16 FANTASTIC FSU Vintage Lenses For Mirrorless Cameras! The BIGGEST List On Youtube!

[@mike1140]

Early Helios 44's are outrageously expensive on eBay now for the "buy it now" price at around $250 Canadian

[@GeorgeK356]

What an informative episode, Nigel. This is possibly the most information packed video about the Russian, and East German, lens stable ever made. I have some of the lenses you featured, and would love some of the ones you featured that I don't have lol. Watching Zenography on a Sunday morning is habit forming, it's like having our own camera club (remember those?) Ideas for videos? Well, apart from equipment reviews, which you do so well, how about single subject photoshoots? - pick a topic and go out and shoot it with whatever camera and lenses you want. Then, do a single lens shoot - just one lens and many subjects. Show just what a lens can do in a variety of situations. However, whatever you decide to do I will still be here on a Sunday morning, tea and toast to hand, watching one of the best photo channels on KZbin. George

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for your kind remarks George, and your suggestions are helpful, interesting ideas, so many thanks! Tea and toast sounds an excellent idea!

[@derekholmes1302]

@@zenography7923 Hi Nigel, Would you like to preview a few vintage lenses I.e. Helios 135mm f2.8 Practicar 50mm pentacon Helios 44-3 Derek Holmes

[@legionchef]

Have been watching your videos for many years now, and it’s quite scary how the FSU stuff has increased in price. Please keep up the great work, love your stuff. Please keep on doing videos on film photography, not all of us shoot digital! I understand that you have a wide demographic to cater to, of course.

[@zenography7923]

I certainly intend to continue the film content - in fact there's an episode on Praktica cameras (East German SLRs) coming soon!

[@karenbford]

Thank you for this informative and thorough video on these lenses. I started watching your channel very early when you started up and have received a very valuable education on vintage lenses and adapting them to mirrorless cameras. I don't mind a longer video if the education is valuable. I have become a true vintage lens photographer and have learned so many skills that the 'auto' world never taught me. I also have purchased many of the lenses you have reviewed and recommended and haven't been disappointed yet. I would be interested on several videos covering the Pentax vintage lenses including the super coated lenses. I know you have touched on these but would love a thorough review of the different categories that Pentax offered. Thank you for your time and effort! It has made a difference for me.

[@zenography7923]

I'm very glad my efforts have been of some help in discovering these remarkable old lenses - they have so much more character than a modern one, and they're (usually) cheaper too! Enjoy!

[@matthewneleigh567]

I've got a number of these myself, with a few purchases having been made on the basis of recommendations in other Zenography videos. I've enjoyed using them all and have gotten some very nice images with them.

[@zenography7923]

These are great little lenses - glad you're enjoying yours!

[@derekholmes1302]

Thoroughly enjoyed this vlog Nigel. Always smile when you do a walkabout video - your way of doing these is quite unique- more of those please! A vlog showing a simple DIY service of the popular Zorki 4 camera. A full length vlog of 28/35mm lenses in both L39+M42 formats with accompanying walkabout video. Budget cameras + oddities from the past eg Smena 8, Canon canonet range. Medium format twin lens slr's + medium format folders eg agfa isollet, franka solida, Zeiss Ikon etc. Always willing to loan various items . Again well done, + keep on producing these super videos. Derek

[@HumanClouds]

Great video, some very nice fsu lenses! I’d love to see some video’s on vintage film camera’s from the 70’s and 80’s.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks Bert, glad you enjoyed it! I haven't done a video on slrs for a while but one's coming soon - thanks for the feedback!

[@dropsosense1506]

This is another great lineup, on both sides of the Rubicon. Thanks too for the boiling tip as a last recourse.

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@hw9177]

When I started looking into vintage lenses, your channel helped a lot. I'm also always going back to your older videos when considering a new buy. In terms of new content: I like the Vintage Optics channel where he also adapts more exotic lenses from cameras which don't have exchangeable lenses. Would love to see your take on this topic and how you would rate these lenses. I love compactness. So, if you have any additional range finder ideas, I'd be interested in videos about these. Also, I was wondering if the DKL lenses are any good. Would be awesome if you could review some of these.

[@taterandy3958]

What a great collection you have ! Are the Soviet lenses the Jupiter 8 or the Jupiter 11 fit on a Fujifilm X-T1? What is the sharpest 85mm FSU lens you have ever used?

