My Five Best Russian Rangefinder Lenses For Mirrorless Cameras

[@peterbnelson]

time 1:19 Fed-10 50mm f/3.5 (collapsible) time 4:59 Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 time 8:19 Industar-61 50mm f/2.8 time 11:27 Industar-22 50mm f/3.5 (collapsible) time 14:15 Industar-50 50mm f/3.5 (non-collapsible, but collapsible versions exist)

[@zenography7923]

Thanks Peter!

[@peterbnelson]

@@zenography7923 Thank *you*! Based on your enthusiastic reviews I just orderd a set of three Russians lenses for my new Fujifilm X-E3: a Fed-10 (1935!), a Jupiter-8 (zebra!) and a Helios 44 (silver 1965!). These will be a real change from my Takumars - a triple dose of fun and style at very low cost.

[@gregorypease213]

As a result of this video, and a couple of your others, I added the Industar-50 to my collection - two of them, in fact, one silver, and a later black one. I found the SLR versions for bargain basement prices, and they are, as you mention, absolutely outstanding. One advantage of the SLR version is that I am able to mount it on an M42 to M4/3 adapter with its own helicoid, basically an adjustable extension tube, allowing remarkably close focus. It's a cracker of a lens, and one of my absolute faves. Thank you agani for doing what you do!

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed the video! The Industar is a great little lens; as for the close focus adaptor I have something similar arriving I hope soon, to be featured in a video. Can't wait to try it!

[@philhodgkinson1460]

One comment you made about FED 10 took me back to my childhood when my first camera was a Kodak Brownie 127...as my Dad would say... and he was never a photographer... keep your back to the sun. ... my how times have changed.....

[@cesarcay]

Cause of you I will pick up the Jupiter 8 for my fuji camera... Thank you, great video, I'm happy I found your channel

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you're enjoying the channel - and the Jupiter 8!

[@pedromeza2398]

So now I am a Zenographer and given that I own five old Russian cameras, I am a true Zeno.

[@zenography7923]

Welcome aboard!

[@akgrs83]

Thank you for another great video. I've put a rubber o-ring on the cylinder of my collapsable Elmar. It just costs you a few pennies and you can collapse your lens without damaging the sensor.

[@NirnBootMod]

Do you have a link to buy one? Also do you know the exact mount adapter I would need for EOS M APS-C and is there a Speedbooster for this mount? Thanks

[@akgrs83]

Here is a link just to show you what I mean. There are many shops where you can buy them in different sizes. www.amazon.com/Assortment-HongWay-Professional-Plumbing-Connections/dp/B07WRF9YYC/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=rubber+o+ring&qid=1590068752&sr=8-7

[@NirnBootMod]

@@akgrs83 Thank you

[@jeghedderhenrik]

i have seen this cosy and lovely video seveal times. and everytime i end with a ,,thank you Nigel,, and go straight to my collection of lenses, to pick them up

[@alanread6596]

These lenses are superb I have all of them and the collapsible industar 50 50mm 3.5.,,also the industar 26 50mm 2.8. Started collecting them after seeing your great video's.

[@zenography7923]

Hope you're enjoying those lenses! Thanks for watching.

[@BaddaBigBoom]

Hi, I have (or rather "had") an Industar 26 up until a couple of days ago, I couldn't get on with it at all then I discovered the wonderful Lomo T-43 (from a Lomo Smena camera) so I pulled the guts out of the Industar and glued the business end of the Lomo into the main body/focussing part of the Industar. The result is fantastic. If you are ok with pulling lenses apart I highly recommend having a go at this, it's very rewarding as the Lomo lens is a classic "Cooke triplet" design that produces unique and surprisingly sharp pictures. Please ask if you're interested and I'll send you some links.

[@sergeantcrow]

Have to stay away from eBay so jumped to Industar 50 f3.5 which I have....Glad to see how much Zenography likes it...

[@zenography7923]

It's a cool little lens!

[@cafeglobulot]

Thanks for the elastic bracelet around the FED 50mm barrel/digital camera tip.

[@jieelyuu]

Just bought an Industar 22 and an Industar 50. Excited to try them on my IIIc!

[@villemononen5303]

Well done! That's how i feel about modern lenses also. I've had many modern lenses and they are good. Wide-angle, autofocus, clear sharp pictures, compact etc. But the look is often clinical, soulless... Most of the vintage lenses give soul and uniqueness to the pictures, bokeh, feel and color rendition vary much more. Plus they are much more pleasant to handle, the durability and the manual focusing experience... Often cheap and easy to experiment with, something new to discover. Regarding the collapsible lenses; i hope no sensors get damaged. But even if some do (for whatever reason), most sensors outer layer is the IR/UV blocker, so even if the sensor would get scracthed, you could still turn it to an IR/UV/Fullspectrum camera by removing the scratched outer layer. Which in itself is a special world of photography. Many of my favorite macro shots are with the Industar-61 L/D + extension tube. Since then i've got a few vintage macro lenses, and they are sharper than Industar-61 for macro and more conveninent. Still, it can render some truly amazing pictures, with great feel to them. Just don't expect the most critical shaprness, and there's a good chance you'll be amazed by it, if you give it a chance. It looks great on a small camera, it's a tiny adorable lens, and the M39 adapter is slim. Nice lenses from my experience, and the normal pictures are often quite nice too.

