Simple FSU, and Canon Lens Tests

[sockeyed]

I was curious about the question of close focusing using FSU lenses on my Bessa R3A. Because of a slightly different back-focus distance, it has been suggested that Jupiters and Industars do not always focus correctly on non-FSU cameras.

So I set up a very simple test. I took a couple of objects and placed them about 1m from my camera, put my camera on a tripod and focused using the rangefinder in my R3A. I metered using an incident hand-held meter and released the shutter with a cable release. The images are all shot on HP4 developed in Rodinal 1:50, and scanned at 3200dpi on my Minolta Dual Scan IV. I did no correction to the images to give an idea of contrast of the different lenses. I will post one image of the entire shot to give an idea of bokeh, etc, and one crop of the centre @ 100% to show whether or not the focus is correct, and also to give an idea of the resolution. I shot each lens wide open and at 4 or 5.6.

The lenses:
CV Nokton 40/1.4
Jupiter-8 50/2 black (1977)
Jupiter-8 50/2 silver (1961)
Industar-61 52/2.8 ('panda')
Canon Serenar 50/1.8
CV Skopar 75/2.5

 

[sockeyed]

CV Nokton 40/1.4

CV Nokton 40/1.4

First off, the CV Nokton 40/1.4 SC (single coated version). Not surprisingly, very sharp.

First at f/41.4 and then at f/4

 

[sockeyed]

Jupiter-8, Black (1977)

Jupiter-8, Black (1977)

Jupiter-8, black (1977). Seems to focus correctly. Fairly good resolution, nice bokeh.

At f/2 and f/5.6.

 

[sockeyed]

Jupiter-8, silver (1961)

Jupiter-8, silver (1961)

The 1961 silver Jupiter-8 seems to have a slight edge on the 1977 black J-8 in terms of sharpness. Again, focus seems correct. Bokeh is nice, resolution at f/2 is good, quite sharp at 5.6.

Images at f/2 and f/5.6

 

[sockeyed]

Industar-61 "Panda"

Industar-61 "Panda"

I'm not sure of the date on this lens, but it's the black and chrome "Panda" Industar-61, 52/2.8. Again, focus seems correct. Wide open, it's sharper than the Jupiter-8s at 5.6, which is interesting. Resolution does not improve much when stopped down. Bokeh is pleasant. It's quite a gem of a lens, especially given its price.

At f/2.8 and f/5.6

 

[sockeyed]

Canon Serenar 50/1.8

Canon Serenar 50/1.8

This a lovely chrome lens with an amazing heft to it. I've been very pleased with results to date. Now, either I mis-focused or it's very soft wide open; softer than any of the other lenses. At f/2, resolution seems very soft. Perhaps this lens doesn't focus correctly on the R3A?? At 5.6, resolution is very good, better than any of the FSU lenses.

At f/2 and f/5.6.

 

[cp_ste.croix]

ok this is O/T but can you get Suntory Whiskey in Vancouver or did you bring that back from Japan? I forgot to get some when I was leaving Japan and have been kicking myself for it ever since.

 

[sockeyed]

CV Skopar 75/2.5

CV Skopar 75/2.5

The last lens, which I threw in for interest, is the CV Skopar 75/2.5. Not surprisingly, it's sharp and renders images very nicely. Nice wide open and stopped down, smooth bokeh. Sharpness and contrast improve at 5.6.

At f/2.8 and f/5.6

 

[sockeyed]

I haven't seen Suntory in Vancouver - my friend brought it from Japan for me. Nice stuff.

"For relaxing times, make it Suntory time" - Lost in Translation.

 

[doubs43]

Sockeyed, that's a well-presented evaluation of your lenses. All four acquit themselves nicely and the Industar-61 may be the most surprising of all. My own experiences with FSU lenses in LTM has been varied with some focusing OK and others not so OK. You've done well to find several that couple correctly to your Bessa and my advice is to never let them go.

Thanks for sharing.

Walker

 

[tenebrae]

Great test! Nice to be able to compare this array. However, the Jupiter-8 bokeh seems to be rather hard. I would prefer the Panda, or better yet the Skopar, bokeh-wise.

 

[Oldprof]

Interesting test. Thanks for sharing.

 

[John Robertson]

Cobwebs, taken with another Industar, this time the 50mmf3.5 collapsible on a Fed2, it fits the R but not the R2 as the infinity lock fouls the bayonet release button.pity!!
Conversely the Nokton couples and focusses corresctly on the Fed2 no doubt helped by the long base R/F 😀

 

[jmilkins]

Heh thanks so much for taking the time to do this test -it is really interesting to able to see the differences in character of your particular lenses in a standardised test like this - It's a great "apples with apples" series !

 

[sockeyed]

Thanks for all your comments, everyone. I'm glad to be able to share.

John Robertson - the Nokton looks sweet on the Fed 2. Nice avatar too!