Russian optics

[Steve Kobrin <kobrin2@xman.wharton.upenn.edu>]

I recently bought a Russian 35mm LTM Jupiter lens and Russian viewfinder
and thought I would pass on my experience.  The lens is a 1989 model
(black) and appears well made.  The results -- chromes -- were super;
sharp, good contrast and saturation, at least to my very amateur eye.  In
fact, the lens reminds me a great deal of the Sonnar on my Rollei 35S,
which it should.  I have used it on my IIIf and, with an adaptor, on my M3.
 The only problem I have encountered, if one can call it that, is that the
protruding rear element prevents use of an ordinary M rear lens cap, so
that you have to take the adaptor off every time you change lenses.  All in
all, I think it was a great bargain.

I cannot say the same thing about the viewers.  The first had a front plate
(which provides the framing rectangle) set at an angle of about 30 degrees
to the horizontal.  An obvious problem!  The second had a problem with the
foot plate so that it does not fit the shoe on my IIIf securely, and worse,
scratched it badly.  Fortunately, I bought them from Woodmere and they are
easy to deal with. As I do not want to spend more than the lens cost for a
Leica viewfinder, I suspect I will find (no pun) and Imarect and use that.

In short, I am very pleased with the Jupiter lens although I do not know if
I was lucky to get a good one.  I would stay away from the viewfinders,
even though they are a "bargain" compared to others.  

Steve