[@zenography7923]

I've long been a fan of the Industar 61 - it was my only lens when learning photography with my Fed 4, and I love what it does on digital too. A great little optic, and I don't know of many cheaper lenses! Enjoy.

[@calebginsberg5224]

I’m not sure why, but the intro strikes deep fear into my soul. Great video!

[@zenography7923]

There is nothing to fear but fear itself... glad you liked the video!

[@paulleith1190]

Thanks so much for putting this video together, as it's been immensely helpful to understand the differences and nuances between the various lenses for my Zorki. Great work as always, and very insightful, thanks ! 🤩 Paul

[@sarmatiko]

Thank you for the video! This inspired me to try some of the old lenses (Jupiter 9, Jupiter 11, Industar 50 and 61L\Z, Mir 1, Helios 44 Zebra) that my grandfather used on his cameras on some new mirrorless base (I'll probably pick something like NEX 5 or 3N as a base). Needless to say you can still pick lenses like Industar 61 L\D, Industar 26M or Industar 69 for like 5-10$ with their original camera here in Ukraine - no shortage of those anytime soon.

[@jameswang9257]

Thanks for sharing all this great information. I'm looking forward to a review of the Russar MP-2 20mm f5.6. Not many (only a single one) reviews can be found on KZbin.

[@markturner5759]

Excellent. Really enjoyable stuff. Love all of these with my A7 - having particular fun with my 1938 vintage Fed 10 at the moment, but the Jupiter 8 remains my favourite.

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@iainsmall7701]

I’ve just acquired an Industar 50 rigid to use with an M10 mono . What a superb lens, very sharp with good contrast. 3.5 works well. Stunning !

[@beamontano3483]

I’m also planning to buy an Industar 50 & I also have a Canon EOS M10!! I’d love to see sample shots!

[@greatone777j]

Taken some of my best photos with the Jupiter 8 on my Zorki 4K. Also my Zenit with the Helios 44 was outstanding. Waiting for my Kiev 4AM with Helios 103 to arrive from Ukraine. Your photos are beautiful and compliment you restful and hypnotising narrative. Thank you.

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, very glad you enjoyed it!

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Useful as always! Superb as always. I use Jupiter 3 from 1951, Jupiter 11 from 1953 and Industar 22 from 1954 on my GF1 and GX7 (2 of each). Love the results. Regards Ulf

[@zenography7923]

These Russian lenses really are quite something, glad you're enjoying yours! Thanks for watching.

[@brianmccutcheon3205]

This is about my third time around watching this video and still enjoy it. Thank you

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you're enjoying it!

[@dranrebnor]

Very good review and soothing voice! It made me very relaxed while listening and watching.

[@zenography7923]

That's great, glad you enjoyed it!

[@MONGIE30]

Love your channel! I have got a Sony A7 coming this week. Managed to get a near mint one with low usage for a good price and got some vintage m42 lenses to test out. A wonderful Carl Ziess Jena 135mm low serial number, and varous other m42's which I got in a job lot for £33. Will see how they go before I try more lenses. I love the vintage look. Already searching Ebay and second hand shops. Noticed some the prices have gone up quite a bit over the last few years, although bargains can still be found. Got the adapter already.

[@Magnetron692]

Hi Nigel, thanks for this review you put a lot of effort into! Have a nice day, Ralf

[@milkyway6080]

The Industar 50-2 is the one I got, mine is black. But my J8 is the more classic, silver one. The Industar 50 looks nice in black, better than the silver version in my opinion. It's the same as the pancake M42 version, just for rangefinder cameras. Fun, sharp lenses with great colors

[@zenography7923]

Fun is the word with these - enjoy!

[@robhosailor]

Hello, Thank you for another very interesting presentation. In my collection I have several Soviet rangefinder cameras with lenses. I really like using Zorki S (1956) with the Industar-22 lens. My Jupiter-8 from 1966 (Zorki-4) year has a tiny bubble of air in the center of the front lens and draws a bit more softly. Similarly good to others from this shelf is my Industar-26M and FED-2 camera from 1959. Under the influence of your video blog, I am now testing Industar-61 "Zebra" - I expect equally good results. Greetings from Poland

[@zenography7923]

Hi, glad you enjoyed the video! Soviet lenses often did contain tiny bubbles; in the instruction manual supplied with the cameras this was stated, with a note that it would not affect image quality. Hope you're enjoying the Industar, it's a lovely little lens!

[@Русский-з9о]

Привет из Санкт Петербурга! Очень радостно, что советские объективы пользуются такой популярностью за рубежом. Маленький нюанс - сравнивать Индустар и Юпитер можно, но картинки они рисуют совершенно разные. Индустар, он же Тессар, имеет очень резкую, репортажную картинку, хорошего портрета с него сделать не получится. Портрет будет, как говорят - дерматологическим. Все дефекты лица будут показаны. Для портрета превосходен Юпитер 8, он же Зоннар. Мягкая, шикарная картинка, объёмный портрет без мелких подробностей, исключительно впечатляющее, Зоннаровское боке! Любимый мной объектив!

