Jupiter 12 for my IIIf?

[traveler_101]

Any advice or recommendations about this lens? I already have a CV 35/2.5 which I very much like, especially ergonomically. It is a great lens for street photography--almost instant focusing, I've found. I am looking, however, for something with a little less contrast, but still coated.

I've done a bit of looking around and it seems that the more recent black enamel model of the J-12 made by Lyzos in the 70s and 80s is better: more contrast and better flare resistance than earlier iterations of this lens.

 

[ruby.monkey]

Can you borrow one to try? I have a black-paint example, which renders nicely but is prone to flare. You should be aware that setting the aperture is a bit of a bugger, especially in poor light and/or cold weather, and that you'll likely have your fingertips in the shot for the first roll or two.

 

[traveler_101]

Can you borrow one to try? I have a black-paint example, which renders nicely but is prone to flare. You should be aware that setting the aperture is a bit of a bugger, especially in poor light and/or cold weather, and that you'll likely have your fingertips in the shot for the first roll or two.

Thanks. No chance to borrow. Can setting the aperture be worse than on the 50/3.5 Elmar? I have a CV Heliar 15/4.5 and know about getting fingers in the shot! These issues seem tolerable: however, flaring bothers me since I have a tendency to forget to bring hoods, maybe because I generally dislike them. Does it flare even on overcast days?

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I have it before CS 35 2.5. White, old one. Didn't noticed flare problems.
It was hard to get it inside of FED-2 and L, R. Rear element is huge.

 

[wolves3012]

The J-12 should work just fine on a IIIf, although - as has been pointed out - the rear element protrudes well inside the body and needs to be mounted with some care. The focus scale moves about 120 degrees end-to-end.

I have a black LTM example and a silver Kiev-fit and have not noticed flare issues but I've seen others complain about it. The aperture control isn't the most convenient but it's certainly not quite as fiddly as an Elmar 50/3.5. If you keep a (40.5) filter on the front it makes it a bit easier still, there's something to grip.

 

[NeeZee]

I used both lenses on my IIIf. The J-12 is an ok lens, it was a good deal when they went for around 30$. Nowhere near the Skopar in resolution or sharpness. Kinda soft below f5.6. I didn't mind the aperture ring too much but I really dislike lenses without focusing tab on the IIIf, so it wasn't for me. Results were nice when stopped down, though, especially with bw film (i agree that the Skopar can be a bit too contrasty there sometimes). By the way, there seem to be a lot of misaligned J-12's circulating on ebay, on camera shows and elsewhere. My third one was the first decent one, so I wouldn't buy one without being able to test and return.

 

[Zorkiiglaza]

I have been using the J-12 for years black- silver and LTM and Kiev mount. A great lens for its time. Aperture can be controlled with a filter or by setting it to f 8-11 and then adjusting the shutter speed if you think the aperture ring is a hassle. Of course how can it compare to modern Skopar lenses.

 

[rumbliegeos]

The Jupiter 12 was the first 35mm lens I owned for my IIIf. Great resolution, had minor flare issues (the lens was a 70s black version). I traded it for the 35mm 2.5 Skopar: liked the resolution, really did not like the contrast. So, I traded that for a 35mm 3.5 Summaron. The Summaron is great. I did not find the aperture control on the Jupiter a hassle, but you do have to be careful of that rear element when mounting it on the camera.

 

[traveler_101]

Thanks for your replies. I should have mentioned that I shoot b&w.

I believe in having a number of lenses with different characteristics depending on the type of shooting and subject matter. I would never trade the CV Skopar 2.5 classic because it focuses rapidly, excellent for shooting people on the street.

The Jupiter 12 sounds good to me. However, no chance that I can keep returning lenses since I will have it sent to my American address and will be there for one week only. And to get a pre-tested Jupiter from Yuri in New York is $125 to $155. That may not be worth it. Maybe I should get a Summaron then.

 

[fuji645]

Go for the Summaron, nice, compact, easy focusing.

