J-12 Which is best

[Bob L]

I'm told that the J-12 lens was made by Kmz, Arsenal and Lylkarino, all of the lens that I have been able to see for sale on e-bay were made by Lylkarino includeing mine.
J-8, H-103, N61, J-11 etc were made by Fed, Kmz or Arsenal , my question is if Lylkarino quality is as good as the others.

 

[xayraa33]

the J - 12 was made by KMZ until 1960 and by LZOS in Lytkarino thereafter , in LTM and the Contax/Kiev mount. I use examples that have been made by both factories and there is little difference in quality. the KMZ ones have been around longer, so they seen more years of use and maybe more repairs( good or bad) have been done on them.

 

[darkkavenger]

Hello Bob, rapidly about lenses production sites :

Earlier J-8 (and ZK - Krasnogorskii Sonnar) were produced at KMZ, then switched to Arsenal
J-11 were produced at KOMZ
J-12 were produced at KMZ then switched to Lytkarino
J-3 were produced at MMZ, later changed to ZOMZ
J-9 were produced at KMZ then switched as well to Lytkarino (late black version). I've got the early blue-coated version from 1960. It's possible however that Kiev-mount production continued at KMZ while the LTM39 version was switched at Lytkarino.

It's possible that these lenses, in their earlier versions, were produced at KMZ. The KMZ version of the J-12 is said to be excellent, I own two J-12 in Kiev mount made at Lytkarino, one from 1966 chrome, the other one from 1975 black, and both are excellent performers. In general, the lenses tend to bear a purple coating, while earlier ones can be spotted with a blue coating.

Some information above is from what I've gathered regarding to my current and previously owned Kiev-mount lenses. Additionally to this post, it would be great if we can make an accurate database by crossing all the informations with the various soviet lenses in kiev and ltm mount. I'm open into working on this project. Feel free to "feed" me with such informations. I can be contacted at "max" "@" "kamshin" "." "com"

I suggest the following info to be sent :

rff username
lens model
lens mount
serial number (you can hide the last 2 numbers if you want)
symbol on the lens
coating color


regards and thank you for the cooperation,
max

 

[wlewisiii]

The only significant difference between J-12s seems to be the slightly larger rear element that was made until ~1957. It is this larger model that will not fit properly on many cameras (Canon P or 7 for example) with light baffles. However, the ones made later appear to be just slightly smaller and are thus able to fit just fine.

Other than that, I am not aware of any differences other than the color of the finish.

William

 

[micromoogman]

Hello Bob, rapidly about lenses production sites :

J-12 were produced at KMZ then switched to Lytkarino



regards and thank you for the cooperation,
max

The J12 were also made at Arsenal...in the late fifties and early sixties. A weird thing that I have noticed is that there were chrome series made later at Lytkarino using 7-digit serial numbers, like 61xxxxx, in "chrome". Supposedly made in 1961. But at this time they were made at Arsenal and had six-digit series, that looks like the early Biogon type of rear element. What gives? 😕

 

[darkkavenger]

could you "feed" us with photos ? 😀 I'd be curious to record this one in the new "FSU lenses database" i'm building up 🙂 Thank you!

max

 

[micromoogman]

Ok, here's the example of what I think is a later batch from Lytkarino in Chrome, 7-digit serial# and the "new" style of rear element. Compare to the "genuine" Arsenal in old formula. Also a KMZ lens fitted on a Contax. Fresh pics from Fedka and Ebay 🙂

 

[micromoogman]

here's the KMZ...

 

[darkkavenger]

wow this KMZ lens is beautiful!!! The rear element looks like the pre-war biogon (so it seems). Interesting specimen! I'm going to record it in the database. Thank you! 😀

max

 

[darkkavenger]

If you ever come across such a beautiful lens, don't forget to send me a mail to feed my database 🙂