Jupiter-3 50/1.5 vs. Yashinon 45/1.4

[Diomedes]

Like everybody else, I’m dreaming constantly about ultra-fast lenses on my cameras. The fastest lenses I own are my faithful Yashinon 45/1.7 (on RFs) and Helios-40 85/1.5 (on SLRs).

Now, I have an opportunity to buy a nice J-3 with Kiev mount and Yashica Lynx 14E with fast Yashinon 45/1.4.

I know that I’m trying to compare pears and apples, but what lens will fulfil better my need for an extra f-stop? Which is better wide-open by means of sharpness, flare resistance, bokeh... ?

Also, what camera body, the Lynx 14E or my Kiev-4m (surprisingly very accurate, smooth and well built for the late Kiev model) is more suitable for focusing with such a fast lens?

Regards,
Vjeko

 

[hks3sgte]

I would say Kiev because of its wide base.

 

[brachal]

I'll start out by saying that I don't know anything about the Lynx. Jupiters vary quite a bit from sample to sample, but the Kiev versions are supposed to be pretty reliable. Most J-3s are a little soft wide open, but the bokeh is world class ... really nice sonar bokeh. The design is old, and the glass is close to the front of the lens, so they aren't flare resistant. I would advise using a hood. The Kiev is very good for focusing fast lenses. Very few cameras, if any, have such a wide base rangefinder.