I got me an R !

[CCCPcamera]

I've been playing around with fsu rangefinders for a while but my lovely kiev 4 finally died and my loyal Nikon FE died soon after so I finally got a Bessa R (black) in never used condition for 350 cd$. eh? eh? pretty good eh. plus i got the funny little grip thrown in for free. I was wondering which fsu lenses work best on the R. I like the jupiter lenses. I've heard good things about the J3 and J8. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

[jan normandale]

J3; J8; Industar 61 are all affordable and good perfomers!. Do a search here, you will find more on these and other FSU lenses

 

[rbiemer]

The J-12 is problematic on the Bessa, other wise any well working Jupiter(3, 8, 9, or 11) should be fine. There has been lots of discussion about this in the FSU area.
I'd suggest you start here:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62357
Rob

 

[januaryman]

The surprise to me was the Industar 26 M, as good as my Industar 61 l/d! Cheaper. For a very good alternative, a Canon 50/1.8 has been knocking my socks off for the last few weeks. Any are good choices, as well as the Jupiter.

 

[Spyderman]

And don't forget that cameraquest is selling CV 35/2.5 at a great price! Combine it with I-61 or J-8 or even a Canon 50/1.8 and you're set for a while...

BTW: the bessa side grip is great thing...
O.T.:I just wonder why the chinese didn't copy it just like the Leica M grip.

 

[CCCPcamera]

It seems the J3 and J8 are the best from what I have read. Does anyone else think the J3's look like they have better finishes? It is a bit faster but why so much more expensive? eg: ~30$ for a J8 vs ~120$ for a J3. I have heard about potential problems with the J12, too bad, it's a neat lens.

 

[gb hill]

You stand a 50/50 chance on the J-3 on your Bessa R. Most have to be reshimmed. I finally got around to making a thinner shim and am testing it out now. The focus was off on mine. Read this thread before you decide. If you can get one that has been reshimmed by Brian Sweeny jump on it.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51731

 

[rogerchristian]

The R and a 35/1.7 is my favorite unit!

 

[mh2000]

stopped down, all the I-50, I-26M and 61 l/d are all good lenses, but not so great wide open IMO. The J-8 is charming, but not really sharp, contrasty or flare resistant.

If you are willing to spend the money, the little Color-Skopar 50/2.5 is a very nice lens... gives a nice balance between old world charm and modern performance (highly flare resistant and sharp enough without being harsh like a new Canon or Nikon lens).

 

[chris00nj]

Depends on where you get it from. If it's a reliable source where the guy has used it, then it may be okay. However, I wouldn't take a chance on eBay for a Jupiter from Russia.

You can get lightly used 35/2.5 skopar for $195. They are newer and sharper. I have one and like it. I also picked up a 50/1.5 Nokton for $260. There are some Canon 50/1.8 at keh.com for $119.