Jupiter 8

dixeyk · Oct 23, 2010

NOT THAT I AM PLANNING ON GETTING ONE...

I noticed that there are M39 LTM and Kiev/Contax mount versions (the latter being a bit less expensive). I have a Helios 103 coming (Kiev/Contax mount) and I was thinking it would be handy to get a Jupiter 8 in the same mount. That way I buy one less adapter. Does anyone know if one is better (better being a subjective term) than the other? Best I can tell from searching is that the LTM versions have a better bokeh and the Jupiter 8M has one less element. Opinions vary greatly from there. I understand that QC isn't a strong suit of FSU lenses but there have to be SOME general trends. Also what's up with the Jupiter 8 with red aperture blades? Finally, any suggestions on a good Kiev/Contax mount? Rainbowimaging where I typically get my adapters says theres only focuses to infinity with lenses over 50mm.

I have to admit these FSU lenses could get addicting.

Thanks in advance.

Hards80 · Oct 23, 2010

the optical design between the ltm and kiev mount are not different.

so that will not make any difference. they were made for a long time, and glass formulas and coatings changed across time and across plants. also i think the later models had a more circular aperture when stop down vs the old models. these, as well as the quality control will have more impact on your image quality versus the mount. so you may have to try a couple of them, but i think the later the make, the better chance to get a good one. (though that does not always hold true)

Streetshooter · Oct 23, 2010

I have a few and prefer the 62. It's sharp enough with medium or better contrast.
It draws light wonderfully. Its not a Cron but it's also a few bucks less.

dixeyk · Oct 23, 2010

Streetshooter said:
I have a few and prefer the 62. It's sharp enough with medium or better contrast.
It draws light wonderfully. Its not a Cron but it's also a few bucks less.

I assume by 62 you mean 1962? How does one tell? Is there a decent "know your FSU lens" resource out there (as in online). A 'Cron is just a fancy dancy high end lens. IMHO opinion the best way to improve my photos is practice. From the samples I have seen so far it looks like the better FSU lenses can produce on a level with the "Crons more often than not. Mind you, I wouldn't say no if someone were to give me a 50mm Summicron (as in free) but I'd rather not shell out the dough for one. I think I'd rather buy a penguin.

Kevin

Streetshooter · Oct 23, 2010

Kevin,
First 2 digits is the year of production.
I mentioned the Cron as it's the closest in design ... But not price.
The J8 performs similar to the early Summitars.

greyelm · Oct 24, 2010

Not the best pictures but here's a couple of Jupiter-8

1956 (Silver) Jupiter-8

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1973 (Black) jupiter-8

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1942 Leitz Summitar (for comparison)

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Industar-61 (for comparison)

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Streetshooter · Oct 24, 2010

1962 Silver J8. I probably could make this sharper/contrastier but I wanted it to look like this.....

This lens is LTM and I've had it since 1970. It was given to me by an Aussie shooter in Nam.

dixeyk · Oct 24, 2010

Okay then...

Those are just gorgeous. They aren't the sharpest thing I've ever seen but they have a lovely quality to them. Dare I say it...they look very film like. All right, I'm convinced to join the J8 club. Next up is what flavor? As I understand the optics are the same (basically between the 2 mounts) but the J8M ended up combining two of the elements into one. Is there a reason to get LTM over Contax mount? The Contax mount ones are bit cheaper (and I need a Contax mount adapter to use my Helios 103). Is it better to go to someplace like Fedka or eBay (I'm generally don't like going to eBay)?

Kevin

dee · Oct 25, 2010

Be very careful buying an adapter - most are for telephoto lenses ONLY .
Kiev lenses have two mounts - outer for 50mm J8 etc and outer for the telephotos .
You can tell the 50mm adapters 'cos they have the helical which you would see ona Kiev or Contax .
A good Helios is stunning , J8s vary in quality and age related problems .
The later J8m has click stops like the Helios and modern lenses .

