontined in 2005 to put M Mount cameras as main body's to sell.

I have a Kiev 4a and 3 lens, 35/2.8. 50/2, 85/2. and was also looking at this model. all my lens are FSU types.

The R2C Does not come up used on Ebay or Retail stores used stock. including KEH 🙁 that often
 
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FSU = Former Soviet Union
RFF = Real Friendly Folk 😀

Where did you see LTR? I would read it as left-to-right.

Philipp
 
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