[@BaddaBigBoom]

Great review. I have four of your five lenses. It was by sheer serendipity that I discovered how much of a lower profile rangefinder lenses have when adapted to mirrorless bodies. I have a sizeable collection of old manual SLR lenses and one of my gripes is how much thicker the adapter is than for rangefinder lenses. Sure, I will still use my Takumars, Helios lenses and a couple of vintage zooms, but the much lower profile that the 10mm thick adapter adds, coupled with the petiteness of the actual lenses makes the whole experiece of using them much more convenient. Of all of these, I prefer the Jupiter 8 but tbh I more often than not go out with my 35mm Summaron, especially when doing street photography.

[@zenography7923]

Rangefinder lenses are great on mirrorless, small size and small adaptor too! I do like the J8 very much, but I think the Summitar trumps it!

[@Русский-з9о]

Насчёт Юпитера 8 Вы не ошиблись! Шикарное стекло! Потрясающая картинка, цветопередача, очаровательное, Зоннаровское боке!

[@BaddaBigBoom]

@@Русский-з9о Nice, I have two Jupiter 8s

[@kasimirmaser99]

I love this video. Your KZbin work just keeps getting better and better. I recently acquired a Sony α7, and I'm using it with legacy glass exclusively. These Russian lenses look like great ones for me to look out for. Thank you so much for this video and your channel. Cheers from the USA!

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@kasimirmaser99]

@@zenography7923 You're most welcome!

[@bvz75]

Industar 61 - not a russian lens, read some thing about before tell to people. The Industar 61 was produced at the FED factory in Kharkov, Ukraine. It is a "normal" lens for M39 (Leica screw mount) and M42 (Pentax screw mount), with a focal length from 52-55mm, depending on the production run. It has four elements in three groups and the six-blade iris provides a range of apertures from f/2.8 to f/22. It is commonly found on rangefinders made by FED and Zorki. Its brand name Industar refers to the class of similar 4-element/3-group lens constructions of the whole soviet photo-optical industry. The Industar 61 L/D is possibly the most highly regarded lens for Ukrainian Leica copies apart from the 35mm Jupiter-12. In an L/D or L/Z version of this lens, the L indicates that the lens has Lanthanum - which is not radioactive - in it, and D indicates M39 mount while Z indicates M42 mount. Most examples are multi-coated and are marked as such with MC. Some Industar 61 L/Z bear the logo of LZOS, probably having been made by that company.

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks for the information, you are very well informed on these lenses. And you're right, the Industars are of course Ukranian, rather than Russian as such. The Industars I've used have all been very fine lenses, and I continue to use them today. Thanks again for the info, and thanks for watching!

[@bvz75]

@@zenography7923 😉 This lens cheap, and on it costs are very good, but not the best especially if you can bay the original one Carl Zeiss Tessar optics. But Industar 61-l has one interesting feature, it's a Lanthanum in the glass.

[@osliverpool]

Great stuff, those are lovely lenses. On the later black J-8s and people saying they're lower quality, there were certainly rumours of poor quality control in the later years. I've had a number of J-8s over the years (used on film rangefinders) and I had variations in mechanical tolerance and accuracy in the late ones - mount distance, rangefinder cam, so focusing wasn't always accurate. I suspect that might the reason quality is thought to be suspect, but I didn't have any problems with the actual optics. When you get a late J-8 that's assembled correctly, it's one of the nicest 50s ever, in my opinion. And, of course, mechanical focus coupling accuracy isn't relevant on digital with focus peaking.

[@zenography7923]

That's interesting, I guess any problems may show up less on digital... lovely lens though. Thanks for watching.

[@BaddaBigBoom]

Two more lenses with M39 rangefinder mounts: the Industar 69 ..which is great fun to use esp if you remove the limiter posts to get closer focus. Also the Jupiter 11 135mm F4 which is very sharp. I use a helicoid mount for my rangefinder lenses so minimum focus is much closer and infinity still ok.

[@zenography7923]

Haven't tried the Industar 69 yet, though I hear it's a lot of fun! The J11 though is one of my favourites, a lovely lens.

[@LeendertCordemans]

Great review again. Well done. Those lenses are great and fine to use. The are indeed cheap. But now the lomografy is coming back becomes the price higher, because everyone want's them.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks Leendert, glad you enjoyed it! There are still cheap lenses to be had if you have patience and look carefully...

[@tplyons5459]

The Industar-61 camer in 3 versions. The first was all silver looking much like an I-26. To avoid this they made some of the rings black plus as you said used the radio active glass. This version is commonly called "the Panda" and you covered the all black LD

[@derekholmes1302]

Excellent video. I have many of these Soviet lenses and must use them more on my Russian rangafinders The Jupiter 8 lens I find produces superb images on film! It would be be interesting to compare the industar 50-2 in m42 mount! Thanks for your wonderful videos!!! Derek

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks Derek, glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@philhodgkinson1460]

What you were inferring about i26 zebra being the same as the i26 L/D with Lanthamum glass in both.. of course the newer one would only have 6 diaphragm blades.. and I do like having 10 diaphragm blades helps with bubbles on the Bokeh I would say.. Cheers again Nigel for all you do terrif ta mate....

