wizard717
Member
I new to this forum and rangefinder cameras in general. In the past I've used a SLR but have always wanted a rangefinder camera. I'm a retired science teacher and have a very limited budget. So to get started in using a rangefinder I purchase a FED-3 on ebay. It seems to function smoothly. I ran a roll of film through it and have sent in for processing. I can't wait to see the results.
Now for my question, The camera can with a Industar-61 lens. However, the threads on the front of the lens are in bad shape making it impossible to mount a filter.
I seen some inexpensive lens on ebay and I'm thinking of replacing the lens with either another Industar-61 or the 61 L/D. Other then the chemistry of the glass in the lens is there any real difference between the two lens?
Or is there another lens someone would recommend?
Now for my question, The camera can with a Industar-61 lens. However, the threads on the front of the lens are in bad shape making it impossible to mount a filter.
I seen some inexpensive lens on ebay and I'm thinking of replacing the lens with either another Industar-61 or the 61 L/D. Other then the chemistry of the glass in the lens is there any real difference between the two lens?
Or is there another lens someone would recommend?
Mephiloco
Well-known
l/d is the lanthanum version of the lens. The 61 l/d is arguably the best FSU Leica mount lens (Jupiter 12 being the other good performer). The lens is also radioactive, like the old canon 55mm and 35mm fd mount lenses. Most 61 ld's are multicoated (indicated by mc).
Lanthanum/Thorium lenses usually offer more contrast and are favorites for black and white photography. If you're looking at a FSU lens in the 50-55mm range (the actual focal length varies by production), the industar 61 l/d is the best as far as image quality.
Lanthanum/Thorium lenses usually offer more contrast and are favorites for black and white photography. If you're looking at a FSU lens in the 50-55mm range (the actual focal length varies by production), the industar 61 l/d is the best as far as image quality.
wolves3012
Veteran
Welcome to RFF...
Supposedly there is no difference, it's said that the non-L/D version uses the same glass but they didn't mark it as such. It is slightly radioactive but the level is only marginally above what you receive in background radiation naturally. I have not see anywhere that they are multi-coated, contrary to what the above post says but I don't know for a fact if they are or not.
I've certainly not managed to find a difference in performance in normal use and they are both sharp and contrasty lenses.
Supposedly there is no difference, it's said that the non-L/D version uses the same glass but they didn't mark it as such. It is slightly radioactive but the level is only marginally above what you receive in background radiation naturally. I have not see anywhere that they are multi-coated, contrary to what the above post says but I don't know for a fact if they are or not.
I've certainly not managed to find a difference in performance in normal use and they are both sharp and contrasty lenses.
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KenD
Film Shooter
I understand the only difference is that the L/D is marked L/D. I have one of each, and the non-marked (or non-LD) is the contrastier and sharper.
raid
Dad Photographer
Brian gave me an adapted 61 LD in Contax mount. I am trying it out now. It should be a good lens overall. It is difficult to design a 50mm or 55mm lens with max aperture 2.8 that is NOT good.
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Spider67
Well-known
As the L/D are of later production the quality can differ with each sample. I have one which is so so on the Fed 5C and terrible when used with my Bessas. The 61 ("Panda") was the clear winner of a little test I made with my lenses.
black_room_dog
Newbie
what a nonsense!
I'm using this lens as well as my grandpa but none of us got any superhuman powers.
wizard717
Member
Thanks for all your input.
I'll more then likely go with the 61L/D.
If I can find one that's not to expensive.
B.T.W. what size filter does the 61 take?
I'll more then likely go with the 61L/D.
If I can find one that's not to expensive.
B.T.W. what size filter does the 61 take?
brachal
Refrigerated User
The LD is probably a little cheaper, but in my experience the earlier "panda" 61's are much better made. Both versions take 40.5mm filters.
black_room_dog
Newbie
So, how much will it cost to send you this lens? 'coz I guess I can share one with you.
wizard717
Member
What is a "panda" 61?
Spider67
Well-known
The I-61 has black rings alternating with silver ones hence panda.
I hope I rexpressed it in the right way.
Des
wizard717
Member
My FED-3 was shipped from Riga, Latvia via registered post for $16 US including insurance.
I think the shipping cost is related to weight of the item and where the item is being shipped to. I know the FED-3 weighs more then the 61L/D lens. So I have no Idea what the shipping cost would be from Saint-Petersburg, Russia. Let me know if we can work something out. Send me a PM.
What's a "panda" 61?
wizard717
Member
Mablo
Well-known
You can get "new old stock" Industar 61 L/D lenses for 20-30$ delivered to your door. I have no idea where these "new" ones come from but all of a sudden there are a lot of them around and they really are unused. Check the usual sources.
wizard717
Member
What are the usual sources? Do you mean ebay?
brachal
Refrigerated User
Try www.fedka.com. Yuri is very reliable and offers a warranty. Prices are a little higher, but you know you'll be satisfied with your purchase.
I've heard I-61's referred to as "pandas" or "zebras", but I've never heard a nickname for the I-61LD. More lenses should have nicknames.