Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2004/12/19
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]I own two Jupiter-3 lenses. One is in LTM while the other is for the Kiev/Contax. The LTM lens cam takes the rangefinder just past infinity while my genuine Leitz lenses are perfect in that respect. I haven't taken my experimenting with that particular lens beyond that point so far. It's reported over on the Russian Camera Forum that there is a difference in the helical threads that cause Soviet LTM lens to be off at close distances when used on Leica bodies. I can't verify that. I can only pass it on FWIW. When I have the time, I'll do some more experimenting. The J-3 Kiev mount lens is good on my Kiev-4AM at infinity and up close. I checked the rangefinder against the image at the film plane on ground glass and it is accurate. I haven't had time to check results on film yet but will in the near future. Given that the J-3 is a copy of the Sonnar, a good example will give excellent results. Finding a good example is a hit-or-miss proposition. That holds true for all of the Jupiter lenses but when you get a decent example, it's generally very good indeed. Many of the Jupiter lenses will require a re-lube of the helicals but that's not too difficult in most cases. I've re-lubed LTM J-8's in less than an hour. The J-9 (85mm f/2) takes longer. So does the J-11 & J-12. Walker Smith