Shiming a Jupter-8

Red Robin

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Don't know if this the right place to ask but here goes. I have just gotten an Jupiter-8 lens I have heard people say they "shimmed " it to have it work correctly. How is this done, is it a DIY job? If it is shimmed for one camera or camera body. That is, switch bodies and shim again? Thanks Red Robin
 
The FSU lenses are made to a slightly longer focal length than a Leica RF is calibrated for. This means that many FSU lenses will focus slightly behind what the RF indicates, especially wide-open and close-up. Removing the optics module and thickening the shim by ~0.1mm usually takes care of the error. The worst part is undoing the three set screws for the aperture ring and repositioning it if the shim has to be changed.

I would try the lens out first, with a few test shots done wide-open and close-up. That will indicate if you need to adjust the lens.

Several RFF members have done this job themselves, a jeweler's screwdriver is required for the very small set screws on the aperture ring, and aluminum foil works for shim material.

http://pentax-manuals.com/repairs.htm

Kim Coxon hosts several repair articles, including the J-8 and J-3.
 
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shiming a J-8

shiming a J-8

Brain, Thanks for the post . I'll try it out first and also, thanks for the tip on tinfoil, I was wondering. Red Robin
 
J-8 pre-shim tryout roll

J-8 pre-shim tryout roll

Well it's taken a bit to finish 24 on the Canon VI-T with a j8 lens . I didn't want to expose it to the local humidity. Now it's off to Walgreen's . Also there's trouble here in river city. Looking at my canon 50 mm 1:1.8 the shutter blades are a nice shiny black- - All over . Looks like another money maker for someone. I don't even see how this baby opens. Maybe a good thing!
 
jupiter rebuild/lube/adj.

jupiter rebuild/lube/adj.

Brian, I will be picking up my test roll this AM. I have the chrome one, also how does one know how much to shim?
 
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