Dez
Bodger Extraordinaire
I have been looking at tele lenses for my nice new (to me) S2 and I was appalled to see how much they cost, much more than the equivalent Leica lens. I have heard all about the discrepancy between Contax and Nikon mounts, and that one can probably get away with a Contax mount wide angle lens, but not for the longer ones. There were all sorts of cautions, but never anything very quantitative. So I have been doing some experiments with an old Ukranian (Russian?) Jupiter 11 135 lens to see what is involved in making it fit. There are a few things to do, but they aren't too difficult.
First, undo the three little screws that hold the ring at the very back of the lens. This will need to be ground down slightly, or it will probably scratch the front of your precious Nikon. I put a piece of #320 emery paper on a flat surface and rubbed the back surface around in circles to plane it down a bit. If you sand it down carefully until brass shows all around the raised area, which is about 2/3 of the circumference, you should be fine. Clean the ring off carefully before you put it back on.
The next step is optional- I decided to go for it because the blackened brass focusing coupler on my lens is tight in the Nikon focusing mount, which must be a tiny bit smaller than that of a Contax or Kiev. I took the lens apart, following the excellent instructions to be had on the Kiev Survival site, at http://www3.telus.net/public/rpnchbck/Jupiter-11 dismantle.html
I put the focusing coupler in a lathe and ever so carefully filed a couple thou off the slightly raised ring just back of the coupling tabs. Take just enough off to keep it from jamming in your Nikon. The alternative is to push a little harder than you are comfortable with when mounting the lens.
Next, Exakta comes to the rescue; to be more precise, an Exakta reflex focusing hood. These are the greatest tools ever for determining accurate focus. Mount the lens, open it up all the way, set the camera on T, and remove the back. The Exakta focusing hood, complete with magnifier, when pushed right up against the film rails makes a superb critical focus device. I used it to verify that the lens was focusing accurately at infinity. There is a lot of variation in these lenses, as quality control was evidently considered an evil tool of the imperialist West, but in this case I got lucky, and the focus was bang on at infinity. If it isn't, you need to fiddle with the shims under the screw-in optical unit. I tried the same thing with a Kiev 9 85mm lens and gave up at this point, as I couldn't figure out where to get a thinner shim that I needed.:bang:
Using the same rig, I made measurements at different focusing distances comparing the rangefinder setting to the actual focus at the focal plane. I found for my lens that at a 3m focusing distance, you need to rack out the lens so that the indicated distance is put against the f8 depth-of-field line. For a distance of 1.6m, to the f16 line. I would not be at all surprised to find that other examples of this lens would need slightly different corrections.
So there you are. It's a bit inconvenient, and I suspect the lens quality isn't quite in the same league as the Nikkor 135, but it's cheap, and I guess the same thing could be said of me!
Cheers,
Dez
First, undo the three little screws that hold the ring at the very back of the lens. This will need to be ground down slightly, or it will probably scratch the front of your precious Nikon. I put a piece of #320 emery paper on a flat surface and rubbed the back surface around in circles to plane it down a bit. If you sand it down carefully until brass shows all around the raised area, which is about 2/3 of the circumference, you should be fine. Clean the ring off carefully before you put it back on.
The next step is optional- I decided to go for it because the blackened brass focusing coupler on my lens is tight in the Nikon focusing mount, which must be a tiny bit smaller than that of a Contax or Kiev. I took the lens apart, following the excellent instructions to be had on the Kiev Survival site, at http://www3.telus.net/public/rpnchbck/Jupiter-11 dismantle.html
I put the focusing coupler in a lathe and ever so carefully filed a couple thou off the slightly raised ring just back of the coupling tabs. Take just enough off to keep it from jamming in your Nikon. The alternative is to push a little harder than you are comfortable with when mounting the lens.