[@CarmineTavernaPhotography]

Another wonderful, fact filled fun video, thank you mate, happy new year 2024,,cheers

[@MichaelRusso]

The Jupiter 8 is fine lens, you just need to step back to take a photo of something close up but the color fidelity is very nice.

[@zenography7923]

It's one of my favourites, no doubt about it!

[@colnagocowboy]

A cautionary tale for anyone hunting older lenese. While browsing for m39 mount lenses for my Zorki 4. I stumbled across an amazing Schneider 135mm f/4.0 for just $24. US

[@philhodgkinson1460]

Very good video as usual I think I have all of these lenses but not the FED 10 I don't shoot mirrorless for now...

[@markusklein6309]

Phantastic lecture, thank you!

[@zenography7923]

You're most welcome, glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jemwolf1]

Industar 22 & Jupiter 8

[@MelmacAlienLifeForm]

Very poetic, deep and precise. Though, as a Russian I should be proud but to be honest, they are Soviet lenses. Russia was a peasant not industrial country. Soviets managed to build industry in a very short term, through the inspiration and hard labour, despite devastating wars and famines. Soviet Union was a country of many nations. Modern capitalist Russia has nothing to offer.

[@movienarka]

Enjoyed! Excellent presentation! Thank you! Subscribed.

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it - and thanks for subscribing too!

[@АлександрЖуков-ъ1е]

At motherland those lenses are more cheeper the you think. I bought in Kharkov from hands a Industar 61 L/D with a FED-5 for 50 griven (2 USD) XD And my brother have a huge collection of soviet cameras, something like 50 units, including wide formst cameras and even Photosniper FS-12 with Tair-3S (this is very nice lens, it creates a creamy bokeh even with max aperture 4.5). All collection with cameras and lenses cost him something like 150-200 USD. I can't wait a moment when I will get home with my "new" camera and try all of those lenses))

[@zenography7923]

Oh, you're so lucky!

[@ronburgundy5335]

well, that's a good video and very informative ! i have a question, concerning the choice of an adapter to use on olympus pen epl 1, with these lenses. Can you tell me what should i choose ?

[@ArminHirmer]

got the Industar 61 and it works like a charm with a M39 adaptor on my Sigma FPL. The Helios 44 with M39 instead, does not work. Needed a step up ring and the large m42 adaptor, which is unpleasant. have still a Fed 10 uncoated and a fed 22 on the way. Lets hope that they will work

[@zenography7923]

I would think if the 61 works nicely, the 10 and 22 should do likewise. Good luck, and thanks for looking in!

[@anbar5675]

I had all the above lenses, but today only one. The Ιndustar-50 f3,5 which is the best for my taste.

[@zenography7923]

A very nice lens!

[@michaelm1]

Just got Jupiter 8. Now that lens does have a character. The bokeh rendering is quite unique. And it can do some very unique flares when used against light. Thank you so much!

[@zenography7923]

You're welcome, hope you're enjoying that Jupiter!

[@michaelm1]

@@zenography7923 I do, absolutely!

[@NorthWoodsCountryBoy]

Great video! I just bought a Zorki 4K with the Industar 50, 61, and a Jupiter 8, all from Ukraine. Looking forward to getting out and doing some shooting with them! Gonna try them out on my Fujifilm X-T3 as well.

[@zenography7923]

Enjoy!

[@suongle7591]

Hi, can you tell me which adapters do I need to get? My M42 mount seem a bit big for those lens and I couldn't find info anywhere. Thanks

[@tenylegnincsevem]

@@suongle7591 isn't these m39 lenses?

[@Русский-з9о]

@@suongle7591 Байонет м42 обычно используют на зеркальных камерах. Боюсь, что эти объективы к Вашей камере не подойдут из за другого рабочего отрезка. На м42 подходят Гелиос, Индустар 50-2, Индустар 61лз и многие для зеркальных камер.

[@vladimirs5029]

Great video... I will look for this lenses...

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@mickywes3733]

You can add Jupiter 3 Jupiter 9 Helios 44/2 All really good.

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Thank You for another very enjoyable and interesting video. I share your fondness for early Russian lenses. Use them on Mft. Regards Ulf

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@boutrosboutrosboutrosboutros]

Glad you mentioned MFT. its my format of choice. so there is a crop factor i imagine? and do these lenses normally come with converters? thanks

[@Bill-NM]

Thank you for an excellent video. How about a 35mm recommendation?

[@muatao9943]

I recently purchased the Industar 22 50mm f3.5. Can you tell me which adapter I need foe my Fujifilm XT1? I'm not sure if it is the M42 or M 39 to X mount. Thank you!!

[@paolomesseca8679]

It's really very interesting the information you are sharing about Russian optics. A book about Zeiss history states that there is a big quality difference between lenses produced in URSS in the first years after WWII (when russians could use German produced glass), and later production. What is your opinion about? Thanks

[@zenography7923]

I've heard that the immediate post war Russian lenses were rather nicer because of German glass elements, and that may well be true - it's hard to say as I haven't tried any of them. However I can say that Jupiter and Helios lenses from the mid 50s are outstanding, and it's hard to see how the same lens with German glass could be very much better...

