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RAART
Joined: 10 Oct 2012
Posts: 497
Location: Oakville, ON, Canada
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 Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 7:25 am Post subject: Please advise which Russian lenses are best to purchase |
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RAART wrote:
I need advice which Russian lenses (Pentax M42 mount only) are best to get. Up to date I had only Industar 61 L/D which I used on m4/3 camera and I have obtained great results from it. While I did really liked that lens and how it performed I decided to get few other Russian beauties. They will be used on DSLR (APS-C sensor) therefore no LTM/RF/L39 lenses.
I was doing some research and ended only with this lens, which is on my list currently… Zenitar 50mm 1.7
At some point I saw some results of some other Zenitar here but wasn’t able to find it again and I remember that someone described as “Zenitar magic” and not sure which Zenitar it was...
Russian lenses (LBA syndrome infected) list:
1. Zenitar 50mm 1.7
2.
EDIT: Please add few words/comments why you like or prefer lens you are recommending. Samples are fine too. Thanks!
_________________
Camera: Pentax K3
FOR SALE:
Do you have Pentax-A or F or FA primes and like to trade?
Here is the list what I have to trade/sale:
Primes: - Kiron 28mm f2 (C/Y); Vivitar 28mm f2.5 Auto (FD); Minolta MD 50mm f2 (incl. adapter to m4/3); Miranda Auto 35mm f2.8 EC (incl. adapter to m4/3); Miranda Auto 135mm f2.8 EC (incl. adapter to m4/3);
Zoom Lenses:
Last edited by RAART on Tue Dec 31, 2013 10:54 am; edited 2 times in total |
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Oldhand
Joined: 01 Apr 2013
Posts: 5999
Location: Mid North Coast NSW - Australia
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| Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 7:49 am Post subject: |
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Oldhand wrote:
There will be lots of replies, I am sure.
I can only speak of those that I have used.
Definitely a Jupiter 11A or 37A - both are wonderful.
Mir-1 37mm f2.8 is very good.
OH |
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Aanything
Joined: 27 Aug 2011
Posts: 2187
Location: Piacenza, Italy
Expire: 2014-05-30
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| Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 8:10 am Post subject: |
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Aanything wrote:
The zenitar 50/1.7 is really good, one of my favorite 1.7/50's.
Other russian lenses I have and that I would recommend wholeheartedly are:
Mir 24 2/35
Mir 10a 3.5/28
Mir 20 3.5/20
Tair 11 2.8/135
Tair 3 4.5/300
Jupiter 9 2/85
Helios 77 1.8/50
Zenitar fisheye 2.8/16
Actually, all the Russian lenses I have had are to be recommended, especially when performance/price ratio is considered.
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eddieitman
Joined: 12 Apr 2011
Posts: 1246
Location: United Kingdom
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| Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 9:20 am Post subject: |
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eddieitman wrote:
Zenitar 1.7 is my favourite lens, and It is one of the finest 50mm i can think of, I love it for portraits wide open, and always seems to capture some magical images for me.
It was the lens i used for the first pictures of my newborn.
The thread you may be thinking of is this.
http://forum.mflenses.com/my-kmz-zenitar-m-50-1-7-t46493.html
I would recomend the Following apart from the Zenitar
Vega 12B (lovely lens great Bokeh gets forgoton often)
Tair 11a
Jupiter 11A or 37A ( I personally like the 11A more)
Helios 44 (Any of them) everybody must own one or 4 in my case
Jupiter 9 (preferably the silver M39 SLR version)
Mir 1B (A marmite lens love it or hate it)
The other Mirs AAnything recomended as well have seem some very good images from the moleman
His profile is http://forum.mflenses.com/profile,mode,viewprofile,u,310.html
Ifact he has a lot of Russian Lenses
_________________
My web site www.digital-darkroom.weebly.com
Life is like a camera. Focus on what's important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives and if things don't work out, just take another shot. |
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RAART
Joined: 10 Oct 2012
Posts: 497
Location: Oakville, ON, Canada
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| Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 9:31 am Post subject: |
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RAART wrote:
This is also a very nice thread but it is not the one I was thinking off. The picture there was a landscape shot followed by few others if remember correct something like path or wooden steps... Thanks!
_________________
Camera: Pentax K3
FOR SALE:
Do you have Pentax-A or F or FA primes and like to trade?