Next, Exakta comes to the rescue; to be more precise, an Exakta reflex focusing hood. These are the greatest tools ever for determining accurate focus. Mount the lens, open it up all the way, set the camera on T, and remove the back. The Exakta focusing hood, complete with magnifier, when pushed right up against the film rails makes a superb critical focus device. I used it to verify that the lens was focusing accurately at infinity. There is a lot of variation in these lenses, as quality control was evidently considered an evil tool of the imperialist West, but in this case I got lucky, and the focus was bang on at infinity. If it isn't, you need to fiddle with the shims under the screw-in optical unit. I tried the same thing with a Kiev 9 85mm lens and gave up at this point, as I couldn't figure out where to get a thinner shim that I needed.:bang:
Using the same rig, I made measurements at different focusing distances comparing the rangefinder setting to the actual focus at the focal plane. I found for my lens that at a 3m focusing distance, you need to rack out the lens so that the indicated distance is put against the f8 depth-of-field line. For a distance of 1.6m, to the f16 line. I would not be at all surprised to find that other examples of this lens would need slightly different corrections.
So there you are. It's a bit inconvenient, and I suspect the lens quality isn't quite in the same league as the Nikkor 135, but it's cheap, and I guess the same thing could be said of me!
Cheers,
Dez
BillBingham2
Registered User
While yes this will cost you less than a 135/3.5 Nikkor, I never thought the prices of the 135 were in any way out of line with value. Now the 85/2 black is just too rare a beauty though the 105/2.5 are easier to find and IMHO priced about right.
Part of the reason I moved to an S mount camera is the lenses. I love Nikkors, old and new and never had any good luck with FSU stuff (read another s word).
I am envious of the time you have, enjoy and keep sharing your efforts. It's fun to read.
B2 (;->
Part of the reason I moved to an S mount camera is the lenses. I love Nikkors, old and new and never had any good luck with FSU stuff (read another s word).
I am envious of the time you have, enjoy and keep sharing your efforts. It's fun to read.
B2 (;->
hey, if the jupiter 11 works for you, more power to ya 
the 135 nikkor in S-mount is the cheapest of the Nikkor teles though. personally, i'd be happy to fork out the $100 or so it takes to buy one.
the 135 nikkor in S-mount is the cheapest of the Nikkor teles though. personally, i'd be happy to fork out the $100 or so it takes to buy one.
Dez
Bodger Extraordinaire
Nikkor 135
Nikkor 135
If I could find a nearly-decent Nikkor 135 for $100 I'd buy it in a flash. The best price I have seen recently is about $300. I'd really like to find an 85, but the prices on ebay are frightening.
If anyone has something for sale in that sort of price range, please let me know.
Nikkor 135
If I could find a nearly-decent Nikkor 135 for $100 I'd buy it in a flash. The best price I have seen recently is about $300. I'd really like to find an 85, but the prices on ebay are frightening.
If anyone has something for sale in that sort of price range, please let me know.
BillBingham2
Registered User
Dez,
I sold a black 135 for around $125 about six months back. Keep an eye open here in the classifieds. When I was culling the herd I priced things much lower than the ebay prices to move the stuff. Most people put very reasonable prices here.
The 85/2 can be found in chrome, but the weight is.......I think one in each pocket will keep you at the bottom of the Hudson for many years.
Welcome and keep your eyes open, you will find some great stuff here.
B2 (;->
I sold a black 135 for around $125 about six months back. Keep an eye open here in the classifieds. When I was culling the herd I priced things much lower than the ebay prices to move the stuff. Most people put very reasonable prices here.
The 85/2 can be found in chrome, but the weight is.......I think one in each pocket will keep you at the bottom of the Hudson for many years.
Welcome and keep your eyes open, you will find some great stuff here.
B2 (;->
Dez
Bodger Extraordinaire
Not bad at all.
Not bad at all.
That's a great price for sure. I had a look at the classifieds but didn't see anything. I'll keep watching, meanwhile I need to run some film past this new Nikonski lens I just built and se how well it works.
Cheers,
Dez
Not bad at all.
That's a great price for sure. I had a look at the classifieds but didn't see anything. I'll keep watching, meanwhile I need to run some film past this new Nikonski lens I just built and se how well it works.
Cheers,
Dez
JohnM
Well-known
The 135 will not cost you much, Dez - be patient and one will float past.
There was one on ebay last week and it failed to sell with a $98 opening bid. I paid $80 for mine.