Streetshooter · Oct 25, 2010

There's a guy on Ebay from Poland. He's a machinist and makes adapters. He's only on a few times but his adapters are the best. They have 3 set screws in the flange that allows the threads to be adjusted for focus and orientation.
I posted a link somewhere on a thread some time ago.
Shooter

dixeyk · Oct 25, 2010

Streetshooter said:
There's a guy on Ebay from Poland. He's a machinist and makes adapters. He's only on a few times but his adapters are the best. They have 3 set screws in the flange that allows the threads to be adjusted for focus and orientation.
I posted a link somewhere on a thread some time ago.
Shooter

I think I've seen his stuff...off to Google it.

...his eBay ID is cieclo7

Pinko · Nov 3, 2010

Here are few of my pictures with Jupiter 8 - these were taken with older one (silver) - I also have later black version. The silver seems better in quality and it is better match (excellent match to be more precise) with my silver E-P1 body.

The lens itself is very small and fairly light compared to the other 50mm lenses - you can easily fit it into pocket as a portrait prime. It is also built like a tank - recently dropped black one from my bag on the flor - it was intacted.

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dixeyk · Nov 3, 2010

Those are Terrific!!!

Pinko said:
Here are few of my pictures with Jupiter 8 - these were taken with older one (silver) - I also have later black version. The silver seems better in quality and it is better match (excellent match to be more precise) with my silver E-P1 body.

The lens itself is very small and fairly light compared to the other 50mm lenses - you can easily fit it into pocket as a portrait prime. It is also built like a tank - recently dropped black one from my bag on the flor - it was intacted.

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Shereenstuff · Dec 1, 2010

More questions

Also, since I'm trying to make my own Contax/Kiev Bayonet mount adapter, are there any other little gems out there that would fit into that mount that I should be keeping my eyes peeled for? (besided the J8)

One more though, I've been looking at the mount on this :

JUPITER-11 4/135mm Lens KIEV/CONTAX Sonnar MINT 1957y - eBay (item 170545958966 end time Dec-26-10 07:34:40 PST)

and although it says it's for the Contax/Kiev Bayonet mount, I can't quite wrap my mind around how it would work... :smile:

dixeyk · Dec 3, 2010

I ended up selling the Helios to a board member that needed it to sell his Kiev with. What I realized is that I could piece together (or buy) and adapter for jut south of $300) or ditch the idea and spend the $300 elsewhere.

I went the elsewhere route and ended up with a Konica 24/2.8. Olympus PEN 40/1.4, Vivitar 70-210 Macro and a Voigtlander Color Skopar 50/2.8 instead.

Shereenstuff said:
Hi Kevin, not to hijack the thread, but I was searching for Helios 103 and saw your post...

I have a Helois 103 and I canabalized the mount from a dead Kiev 4.

I tested shooting with it by sticking the whole mount in a m42 adapter that had removable threads, I poped the threads out and made a foam pad ring to keep the light out, but before mounting it on any adapter permanently, I'm hoping to find an adapter that will let me get the lense a little closer to the CCD, the way I had it mounted for testing basicaly made it into a macro lens. I'll post the test shots I took with it when I get home.

Anyone have any thoughts on how to piece this mess all togther ?

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shereenstuff/5222372673/" title="PB293265 by shereenstuff, on Flickr">

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"500" height="375" alt="PB293265" /></a>

Thanks,
Shereen

Gwendal · Dec 18, 2010

Help needed...

So... after much discussion and posting of images here, I decided I'd give a try to all those wonderful Jupiter lenses - and got myself a chrome Jupiter-8 from 1959. The problem is that I simply can't figure what adapter I need to use it ? I'm posting images of the front and bayonet mount, hoping someone here will point me to the right one... The mount was described as "Contax-Kiev type internal bayonet" - Thanks in advance !

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Brian S · Dec 18, 2010

Sounds harsh, but: forget about this one and buy one in Leica Thread Mount. The LTM lens can be used with an inexpensive adapter.

The Contax/Kiev mount lenses require an adapter that will run well over $100. The COntax/Kiev adapters must incorporate a focus helical in it.

Jupiter 8

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