[@paolomesseca8679]

@@zenography7923 thank you Very much for your reply

[@terciopelonegroprensalibre8394]

Excelente reseña, muchas gracias por compartir, saludos.

[@zenography7923]

No hay problema, amigo, me alegro de que lo hayas disfrutado, ¡gracias por mirar!

[@mikhailshafeev9384]

Hi. Have you tried Russian wide angles? Russar (20mm), Orion ( 28 mm) are the best. And Jupiter 12 ( 35 mm) is not bad either .

[@MrBrentknoll]

Do you have a patron link? I'd love to donate. Please do more of these very educational vids!

[@zenography7923]

I'll have a patreon link up very soon, it should be up this week in fact! Very glad you're enjoying the channel, and many thanks!

[@AD98.]

I need some help. Found a collapsible industar-50 50mm 3.5. Wanting to use it on bmpcc 2016 camera I ordered a cheap chinese l39 to m43 adapter. But now with further research I am driven deeper into the rabbit hole of flange distances, mounts and Russian and German history. With all that I have read I now feel I have ordered the wrong adapter and the lens won't focus. Can anybody please guide me in the right direction? It would be much appreciated, thanks!

[@zenography7923]

The setup you describe should work fine on your BMPCC; the Industar 50 is a great little lens. A word of caution though - never collapse it when on your camera or it will probably hit the sensor. A rubber band or piece of electrical tape around the lens barrel will keep it extended. Sorry for the late reply, and thanks for watching!

[@markstorer7204]

Giving me some ideas.thanks 👍

[@zenography7923]

I'm glad to hear it, thanks for watching!

[@pasadenapsych44]

Great videos! Eating these up! But I'm torn. Adore the rendering of these lenses not sure the focal length on my m43 camera is that interesting, 100mm is not that appealing. Curious if you can recommend some in the 24-35mm focal length? With a speed booster you can get down to 35mm-e territory. Still very tempted.

[@pasadenapsych44]

I mean among the Russian lenses.

[@BaddaBigBoom]

Try the Industar 69 28mm F2.8 "pancake" that will equate to 56mm on M4/3 it's a bit soft round the edges but has bags of character.

[@pasadenapsych44]

@@BaddaBigBoom Thanks for the tip! I did end up getting a Helios and Industar 61. Adapting the m42 (focal reducing) adapter to m39 (for the Industar) proved challenging (I gave up after the second adapter thread mount thing), but just got a separate m39 adapter. These are keeping me occupied for the moment, but will look into the 69.

[@shirishpandey3503]

You've got me hooked to the subject of vintage lenses. I am sure that you are familiar with the saying that you are responsible for the person you save :) , so , may I request for some advice 1. Which of the 50 mm or even 40? mm would be the best buy - helios , Jupiter or industar for a Z6? 2. Recommendations for landscape/ street work ? Sorry for the trouble but the process of getting these lenses via Ebay in India is tedious and I really do wish to combine shipping costs . Thanks again and regards

[@zenography7923]

I think perhaps the Helios might be best to start with, it's very versatile and generally a nice little lens, with lots of swirly background, if that's your cup of tea! For street work I like a 40mm lens - the Konica Hexanon 40mm f1.8 is very nice, and cheap too. If you want to go wide the Pentax 28mm f3.5 is nice, as is the Olympus Zuiko 28mm f3.5. I hope that helps!

[@shirishpandey3503]

Thank you for sharing your recommendations, this makes my hunt much simpler

[@ave_sata]

These are soviet, not rusaian

[@sai4aika]

Same

[@NirnBootMod]

How can I tell if the "Fed 10 50mm f3.5" is coated or not? I want the uncoated version for spirit photography. I guess the early 1930s version goes up to f/18, while the later coated version only goes up to f/16.

[@KajiRider1997]

I have the Fed-10 50mm f/3.5 and Its blurry no matter what I did, I eventually screw it on the wrong way and took out the stop screw so I can screw it out more. Turns out I'm missing like a centimetre off of the adapter? For close ups I almost screw the lens out of its fitting. Don't know how people get clear images with this lens tbh.

[@一陽来福-h7g]

great review！　＆　nice photo!!

[@drtnrao57]

O.k.we can add to mirrorless cameras also.Thanks.

[@TheMousePT]

Hi! Love your videos! I’m learning so much about these old cameras that i bought one FED 4 type A. It came with a 52mm 2.8 industar 61 lens and it works great. I was considering an industar 69 28mm pancake lens for some wide angle shots, do you recommend? Maybe other?? Kind regards

[@zenography7923]

The Industar 69 was made for half frame cameras, so its image circle won't cover the film completely; you'll get a circular effect as though looking through a porthole! The Orion 15 28mm (tested 5 videos ago - 'Vintage Oddities For The Old School Look) is one of the few wide options in FSU lenses, and they tend to be quite expensive; a cheaper option is the Jupiter 12 35mm at around £60-£80). There are lenses from other manufacturers (Leica, Canon etc), although they're likely to be quite expensive too. Remember that with the Fed you'll need an external viewfinder for any focal length other than 50mm.

