Recommend a cheap 35mm & 90mm in M or LTM mount

[jbannow]

A Bessa R2 is on it's way to me, along with a 50mm lens. I would like to add a 35mm and a 90mm as well. I already shoot medium format and 4x5, so my goal is fast lenses for low light use - all of my tripod shooting will be done with other cameras.

I'm looking for something cheap - under $100 each. Faster would be better, and I actually prefer older lens designs. I was thinking Russian, but I'm concerned with throwing money away trying to find a good copy.

Am I dreaming, or are there some options in my budget?

 

[venchka]

Can't help with the budget constraint.

My suggestion, and I own both, would be:

Canon 35/2.8 original all chrome 34mm filter version
Nikkor 85/2.0 chrome

$400 for the pair.

 

[rlouzan]

*Black Jupiter-12 (35mm f2.8) M39

*Jupiter-9 (85mm f2) M39

From FEDKA or FSU.

 

[venchka]

Take a chance

Take a chance

...

I was thinking Russian, but I'm concerned with throwing money away trying to find a good copy.

I know for a fact that my Canon & Nikkor lenses work perfectly. I have samples to prove it.

I suggest, if you go Russian, to buy from a member of this forum. Ask for samples from the lenses. Anything else is taking a chance.

 

[ferider]

Avoid Russian lenses. The J12 is slow; The J9 is too fast for the R2, and very, very prone to quality/focus issues, even if coming from a reputable place like Fedka.

Get a 35/1.7 Ultron (250 - 300 for a good used copy), use the 50 as portrait lens for a while, and get the 90 later.

My 2 cents. Cheers,

Roland.

 

[raid]

With a small budget,and if avoiding FSU lenses, there is mainly CV left for some basic models that are sold as used.

 

[Mablo]

Unfortunately Jupiter-12 is not compatible with Bessas. It will break the outer shutter. Jupiter-9 is allright for your cam - but finding a good and clean example is a lottery.

If you can go a bit above the budget constraint I'd recommend finding a Voigtlander 35mm/2.5 Color Skopar. Voigtlander 90mm lenses are also quite inexpensive and very good. I would first look around in the classifieds section of this forum before buying from the Bay.

 

[Spider67]

Voigtländer 35mm/2.5 Skopar used they are affordable especially in the states.
For a 90mm consider an old Leitz 90mm/4 they can be found sometimes for around 100$
the 35mm J 12 is a bit of a risk: You should buy it in a shop so that you can test if the rear element could tocuh the second curtain....in most cases no.
J 9: Meanwhile they cost as much as a cheap elmar

 

[jbannow]

Thanks for the info everyone. Is there anyone who maintains a list of compatible lenses for the R2? Unfortunately, R2 is too short to search for in the forums.

Also, what are the limitations for fast lenses with the R2?

 

[Robert Hooper]

Finding fast glass for Lecia for under $100 is a once in a lifetime event, if ever. Like when you go to a garage sale or flea market and discover a treasure.


In real life, you are likely to find a slow, user Elmar 90mm f4 in M or SM for $100+, or a user Summaron 35mm f3.5 in screw mount for $200+ (you'll need to purchase an adapter for SM, too).

Another thing to consider when buying a lens in this price range, it will likely need a Cleaning, Lubrication & Adjustment. This service is around $100+ per lens.

I once found a Leica Elmar C 90mm and Leica Summacron C 40mm f2 in a faith based thrift shop for $7 each. Both were in E+ to M- with original caps and shades. But like I said, this is a once in a lifetime event for most of us.

Good luck.

 

[ferider]

Thanks for the info everyone. Is there anyone who maintains a list of compatible lenses for the R2? Unfortunately, R2 is too short to search for in the forums.

Also, what are the limitations for fast lenses with the R2?

The lenses to avoid are most J12 copies (due to big rear element), and some collapsible lenses, like the Summitar 50/2 and classic Elmar. You risk hitting either the shutter or some of the frame when mounting/collapsing a lens.

The R2 Effective base length is quite short, and will not allow reliable focus, close up and wide open with fast Tele lenses, like 85/2 or 90/2. Of course you can help by bracketing, or closing the lens down. Also, at infinity, you usually will be fine.

The cheapest good tele lenses on the used market are the Canon 100/3.5 and Canon 85/2 or 1.9. They typically run around US 150-200.

