Russian Bokeh King! The Jupiter 9 85mm f2 - First Impressions

[@jmoss99]

There is a click fstop ring and a click-less fstop ring. This was done to allow people to see through the lens back in the film era for focusing. You can set the range of the click-less fstop ring with the click fstop ring. People find this out when they go to use the lens and find they cannot move out of the f2 settings. That is because there is no range set. By moving the click fstop to a stopped down setting, say like f5.6 you will then have the click-less range of f5.6 to f2. This is done on at least one other Russian lens I have here. Second, the 1960s Jupiter 9 lenses have a lens coating. My Silver Jupiter 9 85mm f2 (1966 version) M39 has a Lilac Lens Coating. I think this is the best lens and coating on the Jupiter 9 series. I also have a Black Jupiter 9 85mm f2 (1976 version) M42 with Blue Lens Coating. Both of these are SLR lenses. I have heard that the early Jupiter 9 lenses used the original German glass. I don't know if that is true. It is my personal opinion that the 1960s Jupiter 9 lenses were the best of all lenses that ever came out of Russia. I am not into Swirling Bokeh. The other lenses although usable, slip and click like an old jalopy. I have a ZENITAR-M 50mm f1.7 which also slips as you turn a ring for focus or fstop. It is still usable if you are careful. The m39 to m42 adapter for the 1966 Jupiter 9 needs to be backed off to get infinity focus... or you can just back out the lens from the adapter to get a distant focus. I was told by a Russian seller that the Blue lens coating were made for government officials. This guy seemed to know a lot about Russian lenses. Your lens in this video is not a 1978. Your lens is a 1976. If you look at the serial number you will see that the 8 at the end is not the same as the 6 in the beginning. With these lenses the date is in the serial number. In your case it is a 1976. I am going to save this information packed post text so that I can post it again if this one gets lost again. I really like your lens reviews and watch them a lot.

[@williamcurwen7428]

You mention that the Jupiter 9 reminds you of 1930’s and wonder if it is to do with the lack of coatings on what is a low contrast optic. Well - yes, it’s called ‘halation’ and with careful lighting (and very deep lens hoods) it is possible to extend the dynamic range of a scene and make it have a glowing luminance that is very difficult to achieve with modern optics.

[@MacXpert74]

This is like an ASMR lens review. :)

[@orlandonoa]

I just purchased one of these and I absolutely love it. My initial testing yields similar results as yours. I can't wait to use this on a real shoot ! I also purchased the Jupiter 11 135mm f/4.0 which is a totally different animal. It's much sharper (not necessarily a good thing) and has that Zeiss micro-contrast and bokeh. I would love to see a side by side comparison withe the Jupiter 11 and the Tair 11a in a portrait situation. Anyway, great review, keep em coming ! Thanks.

[@willking5902]

So glad you said what you did about sharpness and shooting wide open. Sharpness is something everyone obsesses over, but ignores the image feel that a lens imparts. I completely agree with you in that assessment of lenses, especially USSR glass. GREAT VIDEO!

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@camerarover7124]

Excellent presentation. I was surprised when this episode popped up and was eager to watch, also being an owner of this lens. I concur with everything you report. Please don’t change a thing. Your videos are the benchmark and would be missed. Calm, informative and concise without the fast and excitable spiel that is often present elsewhere.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks!

[@Noealz]

I've wanted that lens for a really long time

[@HowToWatchMovies]

Do you think it’d get anything close to this kind of pretty bokeh, adapted to baby MFT sensor?

[@Noealz]

@@HowToWatchMovies Probably not

[@miam1074]

JUPITER-9 85mm f2 Leica fit L39/M39 Soviet Sonnar copy fits APS-C Fuji Sony MFT - check ebay, there is this one for sale

[@Noealz]

@@miam1074 It fit's but because of the sensor size, most of the swirl gets cut off :(

[@miam1074]

@@Noealz unless you use a booster/focal reducer

[@thedondeluxe6941]

What a coincidence! I just bought one of these myself in M42 mount. Testing it tomorrow :-)

[@zenography7923]

I think you'll enjoy it Sir!

[@hullhistorynerd]

I've had one of these for years, it's a fantastic portrait lens, the flareyness gives a lovely glow. I've got the Canon EF 85mm f1.8 which is sharper, and the Tamron 90mm f2.5 macro which is stupidly sharp, but this one has more character than either, and that's a subjective factor lens testers can't account for. Love it.

