Jupiter 8 Lens Differences

[farmersteve]

I just got a Zorki 4 from eBay and I noticed that on my Kiev the Jupiter is in cyrillic, while on my Zorki it's in the Roman (English?) letters. Is there a difference in build?

 

[kiev4a]

Don't think there is any difference in build (although there is a difference in the way white and black lenses focus) The ones with Latin writing were made for export.

 

[sockeyed]

The biggest difference in build for Jupiter lenses is that the earlier silver ones have fixed front elements while the later black ones have rotating front elements (which can make the use of square hoods difficult). I have both black and silver Jupiters, and I think that they're both great performers.

 

[kiev4a]

I've got a silver J8, and the front turns. Seial, 68xxxxx.

That's pretty unusual. Must have been sort of a transition model. I've never seen a silver lens with a front that turns. I believe the lens formula is the same, however. Just the focusing mechanics are different.

 

[Roman]

I've got a silver J8, and the front turns. Seial, 68xxxxx.

For Kiev-mount, right? They all turn...
The difference between turning and non-turning ones is only found wiht LTM mount versions - if you've got a silver LTM J8 with turning front, it definitely is rare!

Roman

 

[Roman]

Wow, this is the first time I ever heard they exist!

Roman

 

[DaveP]

I also have a silver j-8 that the front doesnt turn.The focus lever j-8's front doesnt turn either. Actually the non lever silver j-8( sn.6203895) appears to be the same lens barrell only with a non lever focus ring. You have to be very careful with these early lenses as the filter ring metal is very soft, almost bend it with a finger . I prefer the lever models as they focus easy and since the front doesnt turn, easy to use a polarizer with...........

 

[Laika]

Here is a thread looking at some of the J8 LTM lenses

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1043&highlight=jupiter+8

I posted a few pic's including one of my silver J8 (front turns)

 

[Roman]

Ah, this picture showas it - apparently, the latest, black version with turning front was also made in silver:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=981
- I missed this thread, had not seen that silver version before...

Roman