 

[johank]

They differ a lot, but good ones are sharp and mine, have two good. One M39 and one Contax/Kiev. I have never had flare from mine, but I have heard about it. Never seen it, there.

 

[rfaspen]

Like my J-12, Love my CV 35/2.5

Not much flare for me and my J-12. Low-ish contrast and OK sharpness. I like my J-12 enough that I keep it and use it now and then. I like it on a barnack and part of the reason is the lack of a focus tab.

If you're in a position to get a Summaron instead of a J-12, the choice is easy: get the Summaron. You would not be disappointed with that choice.

 

[traveler_101]

Can anyone suggest a seller that handles FSU lenses? I am considering a Summaron, but it is pricey.

 

[Rotarysmp]

I have a Jupiter 12. It motivated me to get a CV 35 1.4.

Setting the aperture is annoying, but the 1m closest focus really didn't work for me. Nothing special in color, sharpness or rendition. The CV 35 is way better in handling and has more character.

 

[Scrambler]

I use a j12 on IIIc. I don't like what it does with colour but b&w is good. The rear element isn't scary but there's no 'slamming' the lens on. But is there ever with LTM? Mind you I got used to this lens on a Bessa R where there is almost zero clearance to the shutter so by the time I bought the IIIc I was over my fear!

There's no free lunch so either take your chance on a cheapie or buy from someone who will back their sale but of course you pay more.

The built in hood deals well with light from anywhere not in frame. I can't say I've seen flare in use but I'm sure it can be provoked. Chipped paint around the rear element is said to increase the flare & reduce contrast.

As has been said, filter thread is on the aperture control so fitting a filter or hood gives you something to hold easily to change aperture. Or something to bump. Either way you still have to point the camera at your face to see the aperture markings though if you had something permanently on the front you could paint your own markings on it.

As a pre-WW2 design the J12 is a survivor. It gives a slightly retro feel while still having decent flare control, centre resolution and contrast. I've never tried any other 35mm and for me it's not necessary to.

 

[Livesteamer]

A good seller in New York is Fedka dot com. Another is Oleg of OK cameras, I think he is in Moscow. I have not bought from eithor but they have a good reputation here. Good Luck, Joe

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Can anyone suggest a seller that handles FSU lenses? I am considering a Summaron, but it is pricey.

Go for Summaron, it is worth every penny. It has unique rendering.
$135 for J-12 is insane.
My copy was sharp wide open, but it lucks the character in pictures.

 

[02Pilot]

I like my J-12; I wanted to love it, but I can't go that far. The rendering is fine, nice sharpness, but aside from the ergonomic challenges, my example has a tendency toward a sort of internal reflection. It's not flare in the traditional sense, but with the light about 45-60deg off-axis it can create a slightly annoying light spot in B&W, but when it happens with color it's an ugly purple highlight. I don't care for having to think about this all the time.

While I have kept the J-12 in the hope that it might teach me a bit more discipline regarding shooting into the light, I bought a Serenar (Canon) 35/2.8 for my everyday 35mm needs.

 

[gb hill]

I like my J-12, just never felt secure about mounting it on my Bessa R. I do have a couple of FSU camera's but I seldom use them.

 

[summar]

I used a Jupiter 12 on my IIIf for years, no problems if mounted carefully. You do have to watch out for flare and there's noticeable barrel distortion on straight-line subjects when shooting close in. Setting the aperture on the J 12 is exactly like setting the aperture on an Elmar 50/3.5. You have to get used to it.
The aperture indication lines on the Jupiter are optimistic. It's really a 35/4 rather than a 35/2.8, so open up a stop from what your meter tells you.
On the whole I liked the lens, but $135 is too much. Fedka, a reputable dealer in New York, has two or three for about $100.
I used the Jupiter until I was given a Summaron 35/3.5 (lucky me). It's a wonderful lens that would suit traveler 101's needs perfectly. I was shocked to see the asking price for these lenses on the auction site now averages about $400, but I guess that's the way it is with anything made by Leitz.