Making a good J-8

[Athos6]

I just got 2 J-8's from the auction site. One black, described as new, and another chrome one, which looks pretty good. I found Brian Sweeney's disassembly and cleaning pdf's online. What I'm wondering is, how hard will it be for me to make one good copy from these two? I'm hoping to put the best bits into the chrome body, i was thinking that maybe the newer one might have better elements but I liked the chrome body better.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Try both lenses and see how they are before tinkering! I've had some great results from mid-80s lenses. COuld not tell the difference from my Nikkor 5cm F2. I agree that the chrome ones usually are better. As far as the front turning, I also use Nikon RF's so i'm just used to it. Kim posted instructions on the J-8's, and hosts my instructions on the J-3.

 

[Athos6]

Try both lenses and see how they are before tinkering! I've had some great results from mid-80s lenses. COuld not tell the difference from my Nikkor 5cm F2. I agree that the chrome ones usually are better. As far as the front turning, I also use Nikon RF's so i'm just used to it. Kim posted instructions on the J-8's, and hosts my instructions on the J-3.

I found those instructions. I'll try both out before I tinker, but I must admit I do enjoy tinkiering 🙂 And at ~50 bucks a pop its not like I'm into it for much money. Maybe I could send you the bits if I mess them up 🙂. So check first, tinker later. I got these because I wanted to try a Sonnar design before I invested in anything more expensive, I'm assuming these should be representitive of what I should expect from the design in general?

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I've shot with the J-8 (many), Nikkor 5cm F2 (four), and the Zeiss Jena Sonnar 5cm F2 (three). They are all from the same "mold", and the signature of the lens shows it. A really good J-8 will match the Nikkor.

This thread has a LOT of 50mm F2 lenses compared, including the J-8, Nikkor, and Sonnar.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53811

 

[Athos6]

Figuring I have yet to match my other Nikkors myself the J-8's should be right up my alley 😛