[@zenography7923]

Hi Tate, all these lenses can be mounted to any mirrorless camera, including your Fuji X-T1, with a cheaply available adaptor. The sharpest FSU 85 is without doubt the CZJ Pancolar 85 f1.8 - by a very long way!

[@anianoenrique2115]

Anything on the M42 mount would be nice to see.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the suggestion Aniano, much appreciated!

[@perin99]

Thanks for your efforts, Nigel. I enjoy the longer format videos. In response to your question at the end - I like it when you make videos of yourself out shooting film and I love your choice of accompanying music. Seeing as you're getting quite a lot of views now, maybe you could hit up film retailers for a few freebies to review.

[@georgehuman7253]

I personally would like to see more of Minolta gear overview as Minolta is a bit underrated, but full of surprises. I think you will enjoy testing old Rokkor lenses especially MC generation. Mamiya has some great 35mm gear but is usually known for medium format cameras, There are tons of lenses to explore :)

[@zenography7923]

Minolta gear is more or less unexplored territory for me, so I'll certainly be exploring them, along with one or two other makes I haven't covered in much detail. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@georgehuman7253]

@@zenography7923 I'm sure you're gonna have a lot of fun :)

[@gravweldon7700]

I would love to see you talk about the CZJ and Russian medium format lenses adapted onto full frame and aps-c. I have adapter on order and several lenses for my old Pentacon 6, may she rest in peace, though only the CZJ 80mm MC has a fully functional aperture these days. So far I have picked up a Helios 44-2 and a Pentax 50mm 1.4. I have a Speed reducer on order and I am excited to see how the Helios works with it on the M50. I really enjoy your show. Please keep up the work.

[@zenography7923]

Medium format lenses, now there's an interesting idea, thanks!

[@andrewwilkin1923]

Hi Nigel, for future reviews. Praktica cameras, MTL3 , MTL5 and the later BC models, all very under rated and cheap. Lenses, Meyer Gorlitz Optik (or early Pentacon versions) 135mm f2.8 and 200mm f4 please.

[@michaelmiller641]

Great! Very interesting, and nice smooth relaxed commentary!

[@atomicat]

This is what i always into. Putting vintage lens on modern camera system. Thanks for making this kind of vid master Zen.

[@zenography7923]

Very glad you enjoyed it, thanks for looking in!

[@stephen8577]

Excellent video, I'm just getting into Soviet era cameras. This guide is worth it's weight in gold. Thank you so much.

[@ThomKurve]

this channel is the real deal.

[@TCizauskas]

What a brilliant omnibus review! As for future shows, why not a few tutorials on how to clean, lubricate, and care for an old lens (and how to examine a lens for unredeemable flaws before purchasing)? You touched on this during this video, but in-depth demonstrations would be helpful. As always, thank you for what you do.

[@zenography7923]

Care of old lenses is something I've been considering - if anyone else would like to see a video on this, please comment below. Thanks for the suggestion Thomas!

[@arcanics1971]

@@zenography7923 Yes. At present I am a little nervous about such things. If I had some trustworthy showing me how beforehand... definitely something I would be interested in. Very much so.

[@numbersix8919]

"Kill, or cure!" Most encouraging! Thanks for introducing these lenses together, as you have done so well.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks number six, glad you enjoyed it. Be seeing you!

[@numbersix8919]

@@zenography7923 And "many happy returns."

[@jays.8621]

Great video as always Nigel. I started watching your channel 18 months ago due to your coverage of FSU/East German lenses and this is your magnum opus in that regard. I am keen to see the channel go from strength-to-strength and have one piece of advice if I may. The common consensus is that 10 to 15 minutes is the optimum length of time for a video, so perhaps taking something like this and editing it into parts may get you more total views, (beat the algorithm) and reach more people. I however really like these meaty videos, but am probably in the minority. On another note, I recently picked up the FSU Lens Mir-1 37mm, f2.8 and am enjoying it. Have you ever shot with one?

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the suggestion Jay, I'll take that on board. I used to have a Mir 1 and regret selling it - it has a rather special quality that's hard to put your finger on, but makes for very nice results!

[@jays.8621]

@@zenography7923 no problem Nigel. It's just a tip I picked up from an online marketing course. Love the channel and if you ever want to so a photowalk, give me a shout. You seem to haunt the same parts of the City and West End that I do, so surprised I haven't bumped into you before!