[@zenography7923]

Me too; it's a keeper!

[@arthurmermelshtein1767]

I also have this lens, a 76 version, really like it , it's character and the bokeh (along with the Gorlitz 50mm). Sadly most nowday younger photographers think that lenses and photography is all about sharpness, when it's really about the perspective and the general feel.

[@zenography7923]

I completely agree!

[@markcuddihee2862]

Great video. I bought one of these on eBay from Ukraine, and although I haven't used it much yet, your video inspires me to create and experiment with it. Photography should be about passion and creating, not getting bogged down in spec sheets. Thank you again.

[@zenography7923]

As somebody once said, no one photographs test charts!

[@LeendertCordemans]

It's a great and heavy lens. A bokeh monster. I have the polish one. Great pictures.

[@Bojan_Slavkovic]

I have the same lens with same L39 mount and love it! Creamy and dreamy!

[@astro7996]

Oh man that looks stellar! I need one now. Thank you for this excellent review

[@jukkak247]

I just got my own glass that is from 1980. Cant't wait to shoot with it in my Canon body.

[@zenography7923]

I hope it's working out well!

[@Unidente02]

Thank you for another brilliant review. I really enjoy the narrative information that is reinforced by the actual images you've taken with these lenses. Your evaluations of vintage cameras an lenses contribute greatly to my still nascent skill in photography.

[@zenography7923]

Glad you're enjoying the videos! Your nascent skill will bloom - the key is practice, and experimentation!

[@stolenorange]

That was a lovely dreamy video 😴

[@philhodgkinson1460]

I have one in my photo wardrobe as I said previously....the aroma of tank grease that surrounds it is interesting....cant remember how I came by it years ago.....better start using it comrades....thanks Nigel Brill video.....

[@philhodgkinson1460]

Having just watched a review of this lens by an American lady lots of comments about the fact it smell of engine oil maybe engineering too.... Thanks to you I was able to write some comments as to why she think the lens has a glow at near max aperture... Interesting stuff.....

[@Phantommxr]

Another great review!! thanks for the informative reviews ...looking forward to more !

[@GeorgiosKalaydjian]

Very good presentation of the lens and its characteristics. If I asked you to select one lens between this Jupiter 9 or the Nikkor 85mm f2 ais, which one will you select? Thank you.

[@mikepxg6406]

I had one others brand new. I Still remember the industrial smell of machine oil when it came out of the box,

[@imajinest7379]

Just got one of these the other day! Can’t wait to head out with it on my Kiev 4

[@philhodgkinson1460]

Hey presto I was looking in my camera wardrobe this afternoon for something else as it happens... I don't have to buy this lens I already own one...think maybe I didn't understand this lens when I put it away... so lucky find its a black one M42...so can put it on a Zenith... Depth of field scale is quite small.. And er 07000 serial number... and looks like 15 aperture blades not counted precisely....so there you go...cheers for your lovely video on the subject Nigel....

[@philhodgkinson1460]

Currently these can have a price tag of up to £200 but as you wisely say don't pay these sort of prices!! Cheers....

[@RealSoundReviews]

Great review and great advise, You are right : in B&W this lens gives its best.

[@johnmuniz328]

I like the narration. Great lens, I agree. I have a great copy.

[@grat2010]

Sigh. My wishlist just got longer. Love the creamy background and bokeh.

[@randysouse-git531]

Great samples. That settles it then. Jupiter 9 for my 5th Soviet lens. Wonderful presentation as well. Thanks.

[@zenography7923]

I think you'll enjoy that J9 - it's hard not to! Definitely best used with a hood though.

[@janmatfiak2691]

Thanks for vdo. I also own one copy. I did some portrait and it is different than other lenses. I like it very much.

[@zenography7923]

Enjoy it!

[@wildfeuer]

low contrast? I love it!!!! your pics are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed them!

[@mmadmic]

This lens is really amazing but to keep the best of it, add a long Sun hood.

[@zenography7923]

Agreed!

[@nikkom8627]

in fact the Russian bokeh king is Jupiter 3 50mm f1,5 (especially valuable copy released before 53 years)

[@roy5515]

U agreed, I have both jupiter 3 and 9, I found myself reaching for the jupiter 3 most of the time, even though I have a Leica summicron 50, I wish you would one day review the 3 and see how you like it. If the Jupiter 8 is speicial, the 3 is magical.

