Jupiter 8 experiences

[spanish_inquisition]

Dear Voigtlander-ers

I am about to buy an R3A and a lens. I have an old Jupiter 8 (50mm f/2.0) and an old Industar 50mm (f/3.5) and a few Zorki-4. All my Zorki's died on me: shutter failed on one, the shutter speed dial got stuck on another, the film rewind mechanism is funny on the third. I also Have a Fed-4 and it has has issues of its own.

This is why I decided to get a R3A and not worry about my camera pooping out.

I want to get a lens, possibly the Nokton 40 f/1.4, but the counter-argument is that I have the Jupiter already. I never really used it at max aperture because the focusing was never accurate on those cameras (I used it at 5.6-8, but any lens is going to be good there). Do you think Nokton is the way to go?

Another quick one: how accurate is the framing with the 21mm Skopar and the external viewfinder on a Bessa R3A/M? I never used anything but 50mm on rangefinders.

Thanks a lot😛

 

[Uwe_Nds]

I am quite happy with the J-8 on my M6 - focussing appears to be reasonable accurate, so you should give it at least a try before you go for the Nokton.

Best regards,
Uwe

 

[payasam]

I agree that you should try out the J-8 before spending on another lens.

Hate to say this, but the R3A too will fail one day.

 

[tyrone.s]

I've used a J8 on my Bessa R and not had any problems - but I've not done any close focusing / f2 photography with it either. I must do some more close up wide open shots with it. But still a fine very lens.

 

[Murray Kelly]

You might consider trying for a J-3 (f1.5/50) which will be a cheaper buy than the Nocton tho, admittedly, an older design. I have 2 (LTM and Kiev) and they are most impressive.
Having said that - it's always a bit of a gamble with FSU lenses and maybe I got lucky. My J-12's (35mm) both are poor examples so I splashed out on a Snapshot Scopar and never regretted that!

Murray
Brisbane

 

[Disaster_Area]

Here's a close f2 sample of my Jupiter 8... I find it has a dreamy film noir type look.. and I love it. I dont shoot film for pixel peeping razor sharpness.. I shoot it for the look, and the J8 always LOOKS 🙂

 

[minoltist7]

I use J-8 regularly, and it focuses very precise. but it is not very sharp lens (especially wide open), if compared to modern CV stuff. But if you like "retro-look" of the photos, that's a good choice

 

[mh2000]

I shot a mixed roll with a J-8, I-22 and CV 50/2.5... wow! the 50/2.5 shots blew the other two out of the water! The J-8 isn't terrible, but for me the difference between a really soft f2 and a very sharp f2.5 goes in favor of the sharp f2.5 lens. I don't have any experience with the 40/1.4 since I shoot LTM, but I've seen impressive samples from it... and it is quite nicely priced IMO. I seriously doubt I will shoot my J-8 much ever again, but since the I-22 is decent enough at f8 and so tiny when collapsed it has a place in my first line gear.

... well what the heck... if not the 40, maybe even look at the Color-Skopar 50 if you find a deal on one... it has a nice mixed feel of a sharp, contrasty, low-flare lens and a very smooth pleasing old lens charm because of bokeh and rendering (probably because of all the aperture blades and that it isn't *too* sharp)...

 

[mh2000]

Disaster's nice shot shows what is pleasing about the J-8... good for subjects that don't need real sharpness... and go with the *look*, but I guess that even though I like the aesthetic of shooting cheap old gear... too many of my shots need to be "sharp enough" to be successful...

🙂

 

[spanish_inquisition]

Thanks to everyone for advice. I can't wait to get the R3A and the 40mm f/1.4. I will keep the Russkie lenses. I had enough of Russian workmanship and everything that could possibly fail on those cameras failed, so naturally I can't rely on them. Now I will have a little project: take apart those Zorki cameras and try to see if I can fix anything. Thank you all again.

 

[Murray Kelly]

IIRC Raid ran a comprehensive comparitive test of all the 1.5/1.4 lenses a month or so ago. Use the search tool to find it. You might be surprised how well the J-3 holds up!
🙂

Murray

 

[Sam N]

The R3a + 40/1.4 combination is killer. My J8 also works perfectly on the R3a, but the Nokton is much more of a pleasure to use unless you're the kind of person who hates focusing tabs.

 

[sweathog]

I never had any problems with the J8 on my Bessa R, even focusing at f2. I have a very nice black example (which is somewhat neglected at the moment), but I may just take it out for a spin again.

I also have a J3, which is a lovely lens. However, due to it needing correction, focus is slightly off, and this becomes more apparent at closer focusing and wider apertures. That being said, when it does get it right, it is so, so sweet, and it shows the potential of this lens.

So I really am saying that I second the suggestions for the J3 (if you have the patience to keep trying until you find a good example).

 

[Murray Kelly]

I was not able to swipe the thread and dump it here but if you follow the pointer below you'll find it.

Murray

Rangefinderforum.com > Rangefinder Forum > Optics and Lenses - How about starting a 50mm/1.5 lens test?

 

[Florian1234]

Here's a self-pic with my Jupiter-8 on APX100.