[@petersnow389]

Hello Nigel, and very many thanks for such an interesting and informative video. You certainly take great care and research your content. You frequently mention CZJ and Pentacon lenses being used on digital cameras, and it is surely a credit to both manufacturers that so many of the lenses are still in use today. I wonder if, like me, any photographers are using Exakta and the baby brother, Exa cameras? Would it be possible for you to make a video about these and other early East Ferman cameras, maybe, earlier Prakticas, or Praktica B series. I may be able to help with the loan of one of these or Exakta / Exa. We always look forward to our Sunday morning coffee with a foray into the world of photography and vintage lenses! Long may you continue with your enthusiasm and video making. Kind regards. Peter and Jenny

[@petersnow389]

Humble apologies for the sausage fingers, I, of course, meant East German

[@zenography7923]

Thanks Peter, glad you enjoyed the video! Your early East German cameras idea is interesting, and I'd like to take you up on your kind offer of a loan - please contact me on [e-mail] to discuss. Thanks!

[@wadelapan5756]

Following the lead of videos on the Mathieu Stern and Fotodiox channels, I've recently adapted a couple of lens units from 1920s Kodak Pocket 1A bellows cameras. It would be an fun and offbeat episode if you give this a try, and tell us what you think. The lenses are long, to cover the big film; the Kodars I did are 122 and 131mm. I found the images to be very sharp, with a milky lack of contrast when even remotely pointed towards the sun. A hood, or dehazing or adding contrast in software corrects this completely.

[@wadelapan5756]

My adapter was: 1) camera adapter (in my case micro 4/3 or Fujifilm) to M42, 2) M42 focusing helicoid, 3) a couple of M42 extension tubes, 4) tape to attach the lens to the outer tube. I blocked the shutter open by using the "T" setting, and set the aperture on the lens unit. To get the lens unit out of the Kodak, collapse the bellows, go in from the film side, and use a lens spanner tool to remove the threaded ring.

[@zenography7923]

I've been thinking of trying this for some time - thanks for the prompt!

[@zenography7923]

I'll give it a go, thanks!

[@JR-lw8yu]

Hello from Texas. I like the information on the vintage lenses. Since you ask for ideas, here is one. I'd like to see you take the Soviet bloc lenses into the field on modern cameras. Maybe sense of place type videos with CZJ 20, 35, and 58mm. Would it be different with a Soviet 20, 37, and 58mm? The places where you work, and how you use the equipment are interesting to me. Later today, I'm going out hiking with a Helios 44 at sunset. I like your work. Thank you

[@zenography7923]

Hello there, glad you enjoyed the video, and thanks for the suggestion Sunset with a Helios sounds wonderful - enjoy!

[@mikelborrega5821]

Great video!! I would like to see videos of reviews of vintage lenses and comparisons between them…

[@arcanics1971]

Definitely a good selection- though I admit almost my entire knowledge base is from your channel. I'd like to see more of both budget film and budget mirrorless cameras. I'd also like to see some budget DSLRs too. Other than that, anything on good lenses will have me watching.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, and noted!

[@Martin_Siegel]

I was missing the TAIR 11A 135mm 2.8 and of course the TAIR 3 (Fotosnaiper) the Tair 11a is really nice 135 IMO. I got mine for 15 Euros (that were the times). But a very informative summary on what's out there. Thanks for that, Nigel!

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks Martin, glad you enjoyed it!

[@legionchef]

Also, picked up a Fed 4 with an industar 61 for £10! Thank you for your recommendations

[@zenography7923]

A great little camera to improve your photography skills - essentially 1930s technology, with a built in light meter - and some FSU chic too! A great choice, and don't forget it will also shoot any LTM lens from any manufacturer!

[@harrisuvisalmi1777]

Great comprehensive review as usual. The 135mm f2.8 you mentioned towards the end sounds interesting.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks Harri, I think that one is definitely on the cards!

[@cameratrav]

Your videos that review several similar length lenses are great, you have looked at multiple 135s before I think. It would be excellent now to take one prime lens from the 85 to 200 range at a time and shoot a variety of subjects including a portrait. Never lens charts etc, only real life subjects :-) Worthwhile to use both your Sony FF and Fuji crop with the same lens.

[@pdavis500]

Lusting after lenses through Dixons window - what a cool memory!

[@zenography7923]

Indeed!

