Good place to start: FSU 35 & 50?

[JoshRoot]

So I think I've got my RD1 lens kit set up the way I want. Which is good, because I can't afford any more "current" lenses.

But I think it would be cool to find a couple of cheap FSU lenses, just as something fun to do.

What are a couple of good 35mm & 50mm lenses to start with? Any good ebay sellers or other places to buy? I'm hoping to not have to do much in the way of "adjusting" if I can avoid it. Which may not be possible with the FSU lenses I realize.

 

[wlewisiii]

Well, there is only one FSU 35mm lens - fortunately it's one of, if not the, best lens they ever made. The Jupiter 12 is a 35/2.8 that I find to be excellent. With the crop factor, I'm not so sure how they'll work, but I really like mine on my Canon RF's.

Now as for 50's... then it get's interesting. What lenses that you have used do you prefer? A Jupiter 8 or an Industar-61 L/D are both very good lenses but they have a very different look to each other. I don't know what kind of clearance the RD-1 body has so I can't speak to being able to use collapsibles, but if it can, the Industar 22 50/3.5 Elmar clone is a very fun lens to use as well.

As for sellers, I always go to Fedka - http://www.fedka.com/catalog/ He is more expensive but I have always found the quality of his products and his exemplary customer service more than makes up for what little I'd save playing Ebay roullette.

Hope this helps,

William

 

[JoshRoot]

I'd say that I'm looking for a fairly sharp 50, as opposed to a "glow" lens. But then again, since it becomes a 75, I would likely use it for portrait style shots.

The 35 becomes a 50ish on the RD1. 50 is a length that I don't use much, but I want to give it a bit more of a try. So an inexpensive FSU might be a good option.

As for collapsable, I have a 50/2 Summitar that fits into the body. Though the lens is a bit off due to an accident a few years ago. So it doesn't really get much use.

 

[captainslack]

I'd be wary of mounting a Jupiter 12 on an RD-1. The J-12 has a large rear element and won't mount properly on many non-FSU cameras. Doing so might damage something inside the camera and I'm sure you don't want that!

 

[wlewisiii]

He has a valid point, however some of the issues only apply to early versions of the lens. I'd search and see if anyone has practical experiance trying the lens with the RD-1.

Sharp. Hmm. Either the Jupiter-8 or the Industar-61 L/D are your best bets. The I-61 is excruciatingly sharp in most circumstances and cheaper 🙂 ; in your situation I'd try it first.

Hope this helps,

William