Help the clueless...

[bcs89]

Hi all,
What do you guys think of the collapsible "Elmar" lens copies? I know this is a very "wet behind the ears" kind of question, but.....I am getting my first Fed - first FSU camera for that matter - a Fed 2, and I am torn between lens choices. I like them all! I have found info on most all of the lenses, but very little on the Industar-22. Does it compare favorably to the i61, i61L/D,i26, J8? I realize that this question could take pages and pages to answer but I am really just looking for a "down and dirty answer" (unless you would like to/have the time to expand, that would be great!). What do you think?

Thanks in advance,
Scott

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I have only had and used one of them; it was soft. The main problem with Russian optics is quality control. Out of 6 tested J-3's, One was as sharp as a Nikkor and one was like a coke bottle. The latter one was very early, the sharpest one looks like it was used for IR work. Most were quite good. Russian Roulette.

 

[FrankS]

My Fed lens, an Elmar copy, is quite good. I just got a real Elmar (1936) so I will soon be comparing them.

 

[bcs89]

elmar

elmar

Thanks Brian, and Frank (sorry I type Slooow 😉 )
That is definitely a concern - guess you just roll the dice, right? Another question if you don't mind... would you pay $35 for this? It must be a fake, right?

scott

 

[bcs89]

oops

oops

will try and post a larger image...

scott

 

[bcs89]

Just to be clear - I am not trying to sell this lens, but looking for advice if it is worth buying - the seller of course says the glass is clear and clean...

scott

 

[bcs89]

Please disregard the ? about the "elmar" image - got excited over nothing - but I'm still very interested in any views on the industar 22 or 50 lenses.

Signed -
(still on the incline of the learning curve) scott

 

[Stephanie Brim]

The lenses are very cheap. Grab some and test them out. It's really the only way you're going to know what works for you. Or see if there are people here who have the lenses who are willing to lend them to you.

I'm about to have my own experience with Russian lenses and I'm thinking it's going to be a good one. I have the Industar-61 on the Fed-5 and the Jupiter-8 on the Canon P. I'm eagerly awaiting two others as well: a Jupiter-12 and a Jupiter-9.