[@qnetx]

Very nice overview. Are there any FSU lenses with focal lengths wider than 35mm?

[@zenography7923]

There are a couple of Helios wides which are actually quite nice, and a CZJ 20mm (I think) Flektogon, I haven't used this one though, so can't comment on its performance, although CZJ are usually a pretty safe bet!

[@qnetx]

@@zenography7923 - I've always preferred the Zeiss designs over the Leica lenses. They have such wonderful and unique character.

[@ryanbeer5262]

Love your passion for vintage glass, so a 👍for 135 2.8, love that fl. I like using the i61 with extension tubes.

[@iamhassan9943]

Would you be up to a video on “odd” focal length vintage lenses? Like 75, 65, 40 or 45. Lengths that have for the most part, with few exceptions disappeared from modern focal lengths.

[@zenography7923]

That's a really interesting idea, thanks!

[@Plurabelle73]

What a fantastic episode. Would appreciate a review on 135mm lenses

[@zenography7923]

Stay tuned - one is coming soon!

[@rredecker11]

Love this! How about a video about photography books? Are there books on the subject of FSU and Vintage lenses?

[@zenography7923]

I'm not sure there are - apart from Princelle's book, which has been out of print for some time now. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@kevinroberts1888]

Great video. My favorite of my vintage lenses is my Pancolar Mrk 1, so I'd really like to get some of those other CZJ lenses. Have you ever reviewed any of the vintage Canon EOS lenses? I collect them because they're cheap and they take absolutely beautiful pictures. I think this was because back in the late 80's and early 90's, Canon was trying to convince people to change over from the FD system (which is what I used at that time,) so they poured their best even into the budget lenses.

[@fricki1997]

Two of my favourite lenses are the Helios 44M4 and the Meyer-Optik Görlitz Oreston 50mm 1.8 (basically the same as the Pentacon 50mm 1.8, as I understand it). The Helios in particular is the sharpest lens I own, and the Oreston/Pentacon has that wonderfull bubbly bokeh. You can also get them very cheaply as "defective", with these old primes cleaning aperture blades or repairing small faults is fairly easy. For use on a DSLR or modern mirrorless, you can also usually convert a M42 stop-down lens without manual mode, like the 44M4, by removing the stop-down pin and inserting a piece of a toothpick of correct lens, and from then on use the lens in aperture priority mode without issue.

[@zenography7923]

You can't beat a vintage lens that needs some cleaning - I've got some of my best bargains that way!

[@perjrgensen5660]

Ilove your channel and your enthusiasm when you very educational guides through your amazing lenses. Thanks 🙏📸

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for your kind remarks Per, much appreciated, and thanks for watching!

[@MrBrentknoll]

Excellent job sir. Keep em comin!

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks Brent, glad you enjoyed it!

[@donaldgibson4459]

Your shows iare he funnest. Relaxing too. Thx Don

[@zenography7923]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!

[@outtathyme5679]

Thorough and thoroughly enjoyable

[@elfcounsul]

Will the Industar 22 interfere with the mirror on MFT?

[@erichbrunner3397]

Thank you for your comprehensive review of lenses that I'm interested in. I have a specific question. I own the Flektagon 35mm f/2.8. Is there a substantial difference between this lens and the 2.4 that you reviewed?

[@carrotsoup7264]

I love the sample photos, they are all beautiful.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks so much, that's very kind!

[@gregorypease213]

Another great video, Nigel. I've tried many of the lenses you've talked about here and in previous videos, and have landed primarily on the Olympus OM Zuiko 50mm/1.4, the CZJ Pancolar (I find these two very similar, with a slight preference for the Zuiko's silky bokeh), an Industar-22 collapsible, and one of three Jupiter-8s I've acquired. I've also been playing with the Volna-9 and the Industar-61LZ, both 50mm/2.8 macro lenses which are quite interesting and relatively inexpensive. You often discuss the colour rendering of various lenses. When you shoot with them, are you using auto, preset, or custom WB? Cheers, and keep well.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks Greg, glad you enjoyed the video! I usually shoot in auto white balance, sometimes custom if auto doesn't want to play!

[@alanpods______8260]

Great channel as always - I'd like to see more 35mm ltm lenses, shot on film ideally and using 'real world' apertures, rather than wide open all the time. I may be swimming very much against a strong tide here (!), but I'm sure not everyone is as massively into bokeh and background blur. Some of us'f8 and be there' crowd would value seeing how lenses perform at f5.6, f4, f8, etc. I love your work - it's so relaxing and informative.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the suggestion - it's an area I've neglected and need to address!