There was one on ebay last week and it failed to sell with a $98 opening bid. I paid $80 for mine.
Dez
Bodger Extraordinaire
almost..
almost..
I hope so. I just got all excited when I thought I saw a 105 in the classifieds here for $175, only to discover it was only the LENS HOOD!!!!
and I thought Leica prices were ridiculous.............
Cheers,
Dez
almost..
I hope so. I just got all excited when I thought I saw a 105 in the classifieds here for $175, only to discover it was only the LENS HOOD!!!!
and I thought Leica prices were ridiculous.............
Cheers,
Dez
Nikkors are not all that pricey. Well, to be honest, some are rare and expensive, but the 135 is definitely common, even in mint condition. Nikkors in LTM can be pricey, but the same lens in Nikon RF mount can be cheap.
BillBingham2
Registered User
Just relax, watch and it will come. I'd been looking for a 35/1.8 in S mount for several years. Found one at a great price about six months back. I picked up a 35/2.5 CV which I liked very much, more than good enough for what I shoot. But when THE 35mm Nikkor came along I pounced.
I learned from Kiu to wait and watch. LOTS of bargins have come up here on the classifieds over the years. I remember a 35/2.5 Nikkor beater with clean glass going for under $100 some a few years back.
B2 (;->
I learned from Kiu to wait and watch. LOTS of bargins have come up here on the classifieds over the years. I remember a 35/2.5 Nikkor beater with clean glass going for under $100 some a few years back.
B2 (;->
Dez
Bodger Extraordinaire
Thanks very much
Thanks very much
This is marvellous. Thanks very much for the links. I had been trolling ebay looking for "nikkor" rather than "nikon" and was not able to find these. I have questions in to the seller to confirm they are for Nikon rather than Contax, and will almost certainly pick up one of them.
Cheers,
Dez
Thanks very much
This is marvellous. Thanks very much for the links. I had been trolling ebay looking for "nikkor" rather than "nikon" and was not able to find these. I have questions in to the seller to confirm they are for Nikon rather than Contax, and will almost certainly pick up one of them.
Cheers,
Dez
In my experience the 35s are more expensive than $200 for the 2.5, and 400-600 for the 1.8, but deals certainly can be found if one is patient. Wanting to 'buy it now' is the best way to spend too much.
Dez
Bodger Extraordinaire
Got one
Got one
I bought the chrome Nikkor 135 on ebay for $108. The description looks really good, but this seller's prices seem to be on the high side generally, so I hope there's not a problem with it. We shall see. I can consign my Nikonski 135 to use with my Kiev or my Contax 1f.
Cheers,
Dez
Got one
I bought the chrome Nikkor 135 on ebay for $108. The description looks really good, but this seller's prices seem to be on the high side generally, so I hope there's not a problem with it. We shall see. I can consign my Nikonski 135 to use with my Kiev or my Contax 1f.
Cheers,
Dez
"C" for Contax
"C" for Contax
Congrats on the lens, Dez! Hope it works out.
FYI here's what the "C" that indicates that the lens is for Contax looks like. A Nikkor for use on Nikon RF bodies doesn't have this mark.
"C" for Contax
Congrats on the lens, Dez! Hope it works out.
FYI here's what the "C" that indicates that the lens is for Contax looks like. A Nikkor for use on Nikon RF bodies doesn't have this mark.
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Dez
Bodger Extraordinaire
I checked with the seller, and they confirmed that this was for Nikon rather than Contax. Now I need a nice 85 like yours, but I won't find that for $108!
Cheers,
Dez
Cheers,
Dez
Sometimes you can get lucky! This black 8.5cm f2 for Nikon RF (link) sold for $187.50 on Ebay two weeks ago!
VinceC
Veteran
Be aware the weight on a chrome 135 can be pretty heavy. The black barrel versions are quite light.
Just to be clear: there are two Black 13.5cm F3.5 types for the Nikon and Contax. The later "Black and Chrome", lensesd with SN's after 268xxx are lighter. The good news is: they are common lenses, and can be picked up for $50~$150 depending on condition. I bought a user for under $50. The earlier lenses were "basically" the chrome lenses with black finish. They are not as common, but command a premium.