[@alanstanway6118]

Yes nice lens, good description, good comments and good example images.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks!

[@johnashcroft-jones6091]

I really appreciate you insightful reviews. I miss my Leica 3g rd with f1.2. I'm using an a7r and a6000 with a mix of glass, the kit lenses with each. I got interested in your Zenography video after I added a FD to E dumb adapter and stuck some heritage Canon glass I found for chump change at a local store. The adapter cost £15 online, Soo...sweet. This Canon Standard new FD 50mm f1.8 on the a7r is my current starting point to rediscover the old glass I used to use and love. (Sony DO make the sensors for NIkon and others don't they?) I'm not very technical am awaiting your next videos.

[@zenography7923]

Mirrorless cameras and old lenses is a winning combination - especially when you're using nice glass like the FD range, of which my personal favourite is the 50mm f1.4, quite a stunner. I was very impressed by the 1.8 too! Glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@erwinb3412]

Nice . I will definitely acquire one . Thanks .

[@zenography7923]

Enjoy it

[@PrinceWesterburg]

Single coated East german lenses look very Zeiss Super Speed - which I believe David Lean used.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the info, very interesting.

[@FoxtrotMikefm]

One point in favour of the M42 SLR version of this lens is the simpler focussing mechanism. I have both versions; silver coloured examples from the late 50s & early 60s. Both have pristine glass. However, someone has taken the rangefinder lens apart at some time over the decades. They did not line up the focussing helix correctly in the reassembly. It is a multi-part thread & should only be put back together in the correct orientation. I was able to get a good partial refund because of this so all was not lost. While it does not make any sense on my FED-2 I can use it on my Sony. The video linked to below shows the disassembly of the lens for relubrication & the procedure to be followed to align the helices correctly for reassembly. Note that there is also an assortment of shims that you need to keep track of. I have not worked up the pluck to try out this procedure. I would have to mark the position where the lens currently is & carefully work my way around to test every possible orientation in the hope of finding the correct position. Much less stressful to just use it on my Sony. I have the SLR version for film... Anyway here's the link: [ kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ3MeXiAaJKDZ6s ].

[@zenography7923]

Yes, it does seem complex to overhaul - if only it was as simple as the Helios 44!

[@FLORAMORAITINI]

Wonderful description. Thank you

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks!

[@user-ex1wy8hp6d]

Hi I have 2 model 85mm f2 m42 and contax and keiv mount. But i like just b&w Photography. 2 great lens. M42 no coating i think very better for b&w i test.

[@arildedvardbasmo490]

High quality video about an interesting lens! Thanks!

[@zenography7923]

Thanks!

[@man-ngokduskyso6654]

I'm searching on e-Bay, looking for something around 1950 - 1961, early version from KMZ, I believe PT7030 was the one on my e-bay "watching list". I've heard the early version with greater image quality. so I need a M39 to M42 adaptor and one more M42 to E-mount adaptor for my Sony A7 camera. Am I right?

[@zenography7923]

I've heard that earlier Jupiter lenses are better than later ones, however in testing a bunch of Jupiter 8 lenses from 1955 to 1979 there was no discernible difference, at least to my eye. The J9 however may be a different matter...

[@masoomehtanghatari8750]

Thank you for such a great video. All reviews say this is not sharp! I really like soft black and white photos. So I think I should have one!

[@zenography7923]

Get one! You won't be disappointed!

[@unknownfilmmaker777]

I love the cloak and dagger spy voice.

[@smiff4748]

Really wonderful video my friend. I have subscribed and look forward to more like this.

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, plenty more where that came from!

[@AnimeshBis]

Other than M39 and M42 this lens also made for Kieb-10 mount.

[@jmoss99]

Can you use a Rangefinder on a Sony A7Rii camera? IS this what you are saying? This would open up a lot of lenses for our use. What kind of adapter do you use for the RangeFinder?

[@Sveryda]

Lens from USSR

[@moedergroe4239]

Interesting lens, but i would still take my Zuiko 85mm f2. Its somewhat sharper in my opinion and most of all far smaller and lighter than the Jupiter

[@dmytro732]

Review the Jupiter 9 50mm f/1.5 m39 rangefinder lens

[@zenography7923]

Do you mean the J3? Would love to try it - if I had one!