[@GreySectoid]

Not sure how you shot this video but it has nice vintage 70s vibe in colors and atmosphere.

[@aidanhowgate5437]

Love my zebra Pancolar, it's my most used lens, I also use it on my Canon M50, Minolta X-700 and Yashica 35mm cameras with adapters. Wonderful.

[@zenography7923]

I am constantly astonished at the performance of this lens - head and shoulders above anything else I've tried - and that's quite a few!

[@aidanhowgate5437]

I picked up an Exakta SLR at an auction, which was on sale in the same lot as my Yashica FX-D plus something else I can't remember, the Exakta came with a Pancolar, extension tubes and converters, the whole lot for £7, it's well worth finding auctions that specialise in house clearances, no online bidding.

[@tamassanta6819]

Hi there, Hope you are well. I have a question. If you do not have the auto aperature option anymore on the m42 lens (because either you have an adapter which blocking this option, or you have different system in your camera body to conrol the auto aperature), you will focus on the biggest apperature, and when you done, you settle the right f stop, or you focus on smaller aperature like f8,11,16...etc? In this case isn't the view in the finder too dark? What is the common (esyest) practice in this case? Rgds: Tamas

[@zenography7923]

Hi Tamas, if shooting on an older SLR it's often better to focus at a wider aperture to let in the light, then stop down to shoot. Newer film SLRs let you focus wide open, and then stop down automatically when you shoot. On digital it doesn't really matter - whatever aperture you're at, focus and shoot!

[@crazygeorgelincoln]

I'd like to see some opinions on the newly made old design russian glass. Like the new Jupiter 3 and Helios 40 also zenitar have some nice looking stuff out there. (There's a nice excuse to treat yourself in there. )

[@john.m.peterson]

Thanks a bunch for all that info Nigel, some very useful things there and lots to think about. My collection of vintage lenses (and camera’s for that matter) is expanding exponentially ;-) What I would like to see indeed are some other focal lengths, like the longer 135mm and I’ve been going to thrift stores to buy cheap camera’s and have a couple of very cheap vintage camera’s. The Agfa Isola for instance, Zorky’s, Zenits and even a Contaflex (IV) with a stereo lens…strange things they made in the old days :-) Also would like to know what your view is on the point-and-shoots, I’m thinking of buying a good one just to carry with me everywhere I go. Greets from Holland, John!

[@zenography7923]

Hi John, and thanks for your suggestions, much appreciated! The best point and shoot I know of is the NIkon L35af - I often carry it with me as it's very small but very powerful and capable, with a great f2.8 lens and auto-everything! There are many other very capable ones of course, the Olympus Trip 35 springs to mind, but no autofocus on that one. There are lots of point and shoots with less good lenses, and some with massive long zooms and small apertures, which make sharp shots but need good light in which to do it. I'd recommend the Nikon wholeheartedly!

[@john.m.peterson]

@@zenography7923 thanks for the tip Nigel, much appreciate it. So happens I bought a Nikon FM today with two lenses, the 55mm f2.8 nikkor micro ai and the 28mm 2.8 panagor ai, wanted the full mechanical Nikon, that's why the FM. I'll check the site I bought my Nikon from (relatively cheap here in Holland) for the Nikon point-and-shoot as you recommended👍🏼🙏

[@jezztech]

Hya, i too have a CZJ flektagon, mine is pre owned but had some years now, ( to replace the one i bought new many moons ago) that some one nicked. But when came to use it recently found the aperture blades are sticking on maximum, do you know a company that may be able to do a cost effective repair? or, alternatively is it something that can easily be rectified ?, im a fairly competent watch nurd, well used to doing replacing watch movements and stuff.

[@zenography7923]

I'm not sure of a competent repairer for these lenses, I'll have to do some research. I have a Flektogon 20mm f4 on the way with a sticky aoerture, so \i need to find someone too! As for diy repair I believe the czj lenses are very complex and I wouldn't care to open one up myself. If you're a watch repairer though I would have thought it entirely doable. Here's a link to some official czj repair manuals: forum.mflenses.com/rick-olesons-original-carl-zeiss-jena-lens-repair-manuals-t64370.html and here's a link to Rick Oleson's site - an expert in czj repair with much info on his site: rick_oleson.tripod.com/

[@Narsuitus]

Why did you omit the 28mm focal length from your former Soviet vintage lens video?

