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Any FSU folks here?
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Author:  dave_gt [ Sat Feb 04, 2012 10:23 am ]
Post subject:  Any FSU folks here?

I am sure there are! Fess up! Stand up! No snobs here on LVL, right? :mrgreen:

Author:  jparriott [ Fri Apr 27, 2012 8:57 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any FSU folks here?

Okay, I'm cheap. Shoot Zeiss usually - I try to get the best bang for the buck, although I love my CV 75. Anyway, I was looking for fast glass that I can also use on my IIIF and saw a cool post on Steve Huff's site about shooting with Jupiters on an M9... and I said what the hell. Snapped one up on eBay for $240. A fairly late model Jupiter 3 from the 70's.

Anyway, it arrived this week in perfect shape. Unbelievably clean - looks almost new. Has zero back focus issues and takes stunning images. So, I'm a happy guy and learning to speak Russian.

Author:  jparriott [ Tue May 08, 2012 5:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any FSU folks here?

After a week and a lot of shooting, I am still really impressed with my Jupiter 3 - which turns out to be the last iteration of the lens, a VALDAI PT1660 from the early 80's. Again, my copy looks almost unused. Perfectly clear optics with no cleaning marks or haze. Razor sharp wide open with great bokeh - and great stopped down, as well. Is the build a little cheesy? Yeah. And an aperture ring that moves clockwise to stop down, instead of open up, and has no click settings. So it takes getting used to. But well worth the $240 I spent.

Author:  jparriott [ Sat May 19, 2012 12:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any FSU folks here?

Update to the above. While I have no back focus issues with the lens, it is a classic old Sonnar. Which means, wide open at 1.5, it's soft. Still beautiful with crazy bokeh, but if you're a pixel peeper, you'll be disappointed. Good mid-range. Not so good above f11. Plenty of character.

Author:  jparriott [ Fri Aug 24, 2012 11:33 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Any FSU folks here?

Just got one more. A late model Jupiter 8. Cost me $80, including shipping, from the Ukraine. Very clean glass. Very loose aperture ring. Some serious back focus issues - but I'm learning to adjust and hitting 8 out of 10 shots perfectly. I suppose I can have it shimmed, if I want to spend the money. What's surprising to me is the IQ. Just excellent, even wide open. Bokeh is pleasant but average. Doesn't have the pop and fun of the Jupiter 3, but is a sharper lens across the range. Huge bang for the buck.

Author:  smirt [ Tue Aug 27, 2013 1:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any FSU folks here?

I presently use a Jupiter 8 on M2. I'm thinking of buying a screw mount Elmar/Summar/Summitar or the like. Due to a tight budget it will be an old lens... perhaps uncoated.

My other alternative would be a modern Voigtlander. (Second hand probably)

Any advice?

If its not too stupid a question..Would I be better sticking with the Jupiter or am I going to see a real difference with another lens?

Author:  smirt [ Sat Aug 31, 2013 1:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any FSU folks here?

I've done a bit of homework and am now looking at purchasing an Elmar 50mm f2.8 screw mount (with adaptor).

The fact that it collapses is a big selling point for me. Also the aperture ring is a bit easier to access than the f3.5 version.

Anybody have any experience of that particular lens?

Author:  smirt [ Sat Aug 31, 2013 1:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any FSU folks here?

Oh ... by the way. I'm definitely not a snob. I've got quite a bit of FSU stuff which has served me well for a few decades now.

I'ts got a certain charm, though I must say that since getting the M2 its become obvious to me that the build quality is light years ahead.

Author:  smirt [ Tue Sep 10, 2013 5:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Any FSU folks here?

Just ordered a Jupiter 12 35mm f2.8 after reading lots of good reports.

Maybe Father Christmas will bring me an Elmar if I'm a good lad.

Author:  smirt [ Sun Sep 29, 2013 4:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Any FSU folks here?

The Jupiter is in pristine condition and looks great on the M2.
Nice sharp lens too.

Don't think I'll bother with an Elmar just yet, although the collapsed size still appeals for sticking the camera in my pocket at party's etc.

Now where can I get a Jupiter 9?!

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