What is the best FSU collapsible 50 mm ?

[GeorgesGiralt]

Hi !
I would like to buy a collapsible 50 to allow my Zorki-3M to fit my pocket.
But, I would only buy the best one. Which is ? ?????
TIA !

 

[FrankS]

I think the different versions are all about the same, performance-wise. The main difference is that some are coated, earlier ones aren't. There may be a greater variation between individual samples than between types.

 

[reagan]

I can only comment on the I.22 & I.50 -- I have several of each, but I haven't met one I didn't like. And a couple of mine are in pretty rough condition cosmetically. Even those, I get very satisfying performance.

Since I.22s & 50s are quite plentiful and easily replaced, I don't fret too much about wear and tear. So, IMHO, they're perfect for what you're talking about... just drop in the pocket or backpack and hit the streets.

 

[Jocko]

I have the honour to agree completely with Frank and Reagan 🙂 . The I-50 is supposed to be a fraction sharper, but no-one seems to have noticed in the real world. The Industar 10 (often called a FED 50, as it's the standard FED collapsible) is also indistinguishable optically from its Krasnogorsk cousins. They are good old lenses 🙂

Cheers, Ian.

 

[santino]

IMO I-22. there's no difference between the I-22 & I-50 (I can't see any difference).
The collapsible Fed's (I-10) are really different (I've got an old ussr book and it says that it has really bad resolution), don't expect the I-10 to be a good performer, it has IMO only collectible worth.

 

[santino]

btw. did I mention that I love how Industars perform? I think I prefer it over the J8. good luck on your purchase!

 

[FrankS]

My results with the FED 50 are very good. I'll post some examples eventually.

 

[pesphoto]

Maybe a dumb question, but will a collapsable fit on a Bessa R?

 

[Ash]

I love the results with my Fed-50! I just dont like how the films end up scratched!! 😀

 

[brachal]

Maybe a dumb question, but will a collapsable fit on a Bessa R?

It will fit, but it will also hit the shutter if you try to collapse it all the way. Some people put a couple of rubber O rings on them to keep the lens barrel from going too far into the body.

 

[Jocko]

I love my FED 50/I-10 too! It's an excellent lens! Santino, could your book be referring to the supposedly very soft prewar FED F2 collapsible?

All the best, Ian

 

[Jason Sprenger]

Pesphoto,

I have the FED 50 and find that collapsing the lens collides with the back of the Bessa R. Of my collapsibles, a FED 50/3.5, an Elmar 50/3.5, a modern Elmar 50/2.8, and an older Summicron 50/2, only the Summicron can collapse without hitting the back of the camera.

 

[pesphoto]

Pesphoto,

I have the FED 50 and find that collapsing the lens collides with the back of the Bessa R. Of my collapsibles, a FED 50/3.5, an Elmar 50/3.5, a modern Elmar 50/2.8, and an older Summicron 50/2, only the Summicron can collapse without hitting the back of the camera.

ok, thanks for the info.

 

[FrankS]

The collapsible lenses may hit the light baffle material, not the shutter itself.

 

[sockeyed]

As with other Russian gear, there is a lot of inherent variability between lenses of the same model. I have an Industar-50 and it's pretty soft and uninspiring. It does give an old look to images, though, and I really should try it in colour sometime.

Here's a shot taken with my R3A on Efke 25

It looks good at this resolution, but not so great at larger sizes.

 

[Ash]

I must add, however, that neither collapsible that I own can hold up against a J-8 when enlarged. All the lenses perform well, and produce good pictures, but the J-8 is an astounding lens for clarity right down to each grain - i've been a little disappointed with the Fed/Industars when I've enlarged/'zoomed' in comparison to a Jupiter.

 

[triplefinger]

i-50 is smokin'
i-22 is smokin', but not quite as much.

 

[triplefinger]

here's some samples of the I-50

 

[santino]

I love my FED 50/I-10 too! It's an excellent lens! Santino, could your book be referring to the supposedly very soft prewar FED F2 collapsible?

All the best, Ian

the book is from 1954, at that time there was no I-50, only I-22 & I-10. It could be that it refers to a prewar I-10. there are a lot of lenses listed I haven't ever seen and stuff, even a Leningrad that didn't leave the factory at all so who knows. off course I can't judge the I-10 because I haven't ever had one (I'm just copying that books opinion, sorry). There is one thing I know for sure, the I-22 & I-50 are excellent lenses, that beeing said I'm finished 😀 🙂

 

[xayraa33]

does the I -10 fit your LTM Leicas and Canons?
mine will only screw down fully on most Feds & Zorkis and all Tower/Nicca 3s.
I have no problem with the I-22 and would like to try a collapsable I-50.