[@Русский-з9о]

Здравствуйте! Полукадровый Индус 69 необходимо подработать по длине рабочего отрезка, но изначально, этот Тессар с пятью лепестками диафрагмы, не даёт впечатляющей картинки. Проще сказать, картинка с него неинтересная. Жёсткая. С некрасивыми пятиугольниками в зоне нерезкости. Лучшие показатели у Индустаров 26м, 61, 61лд. И переделывать не нужно, а ещё лучше - превосходный Зоннар Юпитер 8. Этот объектив - просто шикарная песня!

[@VanDanmark]

Interested in knowing your thoughts on the Jupiter 3. I've had one for years and have enjoyed it. I recently picked up a mint condition Jupiter 8 and hope to take it out and see what it can do.

[@Русский-з9о]

Вам очень повезло с приобретением Юпитер 8!!! На современных беззеркальных камерах, типа sony nex, через переходник он очень хорошо показал себя. В пересчёте на кроп 1.5, он превращается в отличный портретный объектив с фокусным расстоянием в 75 мм. Это очень хороший показатель! И ещё! Если Вы найдёте советские макрокольца на резьбу м39, Вы легко сможете делать великолепные макроснимки! Юпитер 8 рисует шикарную объёмную картинку с неповторимым, "масляным" боке! А портреты с этого стекла отличаются резкой мягкостью, Вам очень понравятся! И ещё... Индустаром портрет получить очень сложно. Картинка получается дерматологическая. Все дефекты кожи натурщицы будут видны. Юпитер лишён этих подробностей.

[@oOoMarty73oOo]

Fantastic! Thank you sir!

[@zenography7923]

And thank you!

[@hunting_gloves]

Great video. I would really appreciate if you could mention what adapters are needed on them all. For example I have Sony Emount.

[@zenography7923]

Cheap adaptors are all you need - to put an L39 mount lens (which these are) on an e mount body you'll need an L39 to e - mount adaptor.

[@bklynhubby]

Hello. Thanks for the video. I can't wait to start trying these kinds of lenses. With regards to lubrication, what would you use when servicing these lenses? Thanks!

[@zenography7923]

There's a special grease available for photographic lenses that's recommended, and in a total strip down and re-lube it would be best to use this. However, I always keep dismantling to a minimum - in the case of a lens with a sticky focusing helix for example, I often add just one or two very small drops of motor oil to the threads (never more) which reconstitutes the old grease to the point where it will give several more years of silky smooth service.

[@bklynhubby]

@@zenography7923 Thanks very much. Can you say the name of the special grease? Is a Helios 44m-6 58mm multil-coated from 1996 a good version of that lens?

[@enzosimonschitz7072]

thank you!!

[@metphmet]

I think the FED is a classical Tessar design and not an Elmar . The Elmar was designed not to fall under the Tessar patent..

[@zenography7923]

Yes, I've heard that too and opinion seems divided on this point. I guess the only way to tell would be to do a direct comparison...

[@metphmet]

Zenography the position of the diaphragm is different.

[@zenography7923]

@@metphmet You're right, it's different on the Industar 22, not sure about the Fed 10 though...

[@TristanColgate]

Quick question. Have you gad trouble mounting an industar 61 to a zorki-s? I have one that will mount fine on my zorki4, and my m43 ltm adapter, but one full mount on my zorki-s, it doesn't screw all the way on and the focus comes up short. Jupiter 8 and fed collapsible 50mm mount just fine.

[@zenography7923]

I've never experienced that - there must be something mechanical stopping it going on either in the thread or on the mount. Difficult to say without seeing it, but it should go on!

[@TristanColgate]

@@zenography7923 it is very strange. Two other lenses work with the S just fine,. but all 3 work on the 4k and m43 adapter without issues. The mount thread on the S looks fine, the thread on the industar looks like the quality control chap was having a day off.

[@olgaibanez2283]

Great video!!! Do they adapt to an old Leica III or a special adaptor ring is needed? THANKS!!

[@zenography7923]

Yes, these will all go straight onto your Leica iii and work fine!

[@olgaibanez2283]

@@zenography7923 Thanks a lot for the info!!

[@EslavaxD8]

Great video. Does the Fed 10 50mm lens fits a zorki 4? Thanks

[@zenography7923]

While the early, uncoated Fed 10 lenses will mount to your camera, they were matched to individual camera bodies at the factory, so may or may not work properly on your Zorki 4. Later, coated Fed 10 lenses (purple colour to the lens) were standardised and will work fine!

[@EslavaxD8]

@@zenography7923 thanks a lot!

[@breal6910]

Info needed please! I have the sony a6400. I purchased the jupiter 8, I have the step up ring for the lens but it does not work with any of the adapters I have for the sony. I noticed the jupiter 8 starts to focus correctly if you by hand move the lens away from the camera without an adapter. But no adapter gives the proper length for the lens to work. Which exact sony adapter works for this lens to work with the a 6400. Thanks So much!

[@zenography7923]

To use the Jupiter 8 on your Sony camera, you need an L39 to e - mount adaptor. Your lens should work fine with this, but please let me know if you have further problems!

[@breal6910]

@@zenography7923 thank you for reaching out. I really appreciate your time. Thank you sir.

