Help! J-12 or CV 35 f/2.5?

[Zathras]

Hi everybody,

I want to get a 35mm lens to use with my IIIf and my Nicca. I'm considering a Jupiter-12 or a CV 35mm f/2.5 Skopar, but I can not decide which one to go for. I know that this is a highly subjective choice, but I am having trouble making up my poor ruined mind. Any insights would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike Sullivan

 

[arbib]

The J12 is a nice lens, But the CV 35/2.5 should blow it away. I own a J12 (Did own until today. Traded Kiev 4a 3 lens kit for a CV 25/4) But I think the more moderen CV 35 will fit more camera's. (aka: Bessa R's can't mount an J12 ...the rear element goes too deep in the Bessa body)....So if you ever got a Bessa, the J12 won't work.

OTOH: It is a lot cheaper than the CV 35. and that could be a plus for you... see my RFF gallerys, one of them has a example or two with a J12 in Kiev 4a.

 

[pdx138]

Finally a lens comparison question that I can intelligently chime in on since I own both.

I vote for the CV 35 primarily based on ergonomics and quality control. They are both great lenses and the J-12 is a great affordable way to play with a classic design, but the CV is a really great modern lens at a reasonable price (at least when compared against non-russian lenses). I haven't done any technical comparisons, but the CV seems sharper with more pop than the shots I get with the J-12.

The J-12 on a Zorki-5 is what got me into rangefinders. But the CV was a great step up in terms of usability and consistent quality.

If you have other priorities, get the J-12 and spend the extra dough elsewhere. You can always pick up a CV later. If you don't have a desire to try or own more than one 35mm lens and you have the money, just pick up the CV.

My opinion, for what it's worth...

 

[Gerry M]

I have owned and used both and IMHO there is no contest. CV35 wins hands down. The CV is already set to LTM standard and the J12 would have to be recalibrated to LTM specs to operate the rf properly. Just my experience. Good luck, whatever you decide.

 

[peterc]

You can't go wrong with the CV35.

Peter

 

[wlewisiii]

I, too, have had both. The CV is optically more modern - IOW sharp enough to shave with. For many people that's enough reason to go with it. However, I find the J-12 to produce very pleasing images in an older style. In the end it's an interesting choice - if you can afford to, I'd say buy both for different types of shooting.

William

 

[OldNick]

I use a J-12 with my Leica IIIf RD and I use it just as it was received from Yuri at Fedka. It is the best buy by far, but may not be as sharp as the CV. Anyway, it works for me. Many of the airplane photos in my gallery were made with this combination. You can see the rig in my avatar.

Jim N.

 

[Solinar]

I have both. My vote goes to the Skopar based on ergonomics and build quality.

By the way, my J 12 hasn't been recalibrated and it focuses fine on my IIIf. The built-in lens hood is a nice feature.

 

[reagan]

My J.12 stays on my black Leica.III. (w/o problems) I've never even held a Skopar, though I'd really, really like to have one. I guess I'm just pleased enough with the Jupiter to make Skopar.money slide waaay down on the priority list.

From hanging out here, I'd venture to say that if not satisfied after trying out, you could quite easily find a taker for either lens right here amongst RFFers.

 

[oscroft]

I've got both and I like them both, but I voted for the CV because it is simply a better lens (better corrected, sharper, more contrasty, better quality control, more versatile in the cameras it will fit). It's really down to how much money you want to spend - if you don't want to spend the cost of the CV and can get a good J-12 for around $50 you'll still have something nice.

PS: I tend to use my CV 35 on my Bessa-R with fine grain colour transparency films, and the J-12 on FSU bodies with 400 ASA b&w.

 

[Justin Low]

I'm probably biased, having a 35 Skopar on sale, but I think the Skopar is a better bet. I once had a J12 on my Kiev, and while it wasn't the worst lens, I wasn't too impressed either.

 

[mike_j]

Skopar gets my vote. Cracking little lens and has a dinky little focussing lever which helps quick focussing. J12 is OK if that's all you want to spend but my guess is you'll replace it with the Skopar sooner or later.

 

[Zathras]

Thanks for all the answers. At this time, I'm leaning toward the J-12, because I really like the vintage look it gives. I like the results I've seen from both lenses, but I'm thinking that the J-12 fits in better with the lenses I already have. If price were not an issue, I'd go for a Summaron with the 39mm filter thread. I may go for the J-12 first, and get the CV lens in another month or so. For now though, I need to think about it a little more.

Mike

 

[iñaki]

I have both and IMO the VC is better and easy to use because of the ergonomics.

 

[Xmas]

The J12 ergos are indeed terrible, but it is cheaper by a big margin. It is probably better getting the CV 28mm or 24mm and a J12 and having two lenses, the J12 may be less $ than the add on hood for the CV...

You may need to black paint the J12 to stop it from flaring badly.

Noel