[@zenography7923]

There's a video I made a little earlier than this one in which I test the Orion, check out the back catalogue.

[@dezmondwhitney1208]

More on Praktica ??

[@zenography7923]

Thanks Dezmond, I was kind of thinking that way, and there will be a Praktica video coming soon!

[@aidanhowgate5437]

I remember Dixons in the Merseyway, used to get all my clothes at C&A.

[@zenography7923]

Gosh, that takes me back a bit! C&A was a bit upmarket for me though, it was usually BHS or the market. Spent much time gazing through Dixon's window!

[@aidanhowgate5437]

@@zenography7923 Stockport hasn't changed much. 🙂

[@aidanhowgate5437]

I think my dad got his Chinon from Stockport Dixons back in the 80s. We lived in New Mills.

[@ice9phil]

I see very little online about Schneider-Kreuznach lenses. What I see written puts them in the league with Leica and Zeiss. What do you think?

[@zenography7923]

I've never used any - I'd very much like to, but they're rather expensive!

[@ohjajohh]

I now start wondering if there is something wrong with my Zebra Zeiss Tessar... apart from the Domiplan this is my worst 50mm for sharpness. I do like the colours though.

[@zenography7923]

That’s surprising, the tessar design is inherently sharp. One of your elements may be misaligned, or you may have a bad case of haze or fungus. If you’re handy with a lens spanner these are easy to clean, or if not, very cheap to replace!

[@ohjajohh]

@@zenography7923 I have a video of the Tessar on my channel. Corners are still not sharp at f8, and wide open it's mediocre compared to other lenses. I don't see any visible fungus or dust inside the lens, but maybe I should give it a clean anyway.

[@PeterDempsey-yarglags]

Excellent episode! I noticed you skipped the industar 69, not sharp, poor coverage of a full frame but it does something odd to colors.

[@crazygeorgelincoln]

Its technically an adapted lens. I only recently learned it was made for a specific camera( forget the name) that shoots a smaller format , squares on 35 film I think. They also need the adapter altered or the lens adjusted to get decent infinity, Look great on the camera but the limits of the lens become a burden. Its a nice vintage option for apsc users. Like the Jupiter 12 the 69 is a bit of an oddball

[@PeterDempsey-yarglags]

@@crazygeorgelincoln yeah, it is fitted to the Chaika, a half-frame. 18x24mm. The flange focal distance is slightly different though the mount is 39mm. It needs a little adjustment to get infinity focus. It's tiny and fun to use.

[@wadelapan5756]

I have two Jupiters, two Industars and one Helios 44-2, with all purchases probably prompted by this channel. Today's video will make for a good shopping list, as I want one or two more. Not sure if it'd be enough for a full episode, but you could advise on eBay buying from Russia, Ukraine, and even Japan. I mean, I'll of course buy from Canada without hesitation, but have some doubts about buying from the above named places (though I've done it before without problems).

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@sidekickbob7227]

To buy from Japan is no problem at all. I live in europe, and find the shipping from Japan both faster and cheaper than from the states. Also the items the Japan vendors sell, is often in a really good shape. The Japanese pride and culture, makes it a safe shopping exoerience. Ukraine have a medicore postal system, but I always get the packages. Ukraina is more western orientated than the russians. The Russian postal is the slowest of them all. Well, not the post, but the customs. You are never sure if your'e lucky or not. Sometimes you receive the package fairly quick, and other times it takes ages. But all packages has arrived. If you buy from any easter european vendors, you should do some research on the vendor before buying. Most are serious and want to do a decent job, while others try to take advantage of the situation. The problem I most often find, is a too optimistic description of the lens. From japan, I find the situation is the oposite. Lenses are always as good, or better than described.

[@josephguo6256]

I bought a B & L 16mm C mount for OMD10 with converter, but could not focus correctly.

[@zenography7923]

If the lens was in micro four third mount and set at the right distance from the sensor it has no choice but to focus - unless there's a fault in the lens, which sounds like it might be the case here.

[@josephguo6256]

@@zenography7923 I bought one and tested but failed. finally, returned to the sender.