[@juliovila8233]

So what is the difference between the LZ and LD other than two completely looking lenses ?

[@zenography7923]

The LZ is a macro lens, known for its unusual star shaped bokeh, the LD focusses to 3 feet (or 1 metre) only.

[@georgesmith3022]

what is your opinion about Industar mc 50mm f2.8 m42 ? I have also found INDUSTAR 50 F3.5 M42 but is different from yours, it is like pancake lens and it is made of plastic

[@zenography7923]

They're optically the same lenses as the L39 versions, but as they're made for SLRs they'll likely focus closer.

[@maxgrau9083]

Which lense at the sequence "leeves in the sommerwind" ? 2:02-2:22

[@zenography7923]

That was the 1936 uncoated Fed 10

[@ivanaplaninic798]

Hello, Thank you for very enjoyable and interesting presentation. I always enjoy watching your videos. I have a ZORKI-4k and JUPITER-8 lens and I adore it. I also want to buy one 35mm lens for my ZORKI. Which 35mm lens can you recommend it to me? Thank you very much! Best regards, Ivana

[@zenography7923]

Hi Ivana, glad you liked the video. The lens that first comes to mind is the Jupiter 12 35mm - it's not the cheapest Russian lens though, in the UK a good one sells for around £60 to £80. There are L39 wide angles from other manufacturers but they tend to be more expensive. Leica lenses will mount to your Zorki, and many of the lenses from the Canon rangefinders will mount too. Personally I would find a good J12 and enjoy it!

[@ivanaplaninic798]

Hi,Thank you very much for your answer. I always enjoy watching your videos and learning a lot from them. With joy, I can say that I ordered Jupiter-12, and I cannot wait to try it. Thanks again!

[@ivanaplaninic8728]

Hi ykaj02, I am also from Croatia. Glad to meet you.

[@maxbashyrov5785]

"Soviet industry", "Soviet lenses", not Russian. Some lenses are made in Ukrainian SSR.

[@zenography7923]

Apologies for the error.

[@ОлексійКоломієць-и5м]

Hi Zenography, if you want I also may supply you with a good example of Helios 44-4 lens (but I am interesting not in selling it, but if we can change?) Also I have Mir-1B (in black)

[@derekholmes1302]

It is often said by many forums that a Leitz Elmar collapsible 50mm 3.5 lens is hard to beat. Comparisons have been made by those who own both the Elmar + soviet/ Ukrainian collapsible industars I.e fed 50/10 , industar 22 + industar 50. It is said that a good copy of the Soviet clones are as good as or can even better the Leitz Elmar. Nigel , have you tested a later coated fed 10 ? Those fsu lens are superb quality + value for money. Derek

[@zenography7923]

Hi Derek, yes, I've looked at these comparison tests and the Russians do come out very well against the Leitz lenses. I haven't tried the later Fed 10 - I like the uncoated one so much I never got around to it! It would be interesting to test them against each other though. By the way, I hope your lenses got back to you safely, and thanks again for the loan!

[@derekholmes1302]

@@zenography7923 Hi Nigel- All lenses returned safely, thank you! I have a fed 10 coated version f stops 3.5 - 16 to send you for review. Please notify me of your email address. Derek

[@zenography7923]

Oh, that's wonderful, thanks! My email is [e-mail]

[@PolaBurrr]

hi , i know u can use the industar 61 lens with a sony e mount with an adpater , i have the ulanzi bof for my iphone 11and its a sony e mount ,, but will that work ? .. i read the industar 61 lens wont work with dslr's like my T3i ( even with an adapter ) it wont focus they say , so how about the DOF with my phone ? .. sorry if its a dumb question .. im pretty new to this .. thanks

[@zenography7923]

That Ulanzi is quite something isn't it? I didn't know about them before you mentioned them! However, to answer your question, you can adapt pretty much any vintage lens to the e-mount Ulanzi, but you'll also need the adaptor for that particular lens. So, if using an L39 lens (like your Industar), mount the Ulanzi to your phone, then mount an L39 to e-mount adaptor onto the Ulanzi, then put the lens on the front. If you're using an M42 lens, you'll need an M42 to e-mount adaptor on your Ulanzi, then put the lens on the front of that. Hope that helps!

[@PolaBurrr]

@@zenography7923 ok thanks

[@eddiec1945]

What camera do you use ?

[@roy5515]

Is there a reason for your never mentioning the use of a close focus adapter for these lens? I have got a Hawk's close focus adapter of Leica M mount lens to Sony E. Works great for me, and for the screw mount Leica threaded lens i use two adapters, and they worked great too. The Hawk's adapter is kind of expensive at around US$ 200, but its quality is great. I also use a cheap one that cost $20 and that one works well, with lesser built quality.

[@zenography7923]

I've often though about checking these adaptors out - I'll have a look at the Hawks. Thanks for the tip!

[@roy5515]

@@zenography7923 I use an LTM adapter for Leica drew mount and stack it with an M to Sony E. works well.

[@EnidAgnusDei]

Fantastic as ever. Have you ever tested an Industar 50mm f3.5 pancake lens at all? would love to know your thoughts on them, all the best.

