Newer vs. Older J-8, same character?

Warren T.

Warren T.

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Feb 17, 2005
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Hi Folks, I'm thinking about finding a cleaner, newer, and hopefully more durable feeling J-8 than my current one. The one I have is, I estimate, from about 1962 or so, and while its glass is very clean, the aperture ring is extremely loose and it just generally feels "tired" mechanically speaking.

I was wondering if newer LTM J-8's also share the same characteristic "look" as the older ones?

Would anyone who owned or has owned older and newer J-8's have an opinion about this?

Thanks,

Warren
 
I have a very nice 80's-vintage J-8 in LTM, and I would say that it's "look" is pretty much the same as what I've seen in images from my 50's and 60's J-8s (these are Kiev mount, though) and compares pretty well with images from my early 60's J-3. It may be my best FSU lens, now that I think about it. You should be aware that the entire lens barrel rotates when you focus these late-model 8's.
 
My advice would be to find an early J8 in GOOD condition, according to many posts here,-these seem the better lens. I have only had my 1958 alluminum example, which is exellent, so can't really confirm this, but probably others will. A lot of junk lenses are now coming from the Ukraine and FSU via Ebay these days, so I would have a word with Yuri @ Fedka.....much more reliable!
Cheers, Dave.
 
I have an old J-8 in a Zorki-6 and a new (1980 vintage) in a Zorki-4. Both perform very well. The newest one is mechanically perfect as well; good enough for a third place in 2008 FSU contest .
 
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i have 50s, 60s and 80s version - and i think that they were changing optical design as time passed. i had one post with comparing those lenses - and i think vignetting is lower on 80s lens. also it is maybe sharper a bit but i have to check that also...
 
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