Two (old) budget 35s compared

[pfogle]

Hi, I just got a Jupiter 12 for 40 GBP, so I thought it might be interesting to compare it to the 35/2.8 Canon I got, which cost around 80 GBP.

The Jupiter shows interference fringes, which means there's a small air gap - probably a couple of elements have separated. So I wasn't expecting much.

In the end, the Jupiter seems better wide open, especially in the corners, while the Canon is better at 5.6. Surprisingly, the Canon looks a little more contrasty, though that might be flare.

Also, the Jupiter overexposes by around a stop, which I guess is because it sticks way out into the guts of the camera, and probably shades the light meter, fooling it into giving more exposure. In the samples below, the Jupiter has got -1 compensation, and it's still a bit lighter.

ps, there will be 3 more posts with attachments to follow.


cheers
Phil

 

[pfogle]

... part two

 

[pfogle]

...part 3 ...

 

[pfogle]

... thanks for being patient!


one last thing; the Jupiter is sharper on the right side of the frame, so I've shown it at it's worst here.

On the whole, I'm very impressed with it so far. I'll do some b/w over the weekend and have a better look.

 

[OldNick]

I recently purchased a Jupiter 12 with a 1987 serial number, and have been well impressed with it. I use it on my Leica IIIf RD. (See my avatar)

What year is indicated by the first two digits of your serial number?

Jim N.

 

[pfogle]

Jim, the first two digits are 78 - but it looks much newer than that. Here's a picture.

 

[galavanter]

Hey Phil,

I just got a call informing me that my used R-D1 will ship today, and now I need a inexpensive lens. Your photos using the Jupiter 12 on the R-D1 in this thread are the only ones I have found on the net other than these two:
http://www.pbase.com/juergenkook/rd1_samples

Apparently you didn't get a perfect copy but you are still impressed with it. I found a post on photo.net where a fellow claims the 12 is one of his favorites on the R-D1. It gives him "glowing pastel-like images":
http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00HWTk&tag=

But then I see this warning about mounting the 12 on Bessa L's & R's, from a fellow who sells many Jupiter 12's. He says they will mount but won't focus properly:
http://www.fedka.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=24&products_id=306

You mention the overexposure, which I would be willing to deal with. Have you had any focus problems?
I have to wonder why more people here are not using them. I realize getting a good copy is a gamble, but I really like the look of the lens on the camera (your photos were helpful in that regard), and it seems like a great starter lens for me.
They are all over ebay...
I would also like to hear from anyone else using the 12 on the R-D1, and any more photos (B&W?) would be appreciated.
Thanks, Jim

 

[tmessenger]

I bought a J-12 from a USA seller on ebay last night for a really good price and have a D1 coming so I'll let you know what I think when everything shows up.

Regards,

Tim

 

[galavanter]

USA seller? How did I miss that? Do they have more? The long shipping time from Russia or Ukraine to US has been putting me off. I have been looking for UK sellers... Sounds like we are in the same boat. May you get a good Jupiter 12 copy and may your R-D1's framelines be straight.

I bought a J-12 from a USA seller on ebay last night for a really good price and have a D1 coming so I'll let you know what I think when everything shows up.

Regards,

Tim

 

[Adam-T]

I take it these are JPGs on standard settings - the J12 is looking pretty good, definately sharper than my copy of the 50mm J8 at F2.8 and not a great deal far behind my CV 35mm Pancake at F2.5 (though with less contrast) .. the J8 I have is criminally sharp at F4 BTW - a bargain at £2.99 to the door and the dreamy look at F2 is very nice for portraits

 

[OldNick]

A number of the aircraft photos in my gallery were made with a Jupiter 12 purchased from Yuri at Fedka. I use it on my Leica IIIf. I am well satisfied with this lens.

Jim N.

 

[pfogle]

I sent back my oringinal copy of the J-12, and got another one! It still back-focuses a bit, but is more even across the frame.

I took it out this weekend for a stroll, and really liked the results, especially for black and white. I do think there is a slight endemic problem with the focus on FSU lenses, caused by the fact that the 50mm has a slightly longer focal length than the Leica standard, so that puts all the focusing cams out, as they're all based around the '50mm' standard. However, it's only slight, and only matters on the 35 when wide open.

I really like the shape and handling of this lens, except for the nutty aperture ring, which is impossible to see from the back, so I sometimes find myself shooting at 2.8 outside after I've been using it indoors 🙁

 

[tmessenger]

It was AMDGphoto and both (I also got an I-22) were buy it now for $15 each. It was just good luck they had just been listed when I checked the Leica mount lenses on ebay. He only had the J-12, I-22 and a 135mm Jupiter (didn't get that one).

Regards,

Tim

USA seller? How did I miss that? Do they have more? The long shipping time from Russia or Ukraine to US has been putting me off. I have been looking for UK sellers... Sounds like we are in the same boat. May you get a good Jupiter 12 copy and may your R-D1's framelines be straight.

 

[galavanter]

I found their store and there wasn't a single thing in it! You have been on a good roll with your refurb R-D1 and these lenses.

Thanks for the photos Jim, and to you Phil for the additional info.

Well I just changed course and purchased a Minolta Rokkor 40mm from a forum member. It should arrive within a day of my camera. Other than the slightly less than normal fov, i am looking forward to it, as I have read good things about this lens.

It was AMDGphoto and both (I also got an I-22) were buy it now for $15 each. It was just good luck they had just been listed when I checked the Leica mount lenses on ebay. He only had the J-12, I-22 and a 135mm Jupiter (didn't get that one).

Regards,

Tim