Here is the list what I have to trade/sale:
Primes: - Kiron 28mm f2 (C/Y); Vivitar 28mm f2.5 Auto (FD); Minolta MD 50mm f2 (incl. adapter to m4/3); Miranda Auto 35mm f2.8 EC (incl. adapter to m4/3); Miranda Auto 135mm f2.8 EC (incl. adapter to m4/3);
Zoom Lenses:
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eddieitman
Joined: 12 Apr 2011
Posts: 1246
Location: United Kingdom
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| Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 11:11 am Post subject: |
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eddieitman wrote:
Ahh that photo would be one of mine
its on my site
The link to that page was
http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=61167&start=15
My site some zenitar pics
http://digital-darkroom.weebly.com/zenitar-17-ussr.html
and the wooden path one is one in this set
http://digital-darkroom.weebly.com/landscapes.html
_________________
My web site www.digital-darkroom.weebly.com
Life is like a camera. Focus on what's important, capture the good times, develop from the negatives and if things don't work out, just take another shot. |
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RAART
Joined: 10 Oct 2012
Posts: 497
Location: Oakville, ON, Canada
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| Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 11:41 am Post subject: |
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RAART wrote:
Yes that is wide open photo which I remembered but not the same thread or I might mistaken threads... Anyway that was wide open example that grabbed my attention and recently I saw some other members posting better and better photos with Russian lenses. I guess that improved quality comes with new improved camera sensors performance and logical conclusion to this is that I need to get some of the finest Russian beauties while I still can get it...
For now... I guess in some FL russian lenses are not available but I will narrow choice down later.
Focal length:
21mm -
24mm -
28mm -
35mm - Mir-1 37mm f2.8
50mm - Zenitar F1.7
85mm -
135mm - Jupiter 11A F4; Jupiter 37a F3.5; Tair 11A F2.8;
180mm -
_________________
Camera: Pentax K3
FOR SALE:
Do you have Pentax-A or F or FA primes and like to trade?
Here is the list what I have to trade/sale:
Primes: - Kiron 28mm f2 (C/Y); Vivitar 28mm f2.5 Auto (FD); Minolta MD 50mm f2 (incl. adapter to m4/3); Miranda Auto 35mm f2.8 EC (incl. adapter to m4/3); Miranda Auto 135mm f2.8 EC (incl. adapter to m4/3);
Zoom Lenses:
Last edited by RAART on Tue Dec 31, 2013 2:00 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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RSalles
Joined: 12 Aug 2012
Posts: 1372
Location: Brazil - RS / South
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| Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 12:11 pm Post subject: |
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RSalles wrote:
My list could also have:
180: Jupiter-6,
85mm: Helios-40-2
Renato |
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CuriousOne
Joined: 31 Dec 2013
Posts: 669
Location: Home
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| Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 6:40 pm Post subject: |
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CuriousOne wrote:
The usual problem is with Soviet lens is inconsistence in quality and tricky description. So it would be better to try before buy. Also note, MC coating on old Soviet lenses has tendency to become quite noticeable yellow, even to extent that WB adjustment might not fix the picture.
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I have nothing to compensate with lens |
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norland
Joined: 10 Aug 2013
Posts: 165
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| Posted: Tue Dec 31, 2013 11:18 pm Post subject: |
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norland wrote:
My suggestion is the Tair 300A.
(f4.5 300mm)
Heavy but handles well, good resolution and colour rendition, with excellent performance at long distance. |
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woodrim
Joined: 14 Jan 2010
Posts: 4060
Location: Charleston
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| Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 1:48 am Post subject: |
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woodrim wrote:
I agree that most of the Russian lenses seem good. From my experience...
Had a MIR 37mm and didn't like it.
Helios-44 58/2 is a great bargain and good performer, but I fond that I don't use it very much.
Had a Volna 80/2.8 Was okay, but sold it.
I have Jupiter 11 135/4 and don't use it at all. It's good enough, but I have better and faster.
Kaleinar-3B 150/2.8 can be good, but very difficult to use (focus).
Now for my favorites...
Jupiter-9 85/2 has found a permanent slot in my bag and has become one of my most used lenses.
Kalejnar 100/2.8 is extremely sharp (at least my copy)
Tair-11 133/2.8 I have two copies of this great lens, both equally good. One of my favorite lenses (favorite Russian) and best bokeh.
_________________
Regards,
Woodrim
Last edited by woodrim on Wed Jan 01, 2014 3:09 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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eeec
Joined: 16 Jun 2013
Posts: 45
Location: Edmonton, Canada
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| Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 4:25 am Post subject: |
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eeec wrote:
A Helios 44-3 (or 44-2 if you prefer) is absolutely essential equipment for every photographer in my mind. Beautiful lens for dirt cheap. 58mm f/2
A Volna-9 is a great, under-rated, sharp macro option famed for its unusual aperture shape that creates beautiful and unique rendering around f/5.6. Prices on these have started to move upwards... I've thought that people must be realizing what a nice lens it is. 50mm f/2.8 |
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memetph
Joined: 01 Dec 2013
Posts: 940
Location: Poland
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| Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 10:32 am Post subject: |
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memetph wrote:
M42 lenses are really living again thanks to hybrid cameras. Their EVF allows us to focus with all apertures .I could not do it with my Spotmatic SP.
