Bessa-L Russian Lenses

Lazzaros · Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Posts: 975

I'm thinking buying some russian M39 lenses to my bessa-L but I know some of them couldn't work in it.

I bought an Helios multifinder to use some cheaper lenses because my Heliar was a bit expensive.

Wich one could I use (or couldn't use) in my bessa-L that could be good investiment?

Any focal lenght.

Many thanks[/quote]

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

All lens must work what is not goes deep into body like Jupiter-12.

I think Jupiter-3,8,9,11 will works without any trouble.

F16SUNSHINE · Expire: 2011-11-18

The J12 will be a problem. It is an excellent lens but, has a very deep rear element that will interfere with the metering diode of the Bessa L.
There are other less common and more expensive M39 Russians that may have trouble as well.
The Russar20 is one I have read is troublesome. It is getting quite expensive these days. A CV 20 may be a better option (it comes with an excellent VF).

That multi-finder will take some getting accustomed to. I have abandoned mine for dedicated finders from CV and Zeiss.

If I can suggest. Try taking a J3 and see how it goes before buying a full complement of lenses for your Bessa L.
The Bessa L was really intended more for wide angle lenses. At this point I only use mine with 15, 20, and 25mm lenses.
Better to have a RF body for longer 35,50, and 80mm lenses (longer than 80 is no use to me on RF).

There are lots of cheap m39 RF bodies to cut your teeth on Smile

Lazzaros · Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Posts: 975

I'll try a cheap russian lens with my helios finder and try to get used to them.

I bought Heliar 15mm with viewfinder too.

I have to see some cheap RF for my portraits.

What do you recommend?

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

Lazzaros · Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Posts: 975

Last question was about an RF body (if bessa-l is better with wide angles...) Smile

I'll try to see that lens too.

F16SUNSHINE · Expire: 2011-11-18

J9 is great. I have a later black one in m39.
Honestly I never use it. The Sonnar 2/80 is first in this FL for me.

CZ Opton 2/80 Sonnar wide open

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

Sonnar sound always good! Beautiful capture! Perspective so excellent!

F16SUNSHINE · Expire: 2011-11-18

Thanks Attila
This shot is relatively low resolution with the RD1.
The Sonnar on Sensia just jumps with life and beautiful quiet Bokeh as this shot shows.

Lazzaros · Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Posts: 975

amazing performance.

Yesterday I saw some Nokton 35/1.2 pictures Shocked

Amazing lens too.

Lazzaros · Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Posts: 975

I can use this one Click here to see on Ebay in my bessa-L right?

Smile

F16SUNSHINE · Expire: 2011-11-18

That is an excellent lens and VF. Especially for B+W use.
This price would be a nice deal also but for the separation in the rear element.
Take a pass here.

There is a Flikr group for these old canon RF lenses if I remember correctly.
All are excellent.

I have a 2/85 that is actually a Planar variant.
The IQ is excellent. My copy has 15 blades. I think the sharpness/Bokeh at f4 are superb for most any use.
This lens can be found cheap. It is an excellent alternative to the J9 as the bokeh is nicer (no ugly double lines in the highlights as the J9 has).

Here is a thread. Scroll down for a few samples.

http://forum.mflenses.com/canon-2-85-m39-t10794.html

Lazzaros · Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Posts: 975

It looks amazing Shocked

I really like the bokeh.

If I'm not wrong mu Helios Multifinder has 85mm view too.
I know I haven't paralxe correction but with time I get used to it.

I'll practise I'm sure hehe.

I'd like to try a new kind of portraits. Using film to it. I have a DSLR a Medium Format and now an "almost" RF.

Even with my Heliar 15mm (comming with another Bessa-L) I'll try to get some nice portraits.

Could you please explain me why everyone tell that Bessa-L isn't good to FL above 25mm? If I use a 50mm or 85mm in it will I have problems of any kind?