[@TheIaindavidson]

FSU is a curious acronym. Former Soviet Union as apposed the any current Soviet Union? Good video, I have a fair few of these USSR lenses, largely your fault :)

[@zenography7923]

I hope you're enjoying those lenses - thanks for looking in!

[@julianjuellz]

HEEELP ZENO! my Pancolar looks nothing like the one in your video but my Pentacon does... and my Pancolar has a zebra look. is it as good?

[@zenography7923]

Yes, in fact, it might even be a bit better! As I understand it, the zebra lenses have thoriated glass which is radioactive, just like my Pentax Takumar 50mm 1.4! Thorium assists light transmission through the glass but was taken out of non-zebra models, so in theory the later lenses should be that bit less good!

[@julianjuellz]

@@zenography7923 thank you! I read something about that it was only produced that way up to a certain number and mine appears to be above, so not radioactive but I really would like to measure them all. One I know for sure is radioactive and I got it for 140 only! Konika 58mm f1.2🤓

[@okay1904]

Zenography, video ideas - compare Contax Carl Zeiss vs Carl Zeiss Jena vs Canon FD (or nFD) vs Nikkon, i.e key vintage brands in different focal lengths. starting with 50mm. So we can see from you point of view criteria such as Bokeh, Sharpness, Vignetting, Flare, Sunspots, Contrast. SO each video is about a specific focal length. You may need to go out there and shoot new images, ideally it would be nice to see each criteria demonstrated across different lenses, using the same composition shot at about the same time/day, to remove any natural light variances as much as possible. Most of us ideally use you as a resource to decide, what lenses we would like to buy. Providing a more objective presentation of the criteria you describe, would be more authentic than some of your personal descriptions, and would help to justify the opinions you have formed about these lenses. We like to be entertained, which is why we come to KZbin - far more fun than watching BBC or ITV (with their canned and politically correct documentaries on subjects that no one cares about or is too bored to bother changing the channel). So keeping the images fresh in each video, to avoid reusing things we have already seen, is key to retaining followership. Please do not buy any new lenses for our sake. We do not want you broke or busted. Use only what you already have.

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks for these comprehensive suggestions, much appreciated! I've really stressed the subjective, real world angle when it comes to lens tests but as you say, some shots of the same subject through different lenses might provide a clearer and more objective comparison.

[@sclogse1]

Speaking of dropping "motor oil" on a lens to free it up, I recommend sewing machine oil.

[@zenography7923]

I avoid using lighter oils in lenses - it might find its way onto the glass that bit more easily!

[@sclogse1]

@@zenography7923 That's very good advice.

[@alexshabotenko7228]

Interesting selection, not without a couple of hairs to split though. Pancolars and Zeiss-Jena are not FSU, strictly speaking. East Germany was not part of the Soviet Union. Also, buying Soviet lenses, you should be careful. because the manufacturing standards and culture was not, to put it kindly, the Soviets' forte. You may buy a gem, you may buy a brick. As for what I would like to see reviewed is 35-mm lenses, preferably, the more compact ones. Maybe I don't know where to look but they seem to be pretty scarce. Thank you

[@zenography7923]

I've not looked at too many 35s - I will try to correct that, thanks for the suggestion!

[@JoeBaloney]

What does FSU stand for?

[@michaelbuckley8986]

Former Soviet Union.

[@gunslingorgunslingorsadf8150]

Comment: Motor oil on a lens? Are you sure about that? That stuff is derived from 10 million year old decaying organic matter with very high impurities and high toxicity... you've got all kinds of heavy metals in that stuff, it isn't even unleaded like gasoline is. I would have expected an oil more designed for precision machines. Machine oil works well for big precise machines like CNCs, but I don't imagine even that would be appropriate for a fine lens. I would think synthetic is the way to go and I would have expected there to be real tailored oils available for lens, especially with all the recent improvements in material sciences. Question: I bought the Sony A7RivA recently, upgraded from my D800E... so resolution and sharpness is obviously very important to me; currently I only have the G Master 24-70mm lens by Sony. Are there classic lens you can recommend that would keep up with my Sony in terms of resolution and sharpness achievable? I need a something wider, 14-16mm prime, equal sharpness to my Sony... but I suspect things like color accuracy and much else will suffer on the older lens, since they were designed and built before modern computers. Trying to get a feel for how the best old lens would compare to what I have been using recently.

