Which Jupiter 12?

[micromoogman]

I have spotted at least three different producers of this lens, KMZ in the 50's Arsenal in early 60's and later at Lytkarino. I have a Contax III and need advice which one to choose. I'm currently using a Fed3 and Leica IIIb with a Jupiter 12, chrome and made @Lytkarino. I think it's ok, but colors are sometimes not that distinct. I have also noticed that the mid 60's and later ones does not look like the Biogon lens at all (in the rear element area...). Is the newer design better than the older?
I've also heard that the early models did not use multicoating, is that right? The chrome lens will look better on the camera for shure but I don't want to sacrifice image quality.
Thanks J

 

[ZorkiKat]

I have the early (1960s) "white" and late "black" J-12 in both Kiev and FED/Zorki mounts.
The latest of these is a 1990 J-12. This and the other black 1980 version shoot rather well in colour. They don't seem to be multi-coated, but coating seems to suffice. I don't think too, that multicoating is necessary- the recessed front element is well protected from flare by the wide large lens rim.

Coating type seems to affect colour rendition. My 1960s J-12 have blue glass, and they seem to make slightly greenish-yellow images. Often negligible or correctible with colour negative film. If you want the 'white' (not chrome, but aluminium really 😀) try looking for a late 60's vintage. The first two digits of the serial number would indicate year of manufacture.

Jay

 

[terrafirmanada]

I am also interested in knowing more about this lens (leica compatable version). I am wondering if people have had any issues using them on their M bodies with ltm adapters, or if there is any years models to stay away from, and how to identify them. I have also posted a WTT/WTB under the classified.
I have heard that you cannot use them with the Cl/Cle and newer M6 ttl bodies. This should not be a problem for me since I want to use it with an M2.
One of my biggest questions is are they likely to need to be shimmed (like the J-3)??

 

[wlewisiii]

Well, I do know that a 77 black J-12 will not fit a CL because it's too long; the CLE is probably the same. It does mount just fine on my Canon 7 though, so it could be worse. As for shimming, not unless it's be really messed with by someone. The DOF of a 35/2.8 lens more than covers up any focusing issues.

Still I'm going to have to come up with a lens that fits both, probably a CV 35/2.8.

William

 

[Bob L]

How can you tell who manufactured your J12 lens, is there some code or symbol on the lens to tell which factory made the len ?.

 

[arothaus]

Hello, Alfred has a very nice gallery with soviet lens and camera logos:
http://cameras.alfredklomp.com/logos/

Andreas

 

[Bob L]

Thanks, that was a big help.
Bob L

 

[ZorkiKat]

II am wondering if people have had any issues using them on their M bodies with ltm adapters, or if there is any years models to stay away from, and how to identify them. I have also posted a WTT/WTB under the classified.
I have heard that you cannot use them with the Cl/Cle and newer M6 ttl bodies. This should not be a problem for me since I want to use it with an M2.
One of my biggest questions is are they likely to need to be shimmed (like the J-3)??

I used my 'white' and 'black' Jupiter-12 on my Leica M3 without problems. You won't be able to mount them on the CL and M5- these cameras have a swinging mirror probe which gets in the way of the lens.

For the most part, these lenses are found to working right. Shimming, collimation, etc would only be necessary if you get a tampered lens.

Jay