Jupiter LTM-lenses to Leica-standard calibration (Europe)

Sjak · Joined: 29 Sep 2017 Posts: 696

Having picked up my M8 last week, I did a few quick snaps with my 1952-vintage Jupiter-3.

The rendering is of course beautiful on the M8 too. But as expected, the calibration for the rangefinder is slightly off due to a different rangefinder-standard used on FED & Zorki's compared to Leica's. This makes focusing at f/1.5 particularly challenging, especially for a RF-novice like myself.

I know of someone in the US who can do this. But I was wondering if someone knows a reputable address in Europe for this adjustment, and a general cleaning and lubrication? This would prevent delays due to overseas shipping and customs.

It's not super-urgent, as in the meantime I have other lenses to play with... but the J-3 is a favorite so would love to have it properly adjusted to Leica-spec Smile

dickb · Joined: 04 Apr 2008 Posts: 821

Not that I have ever asked him about rangefinder adjustments, but my first guess would be Will van Manen, http://www.kamera-service.info. He does advertise his expertise in adjusting the rangefinder on Leica cameras, maybe he can adjust the lenses to such a spec as well.

Sjak · Joined: 29 Sep 2017 Posts: 696

Thanks so much Like 1 small

That's actually not far at all, so if he does this work, no need for shipping Smile

I'll give him a call in the morning.

Also noticed he can do a few things for my 'cron-40 (so that it gives more appropriate framelines, and maybe even 6-bit-coding)

If others here have different suggestions, please post of course, it's always better to have more options Wink

Sjak · Joined: 29 Sep 2017 Posts: 696

Small update: I found one of my trusted Ukrainian addresses also started doing some Leica-calibration on J3 & J8. Due to shipping, on a J8 it is not cost-effective to ship it back & forth so simply ordered one already done (which is still much cheaper than the labour in Western Europe)

If and when he has time, he is willing to do my J3 for a relatively modest fee.

dickb · Joined: 04 Apr 2008 Posts: 821

Sjak · Joined: 29 Sep 2017 Posts: 696

Currently he has no time, so it's not of much use right now. And for that reason also not very helpful towards him to post his details.

I will update though when I have news from him Smile

Sjak · Joined: 29 Sep 2017 Posts: 696

The adjusted Jupiter-8 came in today.

Here the first few test-shots. Hasty and boring shots but wanted to try it out immediately.

1 @ f/2.8, the other at f/8.

Due to awesome weather, no desire to waste time at the pc fiddling in post, so SOOC-jpgs.

The most critical part, shooting at closer distances with a wider aperture, seems to work great.

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kds315* · Expire: 2021-03-09

kds315* · Expire: 2021-03-09

Sjak · Joined: 29 Sep 2017 Posts: 696

Thanks Klaus!

I'm very happy with this package. I knew the J-8 is a good lens, but it's been a while since I used one... and now adjusted for Leica... a really sweet package! And this is a 1986-vintage so with much better coatings than the older versions I've used so far.. much more forgiving on flare and ghosting.

Can't wait to give it a thorough spin soon!

Musashichan · Joined: 18 Nov 2015 Posts: 96

i'd really like to know how the job is done, can you check if it's done with thin shims and not by grinding the rear part of the lens ?

Sjak · Joined: 29 Sep 2017 Posts: 696

I've searched quite a few online links, it seems shimming is the way to go.

Today, I was on a small trip, and took the M8&J8 with me. It does work really well, now a matter of getting familiar with the combination.

Sjak · Joined: 29 Sep 2017 Posts: 696

Another update on this one... I had my 1952 Jupiter-3 CLA's and calibrated to Leica standard. I received it back earlier this week.

Today first time to play with it. Even at f/1.5 it's possible to get correct focus at portrait distance.

For now, 1 test shot, at f/8 or so. Somehow, I had forgotten I had left the Monochrom on ISO 3200 last time I used it, so pics are a bit gritty... well in this case it saved me the trouble of adding grain in post Wink

Sjak · Joined: 29 Sep 2017 Posts: 696

The obligatory bokeh-test Thank You Dog

(camera jpg)

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