[@zenography7923]

Well, motor oil is one of the finest oils available, made to withstand very large loads without breaking down. It's also quite thick, and one or two drops on a sticky focussing helix will free it up nicely and re-constitute the original grease. A full stripdown and re-lube is a different matter, appropriate lens grease should be used in that event. The sharpest vintage lenses I've shot with are the Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolars - there are 50mm and 80mm versions and both are extraordinarily sharp. The 80mm is a bit pricey though!

[@sweettrips7674]

@@zenography7923 yeah on deeper thought, I don't think I see your motor oil reasoning as valid. Motor oil is designed for higher temperature operation than a lens environment... I suspect it's a big gamble long term, like putting regular water in a car battery or cleaning your lens with your shirt. I think motor oil starts to separate if its sitting, some microscopic organisms will eat it. If it were me, even if they have an ideal oil today, I would pretty try to find out what each lens used during manufacturing and replicate... undoubtedly it has changed through the years... but I could be wrong, maybe my g series sony lens uses recycled motor oil 😄.

[@davidiskandaryan6755]

Pls add chapter to all your videos.

[@subbbass]

thanx for the video, but lenses from the GDR (East Germany) are not FSU. Carl Zeiss Jena (or Meyer Görlitz etc.) are the originals. The russian industry copied them.

[@zenography7923]

Well, they were made in great numbers by the former Eastern Bloc photographic industry, so in that sense they are FSU. I take your point though, that some designs (though I don't think all) pre-dated the post war political changes in East Germany. Thanks for watching!

[@subbbass]

@@zenography7923 with all respect, i disagree. the definition FSU is former soviet union. although East Germany was a part of the Eastern Bloc, it was not part of the soviet union. And that is not only a question of title or definition. back in the days - If you would ask anyone in the former east bloc if they prefer a product coming from east germany or from the soviet union. I think almost everybody would choose the east german product. A lot of tradition and craftsmanship continued after WW2 in the GDR. Also in Dresden, where Pentacon was located originally. Saying east germany is the same as FSU would be like China or vietnam is the same as japan today, "all cheap asian stuff".

[@jays.8621]

@@subbbass With respect this is getting into the realms of pedantry. Your last sentence is putting words in his mouth and is unfair. This is not a geopolitical history video and any reasonable person knows that the implication here is effectively Warsaw Pact/Eastern bloc countries. If there were Romanian or Yugoslavian lenses in this video would we need to call it '16 FANTASTIC Former GDR (or more accurately DDR), FSU (or CCCP), SRR, SFRY vintage Lenses...." for the sake of complete accuracy? A bit of a mouthful, don't you think? Also your example implies some kind of disdain for the DDR product by associating it with FSU lenses, but as far as I can tell this channel champions the Pancolar!

[@subbbass]

@@jays.8621 I don't think it's pedantry to make a difference between origins and copy (or further developments from copies). It's simply not accurate. @zenography very often refers to the history and the origins of lenses. In that sence I wanted to point out THE REASON why east german lenses are so good: because they are in a straight line of R&D from Carl Zeiss founding the company in 1846 IN JENA. It's not western lenses compared to eastern lenses. It's originals (in the original factory with some of the pre-war employees) vs. copies or further developments (also in western Carl Zeiss company after germany was devided). The FSU was a country of agriculture when germany had a long history of developed industry and sience in this field. We can let the history aside or stay with the real facts in a discussion (IMHO). (By the way: some of the latest pentacon lenses were made in Romania and Yugoslavia was never part of the Warsaw Pact/Eastern bloc. "(or more accurately DDR)" it's not more accurately it's just german vs. english translation (that's pedantry ;-) I was born and raised in the former GDR and traveled through the east bloc. Everybody in the Eastern bloc knew the difference in quality of USSR vs. GDR products of any kind. That's why it makes sense to call these lenses what they are. I am truly grateful for the amount of information and entertainment from this channel and it helped me to make a lot of buying decision. Thank you @zenography!

[@jays.8621]

@@subbbass This is clearly an example of the level of German precision that made the lenses so great!

[@ttikki]

Helios 40 is NOT sonnar design but Biotar instead Nigel ! Shame on you ;)

[@zenography7923]

You're right of course, apologies for the error!

[@andriussarapinas4434]

Hello! Could you please give me your email? I want to send you a picture of a lens. Maybe you will be able to recognize it.

[@zenography7923]

Sure, you can contact me at [e-mail]