Jupiter 12 vs. Zeiss Biogon 35/2.8

[photobizzz]

I bought my J12 from David in Cali for $43 shipped, it is as new in case with rear cap. Mine is black and I have yet to shoot with it but I have to think that $250 for any J12 is high....

 

[photobizzz]

Oh yea, if you screw a filter or hood onto the J12 it is much easier to change the aperture....

 

[Nikon Bob]

Yes, Bob. The seller claims that it is a very early version. He also is selling J-12 lenses at $60.

I guess if you are a collector trying to find a Kiev mount one for the possibility that it has Zeiss glass/parts that is fine but for a user a newer black one would do nicely at $60. I have two later black ones, one in LTM and the other in Kiev mount and they are just fine.

Bob

 

[blazejs]

In Poland usual price for J12 is around 100 PLN what at current rate is about 30$. Plus shipment.

 

[khadgar_959]

So, is the consensus to get an old style chrome J-12 with a red mark? Is the KMZ the best producer of this lens? How would you describe a "perfect" J-12 to buy? I saw today one J-12 offered for $250 for being "old".

this depends on how much the seller got one
I bought my J-12 for only about $60 plus the KMZ 35mm viewfinder

 

[Kent]

The J12 is a really average lens with horrible handling (IMO of course).

I cannot second that.
OK, the handling is somewhat awkward, but the performance is great.
There might be something wrong with your copy.