Help me pick my first lens ...

[jbannow]

So, hopefully you all can assist me in slogging through all the options. I need to get a 50mm lens, something on the cheap side. I've read over the forum and searched, and am now completely lost in my options.

Camera - Bessa R2A
Price range - ~$100
Lens - looking for something around 50mm, preferably non-collapsible
Size - smallish would be nice as the camera will live in my daily work bag
Minimum aperture - not a big deal, since I won't be shooting it wide open most likely
Color correction - I'll be shooting mostly B&W film, so no biggie there. It would be nice to be able to attach filters to the front.

I was considering the Jupiter 8, but don't want to worry about getting a dud or having to CLA the lens myself. Is there anyone offering these serviced and/or guaranteed, or can anyone recommend an alternate lens?

Thanks.

 

[Roberto V.]

For $100, I think your best bet would be getting a Jupiter-8 from Fedka. I don't think there's much in that price range since you have to get an adapter too. Maybe an Industar 61 (f/2.8)

 

[Spider67]

I made the experience that Jupiters and Industars have to be shimmed in order to be used on Leica Standard cameras. A Canon Serenar 50mm/1.8 would be agood lens they cost about 140$. Thereare currently some listed on keh.

 

[Tom A]

Check with Brian Sweeney here on Rff - he knows what to look for and if he can find one - he can also shim and adjust it to specs. Nice guy to deal with too.

 

[jbannow]

Thanks everyone for the advice.

 

[kpas]

J8 50/2, very sharp len and a fraction of price you would pay for leica or voigtlander

Use it until you are comfortable with the camera and then look for an 90/4 elmar cheap, with those two lens you will be able to do just about everything.

 

[Frank Petronio]

Hi Jeff - Yep just be patient until a "known" honest seller lists a good Russian 50mm.

If you get lucky you can find a nice 50/3.5 Elmar LTM for $175 or so, they can be nicer to focus and have a more vintage look.

 

[jbannow]

Looks like I've got a line on a black Jupiter 8, CLAed by Sweeney.

Should be perfect! And I'll keep my eyes peeled for an upgrade in the future - maybe even something wider.