Where to find a TABBED J-8???

photobizzz

Speak of the Devil
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I want a J8 but only want a tabbed version that seem to be super hard to locate. I placed a wanted ad here and on APUG.org but if someone knows where to buy one I would be forever grateful for the tip.

Thanks!
 
Here's one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/JUPITER-8-50mm-f2-0-lens-Leica-Zorki-Bessa-Sonnar-copy_W0QQitemZ170443536305QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera_Lenses?hash=item27af39f7b1 I haven't dealt with this seller, though so I can't offer any thing other than the link. If I were looking for one, I'd probably take a flyer on this one: decent feed back and a good price.
How ever, I can suggest a few other ideas: Email Yuri at Fedka (http://fedka.com/catalog/) and ask him if he's got one.
Same for Oleg (http://www.okvintagecamera.com/index.html
I don't have my copy of Princelle's book and I can't recall when the tab was phased out but I think it was about 1960. The J-8s from then seem to have the serial number corresponding to the year so if you look for an aluminum/white J-8 with a serial starting with "60" or a lower number, it should be a tabbed J-8.
HTH,
Rob
 
What's so special about the tabbed J-8?

Other than the focus tab it looks pretty much like any other J-8..

I have one with a serial number of 5849xxx but since I use it it is not for sale...
 
Well, if you like the J-8 ( and I do ) and you like focus tabs ( and I do ) the tabbed J-8 is very good.
Mine, from '54, is my favorite 50mm lens. And I'm not going to part with it either.
Rob
 
Well, if you like the J-8 ( and I do ) and you like focus tabs ( and I do ) the tabbed J-8 is very good.
Mine, from '54, is my favorite 50mm lens. And I'm not going to part with it either.
Rob

I can't say it's my favorite since that honor belongs to my Summitar but the J-8 will hold its own.

My 58 J-8 and 60 J-12 does have a different look and feel when compared to newer "white versions"...
 
Colyn,
Interesting that you mention the Summitar because I have recently been looking at those...
I know there are lots of 50mm lenses that are better in several different objective ways than the J-8; newer, better coatings, better build, etc., but I still am very happy with the results I get from my J-8. The Summitar falls into that area a bit, I think (well, except for build quality--it is far better than the J-8 I bet!); archaic design but still very capable.
But let's not talk too positively about that lens or the prices will rise! :D
Rob
 
But let's not talk too positively about that lens or the prices will rise! :D
Rob

I suspect it's a bit late for that after seeing some of the prices on eBay lately.. A fine lens but a bit over-priced..
 
I suspect it's a bit late for that after seeing some of the prices on eBay lately.. A fine lens but a bit over-priced..

Yes, they are too much for such an obsolete technology....:rolleyes: :D


The really "mint" ones are pricey and what I've seen as "users" are pretty beat. I'm looking for something in between. And this is where internet shopping fails; I know what I can be happy with but I can't rely on second hand info to make that call. For some things I need to be able to really see and hold them. Which leads directly to the downside of brick and mortar: they can't be expected to have all the possible choices available!
And then I think about all the folks that went to sleep hungry tonight and realize I need to stop whining. And hijacking threads. Sorry, photobizz.
Rob
 
I picked up one here in the classifieds less than two weeks ago. It needed a good cleaning, lube, and shim. Took it apart. I got carried away with it.

picture.php
 
Well you buy a lens and then you need all the accessories for it...
That looks really good, Brian! The tabbed aperture is really early for J-8 ?
Rob
 
The tabbed aperture is because I put a wartime 5cm f2 Sonnar T optics module into it...

I did a multi-way head transplant. But this is my only tabbed lens, and they really are better made than the non-tabbed version.
 
The tabbed aperture is because I put a wartime 5cm f2 Sonnar T optics module into it...

I did a multi-way head transplant. But this is my only tabbed lens, and they really are better made than the non-tabbed version.

OK, as soon as we get 3d fax machines can you send me one? Please.
Rob
 
I am still looking for one at a good price, I just like focusing tabs for smaller lenses. On larger lenses like my 50/1.1 Nokton it is not necessary. Some would say "why do you want a J8 if you have a Nokton" but I really do like the look an older lens like the J8 or Summarit gives, even more than a modern lens like the Nokton gives sometimes.
 
I was looking for one too. I stupidly sold (more like gave away) my one when i sold my Bessa R. I recently went through some of my old files and really liked what the old J8 gave. I agree with the OP, i loved the focus tab. The only thing i didn't like about the lens was the lack of click stops on the apeture ring. It's a pity the J-8M dosen't come in LTM...
 
russianfoto has one for sale on ebay, $38 shipped. type in "jupiter-8 sonnar lens" and it will pop up, along with several other aluminum ones from other sellers that may or may not be tabbed; can't tell from photo angle.
 
Thanks for the link paulfish, I found one from eBay seller kubanoid. Got it for $43.43 (weird BIN but whatever) Looks to be in great shape, I may polish up the aluminum a bit but the glass looks great. It has the elusive focusing tab too.

Jupiter-8
 
I use Silver Polish for the chrome. Disassemble it. I also used an ultrasonic cleaner to get the silver polish off. It really cleaned up the chrome.

Just to add: I've bought from that seller before, and the lens was quite good. Shipping can take a while, and varies wildly. I;ve had it take from 1 week to 8 weeks, shipped using the same service. Never had anything NOT make it, and I've bought a lot from FSU nations.
 
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