Best,

Roland.

 

[BillBingham2]

Finding fast glass for Lecia for under $100 is a once in a lifetime event, if ever. ......
I once found a Leica Elmar C 90mm and Leica Summacron C 40mm f2 in a faith based thrift shop for $7 each.

Robert,

Do not bother playing Lotto, your luck has been used up.

JB,

Speed is a real relative issue. After I added an M6 to my M4-P I went out in search of another set of lenses. Not that my 'Crons were bad, just wanted a carry on business trip set up. I ended up with a 35/3.5 and 90/4 both M mount leica lenses and I think I paid about $250 total for both. I found out that while speed is handy, it's not always a requirement.

If you want real speed, the Nikkor 85/2 is one of the best. Going down you can find several 2.8s in that range (Steinhill Munchen, Leica, Komura) that are fine. If you want light, fast and sharp look to a Nikkor 85/2 Black, will cost more than the Chrome but it's much lighter. Keep in mind that your camera's EBL is a bit short for shooting close up wide open with an 85/2.

I have to agree with Roland, the CV 35/1.7 is fine lens that has been pushed back into the shadows by some of it's newer brothers and sisters. Going down to f2.8ish range other other CV 35mms are fine as are the Nikkors.

Komura made some fine lenses years back, just need to ask all the usual questions about smoothness across the range for focus and f-stop.

DO NOT LOOK TO ANY FSU LENSES. If you really feel the need, please just send me the money and at least someone will be happy. There are some good examples of just about any FSU glass out there, but compared to the number built you would have a better chance at winning PowerBall this weekend by purchasing one ticket.

B2 (;->

 

[sanmich]

a canon 85mm can be bought fairly cheap.
What will be expensive is the subscription to the gym for the necessary workout and weigths lifting to be ready to use the lens.

 

[Spider67]

But on should not forget that FSU lenses can be very good....on FSU cameras.
the Orion also would work on your R2 but fast it is not....

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The Canon 85/2 is very good, not much heavier than the Nikkor 8.5cm F2. It is in the cheap range, $100~$125. Mine was.

The Jupiter-9 is a gamble. It has to be adjusted to focus properly with most cameras. There is evidence that FSU lenses had to by matched to cameras after they were purchased. That is my experience. I've shimmed one for my own use- on a Contax.

The Canon 35/2.8 is a great lens, in about that price range. The 35/1.7 Ultron is much faster, and very good. Expect ~$250 for one used.

 

[bean_counter]

If I only had $200 to spend, I would find a used CV 35/2.5 and wait 'til I had more money for a 90mm. If you can squeeze a bit more money out of the budget, go for the CV Ultron 35/1.7.

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

If I only had $200 to spend, I would find a used CV 35/2.5 and wait 'til I had more money for a 90mm. If you can squeeze a bit more money out of the budget, go for the CV Ultron 35/1.7.

My thoughts too, re. the 90 - I'd just wait for a good Apo-Lanthar!
Dave.

 

[jmkelly]

You might find an early 90mm Elmarit for just over $100. I had one that I shot fine on the R-D1 (same RF baselength as the R2), bought it for $125, sold it for same. Happier with the Konica 90/2.8 Hexanon.

Had a Contax-mount J-9 that was good on all my M-mount cameras using an Amadeo adapter. Bought if for $30, gave it away after I bought a Nikkor 85/2 (too mouch trouble sell something so cheap). The FSU lenses can be awful, but they can be excellent as well - my luck has been good: 4 excellent, 1 bad. If you get a J-9 and it does not make crisp images, and you are handy, you can find resources for DIY repair.

Good recommendations above on inexpensive 35's.

 

[Blank288]

Not very speedy, but I have good experiences with my Elmar-C 4/90. I've seen them quite cheap on Ebay lately. As said, a user Elmarit 2,8/90 first generation is an option too. It is a fine lens, with an extra stop but somewhat more expensive, however.
35mm lenses are less likely to be had cheaply.

 

[rumbliegeos]

I also recommend the 90mm 4.0 Elmar if you can find a clean, post-war specimen. They are very small, light, and are rather sharp, albeit not real contrasty. I don't see too many Canon and Nikon LTM lenses under 135mm for sale in the price range you are seeking.