gliderbee
Well-known
Well, the title says it: I have the 8 in black and the 3 in silver. Is there a difference I should care for ?
I'm asking because they don't focus properly on my R-D1s, and with film, there are so many influences happening after taking the picture that I'm not sure it is really possible to compare lenses that way.
Stefan.
I'm asking because they don't focus properly on my R-D1s, and with film, there are so many influences happening after taking the picture that I'm not sure it is really possible to compare lenses that way.
Stefan.
Mablo
Well-known
No real difference except that half stop. They are both Sonnar copies, more or less. In my view they both behave in a similar way, sharp and nice from ~ f/4 upwards but a bit fuzzy almost or fully open. The focus problem is well known and Brian Sweeney is the Jedi Master making it disappear using his force.
I should add that the common view is that the older the lens the better. Two first figures in serial number give away the year of production. Anything from the fifties is considered good.
I should add that the common view is that the older the lens the better. Two first figures in serial number give away the year of production. Anything from the fifties is considered good.
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Mr_Flibble
In Tabulas Argenteas Refero
My 1957 J-3 focus-"problem" on my R-D1 only becomes apparent at close focus distance and wide open. No problems otherwise, except that I still haven't been able to remove the rear lens elements for cleaning. 
Both lenses are made to the Contax standard, and usually need some adjustment to work well on a Leica standard camera.
The J-3 is a "high-end" lens, and offers more adjustments. If the lens will not drive the RF of the camera to infinity, the helical can be moved in the lens mount.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51032
The J-8 does not have that adjustment.
If the RF and distance scale of the camera agree, the optics module needs to be shimmed. Usually, they need to be moved out ).1~0.2mm or so.
This 1956 J-3 spends a lot of its time on my M8.
The J-3 is a "high-end" lens, and offers more adjustments. If the lens will not drive the RF of the camera to infinity, the helical can be moved in the lens mount.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51032
The J-8 does not have that adjustment.
If the RF and distance scale of the camera agree, the optics module needs to be shimmed. Usually, they need to be moved out ).1~0.2mm or so.
This 1956 J-3 spends a lot of its time on my M8.
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ampguy
Veteran
I have both of these as well
I have both of these as well
They're the same size, and mine are both '80s I think, with adjustments for proper focus on M's.
The difference I note is that while the J3 gives 2/3 extra stop, if you're out in bright light, I think the J8 has less barrel distortion, at least with my particular J3. YMMV
I have both of these as well
They're the same size, and mine are both '80s I think, with adjustments for proper focus on M's.
The difference I note is that while the J3 gives 2/3 extra stop, if you're out in bright light, I think the J8 has less barrel distortion, at least with my particular J3. YMMV
ampguy
Veteran
Oh, one other thing, my J3 doesn't block some UV light that most of my Leica, Hexanons and CVs do, so even if you're not using an M8, watch for that.
They focus shift like crazy, but not necessarily more than a CV lens.
They focus shift like crazy, but not necessarily more than a CV lens.