[@dmytro732]

@@zenography7923 Yes, my bad. I did mean the Jupiter 3. They seem to be pretty expensive, $100-$150

[@parker6634]

I have a 70 slr and love it

[@S3l3ct1ve]

Not a bad lens although it should be good in BW since low contrast and sharpness. I have it, but havent tested it very well, one thing, this lens doesnt like the sun that much...

[@zenography7923]

Absolutely true!

[@bendelandesful]

Great lens. I have the Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5, another legend, heavy like a russian tank (2lbs) and another bokeh monster.

[@zenography7923]

I'd love to try that lens... Ah well, maybe someday!

[@randysouse-git531]

You want heavy? Try a 3M-6A 500mm f/6.3 mirror lens. Absolutely dwarfs my a6300 when mounted. 1.4 kilos. ;-P

[@FLORAMORAITINI]

I see how easily you unscrew the back lid from the lens. It is impossible to unscrew the back lid from my SMC Takumar 135 2.5 that just arrived. Many tried to unscrew it. It seems like the lid is stuck on.

[@zenography7923]

Oh no, that's awful - did you manage to get it off?

[@charlesmorgan8440]

It is a beautiful lens, a great example of a Sonnar, and looks great on your Zorki 3 (my Zorki 3M is a wonderful thing, thank you for your original review of the 3 that got me interested). I prefer the Jupiter to the 90mm Elmar but it is tight on price now.

[@bedevere007]

Would you happen to have the Olympus 28 f2 zuiko? I would love to see your take on it. Thx

[@zenography7923]

I don't have it, but would love to try it!

[@bedevere007]

@@zenography7923 ok thanks. Love your videos.!

[@revaaron]

I ordered one of these last night. How do you compose on a Kiev 4?

[@zenography7923]

You will need a separate viewfinder, either an 85mm one, or a universal one such as the excellent KMZ made Russian version - but there are many others from Leica et al. This mounts on the cold show of the camera; use it to compose, then focus using the camera's rangefinder in the usual way.

[@revaaron]

@@zenography7923 ah! IDK what the torrent did. I did however order one right after posting that. thanks.

[@anthonyvaughan1549]

What do u know about industar_-50 35/50. I have it on a leica. No 74297. Not sure the age of camrea?

[@zenography7923]

The Industar 50 is an excellent little lens - sharp and contrasty, great colours, a bit slow at f3.5 but that's no big problem. According to this page: www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Serial_Numbers_Leica_Cameras your Leica is from 1932.

[@restymara7714]

Hello😊 hope u increase the quality of ur audio...👍 i always love ur review😀 thanks

[@martinda7446]

Nothing wrong with audio from my end...In a funny parallel I am listening with things the same vintage as the lens - the original lens...1930s triodes sounds fine here.

[@zenography7923]

You're playing the audio through 30s valve technology? That sounds really fascinating; would love to know more!

[@martinda7446]

@@zenography7923 I'm glad you like the idea. There is a real zen movement that is very similar in philosophy to the film and camera one that you share with us (so very well). Valves have many real reasons for being considered the best devices for amplifying signals. If anyone wants to know about the technical matters, let me know. (I am hoping after 30 years in the audio industry to start producing some of the equipment I designed...Your channel has in fact helped me with deciding on the style and quality of the finish - looking at the beautiful cameras - as much will be hand made).

[@gltzddonut]

You haven't reviewed the trioplans yet I believe!

[@bedevere007]

Lovely

[@koumaive]

I very recommend to you to try Helios 40-2 85/1.5.....👌

[@zenography7923]

I would love to try that lens - it's so expensive though!

Muy buen video un saludo desde Canarias,

[@zenography7923]

Gracias Luis!

[@SunDevilThor]

So all these pics were taken on a Sony A7S?

[@zenography7923]

All shot on a Sony A7, not the A7s

[@granislav]

Hi, correction - not L39 but M39 that's different. Great vid anyway :)

[@zenography7923]

Hi Patryk, as I understand it, rangefinder lenses with a 39mm thread are L39. For years I thought that M39 was the early Zenit mount, but I've recently heard that should be referred to as ZM39!