[@alanread6596]

I have one of those it's not very good

[@alanread6596]

I have one of those it's not all that good

[@EnidAgnusDei]

@@alanread6596 I have one also, odd thing and very mixed feelings about it, but sometimes it gives amazing results. Cheers Alan, all the best.

[@zenography7923]

I haven't tried one yet, but would like to as soon as I can! I hear good things about this lens.

[@VanDanmark]

I own five or six Industar 50 and 50-2 pancake lenses in M42 mount (plus one M39 from my Zorkii). the M39 version is the same construction as the M42, except that the M39 has an integrated extension tube to achieve proper focus on rangefinder cameras. The results should be similar to the M39 reviewed here, however, they do seem to have a lot of image variation between the individual copies. My earliest silver Industar 50 is uncoated, so it renders the least contrast (it is also, confusingly, M39 - but it was made for the first Zenit SLR that had an M39 mount. A 39 - 42 step up ring and an M42 adapter is needed to use this version). these are inexpensive and fun to use, although they don't get much use now that I have a Jupiter 8 and a Jupiter 3.

[@theonicommittee8402]

Came across a Okaya Lord 5D recently. Looking to adapt to my a7ii. What adapter should I buy?

[@zenography7923]

I don't think you can easily adapt this lens. According to camerapedia, the Lord 4d and 5d are fixed lens cameras, so the lens isn't made to be removable. It could be done of course, but would require a lot of work. It's better to find a different lens.

[@bradmiller9993]

Ok I'll bite. Just ordered a couple of Industars. I'll report back someday!

[@zenography7923]

I find them pretty nice - hope you enjoy them!

[@andrewwilkin1923]

great video, use the jupiter 8, industar 22 and 61 on my Fed 2 &4 and zorki 4. Might consider a mirrorless camera as the lenses can't be used on a DSLR. Can the jupiter 12 be used on mirrorless?

[@weridpanthegeek]

it depends on the mount and the camera. I tried mine on my g85 (mft) but the way the lens mount connects to the sensor causes conflict. I have heard that it works on Sony A7 cameras might work on olympus or fuji but not sure

[@alanread6596]

I use them on my DSLR canon 20d with an adapter they work very well

[@andrewwilkin1923]

@@alanread6596 Hi Alan, didn't think these rangefinder lenses would work on a DSLR. Do they focus to infinity?

[@zenography7923]

The J12 is tricky, as its rear element protrudes into the back of the camera. I haven't tried mounting one on mirrorless, but the consensus seems to be that it's fine on the Sony A7 series, but can't be mounted on APS-C or M4/3 bodies.

[@pabloferrer1839]

Gracias.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks Pablo, glad you enjoyed it!

[@brauliomorrison]

A+

[@derekholmes4071]

Can these lenses be adapted for use with a DSLR camera? I hace a Canon 70D and would love to try the Imdustar 50mm

[@mikevanderheiden]

find a m39 adapter :)

[@zenography7923]

Yes, as Mike said, all you need is an L39 to Canon adaptor, readily available on ebay!

[@VanDanmark]

I realize your question was a year ago, but I have to clear this up - you can use the Industar 50 (or the later Industar 50-2) on your Canon if you get the M42 version, along with an M42-Canon EOS adapter, which are very cheap on ebay. DO NOT try to use the L39 / M39 "Long" version of this lens, it has an integrated extension tube for use on rangefinder cameras. The M42 version is correct for use on SLRs, such as Pentax and Canon (flange distance is incorrect for using the M42 on Nikon SLRs). NOTE: My silver Industar 50 is an early, uncoated version - it is also, confusingly, M39 - it was made for the first Zenit SLR that had an M39 mount. A 39 - 42 step up ring and an M42 adapter is needed to use this version. Hope this helps!

[@TheWarieh]

Good,

[@alangreen7862]

The minimum focusing distance of a lens is THE SAME when used on a m4/3 as it is on full frame. It' the laws of optics (trust me - I am an optical physicist).

[@zenography7923]

Agreed, it's exactly the same, the characteristics of the lens don't change. But on m4/3 the effective (note that word, 'effective') MFD is halved due to the sensor only 'looking' through the central portion of the lens.

[@hellochriis]

@@zenography7923 what does MFD stand for? So, should I only use vintage lenses on full frame dslm cameras?

[@Igoi666]

So I picked up a Jupiter and mine is very hazy. I'm actually unsure If this is normal. Based off your video it's not

[@zenography7923]

The Jupiter definitely shouldn't be hazy. It's one of the lower contrast lenses for sure, but the glass should be clean and clear.

[@borderlands6606]

My favourite Soviet lens by some distance is the Helios 103 50mm lens, as fitted to later Kiev rangefinder cameras. The problem is the camera is such a flaky design, that it's hard to find a reliable mount to do it justice. The Contax II is expensive and ancient, and the Kiev shutter defies the repair abilities of all but the most dedicated. In my opinion the Helios 103 is superior to the Jupiter and Industar while retaining bags of character.

[@zenography7923]

I've heard very good things about the Helios 103 - if only there was one in L39 mount!

[@naderqasemi9169]

how much is this

[@zenography7923]

These range in price from about £20 to about £60