[@granislav]

@@zenography7923 That was my understanding as well, but Ive come across this: fotodiox.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/17000083341-m39-l39-ltm-lsm-whats-what-

[@RomboutVersluijs]

How come these lenses arent priced ridiculous high after all these years?

[@zenography7923]

It's because they're old technology, and many of these old lenses are, purely on a technical level, not the equal of modern glass. But they have far more character, which is why they're used by mirrorless photographers today.

[@RomboutVersluijs]

@@zenography7923 its images look really nice indeed. thanks for the feedback

[@MusicByAngels]

"a bit of the blurry stuff" "nice piece of kit" "great piece of kit that is capable of producing some good looking images indeed" Every damn video, lol.

[@barrycohen311]

Did it deliver the "blurry stuff?"

[@zenography7923]

Oh my goodness yes!

[@mattboggs6304]

Interesting that an old Soviet lens that would have documented the decline of Communism/Marxism in the Soviet Union, is now being used to document the rise of Communism/Marxism in the UK, decades later. I'd definitely like to have a play around with one of those lenses sometime.

[@zenography7923]

I'm not sure Marxism is on the rise here - the last general election was a conservative landslide! If you get the chance to try a Jupiter 9, try it - it's wonderful!

[@evtimstefanov8377]

Its a DSLR style camera mate, not Rangefinder))

[@infohere1000]

your volume could be somewhat louder

[@punkrachmaninoff]

pretty impressive, but i would still take my SMC Pentax 85mm f1.8. 🤓📸

[@bonghungk7544]

Punk Rachmaninoff since you like Pentax lenses. May I suggest whenever you get a chance try a Pentax A* SMC 85 mm f1.4 lens. One word to describe it *Legendary* !!!!!!!

[@urbanart7325]

I thought you advised to limit the number of lenses. Watching you and listning to your hypnotizing voice only makes me support Russian camera lens sellers

[@zenography7923]

Well, it's funny you should say that...!

[@markbeadle6434]

Ah I’m so disappointed with it ! I love my J3 &8 but can’t get away with the J9 So bad I’ve bought a Helios 40 within a week of being disappointed 🤣

[@zenography7923]

Oh gosh, I'm sorry to hear that - what don't you like about it?

[@markbeadle6434]

@@zenography7923 sorry for the late reply. It’s been a crazy week and I’ve now got a 3rd son. - I can’t quite put my finger on why as I love the Jupiter 3 &8 but I can’t say I’m mad on the Bokeh. I think maybe I built it up to be something it’s not in my head. I’ve got it to n my Droog now though. Hopefully it can redeem its self on film :)

[@GlobalOffense]

Western lenses? Hasn’t most wins production been in Germany or Japan

[@zenography7923]

I'm using the term 'Western' in a general sense, to distinguish between the former communist countries and the capitalist ones. Back in the day, countries with a communist government were said to be part of the 'Eastern Bloc'.

[@imantenis]

So... where is the bokeh king ????

[@zenography7923]

Right there in the video I think...

[@user-lr2bs3ls3u]

No!tair 11a.helios 81:automat

[@zenography7923]

I'd like to try them!

[@user-nf3xk2hy2o]

Надо было белый брать, первых выпусков.

[@user-ku9wy9yr3x]

Однозначно, белые Юпитеры собирались еще с немецких стёкл :)

[@antonyarovyi624]

Great Video, thanks! Have you tested s new Helios 40-2 85 mm? You can find Helios and Zenitar LENSES here: www.zenit.shop

[@zenography7923]

I'd love to try one of these - I wonder if Zenit would lend me one...?

[@BigedEd]

Калашников в мире фото )

[@romashamil6787]

Он дальномерный а для зеркала какой объектив Калашников ?🇵🇷:-)

[@vladskorobududoma]

Кто из России ?)))) 2К!9 ?)))))

[@romashamil6787]

Я из Татарстана 🇵🇷:-)

[@hoanglong-nv6wv]

A photograhy channel , and you dont even have a avatar ?😂

[@zenography7923]

Coming soon...

[@user-wx9us7ex3q]

russian - it is only the nationality of some people, it can`t be lens.

[@vedadrokkor]

I don't get why people drill over this shitty lens or any other russian unsharp glass. I had few versions of Jupiter and few Helios 85mm 1.5. The only russian worth your money is helios 58mm 2 and only if you payed 15$ for it