The Helios 44 is a must in my opinion .I like my 44 M6 very much and use it though it has competition at home. But you have a Zenitar 1,7. I suppose that they are very different nevertheless I'll be interested by the opinion of someone owning both. |
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SonicScot
Joined: 01 Dec 2011
Posts: 2697
Location: Scottish Highlands
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| Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 10:52 am Post subject: |
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SonicScot wrote:
| RSalles wrote: |
My list could also have:
180: Jupiter-6,
85mm: Helios-40-2
Renato |
Another two lenses from my ever expanding wish list.  
_________________
Gary
Currently active gear....
Sony a7
E-M1 Mkll
Rubinar 1000/10 + 2x matched extender
Tamron 500/8 55BB
Sigma 100-300/4
Vivitar Series 1.... 200/3, 70-210/3.5 (V1 by Kiron), 135/2.3, 105/2.5 macro, 90/2.5 macro (Bokina), 90-180/4.5 Flat Field Macro, 28-90mm f/2.8-3.5
Carl Zeiss.... 180/2.8, 135/3.5, 85/1.4, 35/2.4 Flektagon, 21/2.8 Distagon
Nikon.... 55/3.5 micro, 50/1.2
Elicar 90/2.5 V-HQ Macro
Zhongyi Speedmaster 85/1.2
Jupiter-9 85/2
Helios.... 58/2 44-3
Hartblei 45/3.5 Super-Rotator TS-PC
Zenitar 16/2.8 fisheye
Samyang 8/3.5 fisheye
Nodal Ninja 4, Neewer leveling tripod base
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/gazsus/ Website http://garianphotography.co.uk/ |
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woodrim
Joined: 14 Jan 2010
Posts: 4060
Location: Charleston
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| Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 3:15 pm Post subject: |
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woodrim wrote:
| SonicScot wrote: |
| RSalles wrote: |
My list could also have:
180: Jupiter-6,
85mm: Helios-40-2
Renato |
Another two lenses from my ever expanding wish list. |
Yes, those are two that have intrigued me too. If I ever get a chance (chance=price) to own a Helios-40 I will be happy. I was very close to owning a J-6 this past year, but just missed. I have since dropped it from my list because of size. I have decided that my BIG lenses are just too cumbersome to use with any regularity.
_________________
Regards,
Woodrim |
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SonicScot
Joined: 01 Dec 2011
Posts: 2697
Location: Scottish Highlands
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| Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 3:20 pm Post subject: |
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SonicScot wrote:
| woodrim wrote: |
| SonicScot wrote: |
| RSalles wrote: |
My list could also have:
180: Jupiter-6,
85mm: Helios-40-2
Renato |
Another two lenses from my ever expanding wish list. |
Yes, those are two that have intrigued me too. If I ever get a chance (chance=price) to own a Helios-40 I will be happy. I was very close to owning a J-6 this past year, but just missed. I have since dropped it from my list because of size. I have decided that my BIG lenses are just too cumbersome to use with any regularity. |
Yeah they are cumbersome, not easy to fit them in a regular camera backpack either. (well, not mine anyway)
_________________
Gary
Currently active gear....
Sony a7
E-M1 Mkll
Rubinar 1000/10 + 2x matched extender
Tamron 500/8 55BB
Sigma 100-300/4
Vivitar Series 1.... 200/3, 70-210/3.5 (V1 by Kiron), 135/2.3, 105/2.5 macro, 90/2.5 macro (Bokina), 90-180/4.5 Flat Field Macro, 28-90mm f/2.8-3.5
Carl Zeiss.... 180/2.8, 135/3.5, 85/1.4, 35/2.4 Flektagon, 21/2.8 Distagon
Nikon.... 55/3.5 micro, 50/1.2
Elicar 90/2.5 V-HQ Macro
Zhongyi Speedmaster 85/1.2
Jupiter-9 85/2
Helios.... 58/2 44-3
Hartblei 45/3.5 Super-Rotator TS-PC
Zenitar 16/2.8 fisheye
Samyang 8/3.5 fisheye
Nodal Ninja 4, Neewer leveling tripod base
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/gazsus/ Website http://garianphotography.co.uk/ |
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RAART
Joined: 10 Oct 2012
Posts: 497
Location: Oakville, ON, Canada
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| Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 10:00 pm Post subject: |
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RAART wrote:
Can someone explain difference between Helios lenses with M designation and without. Thanks!
Example:
- Helios 44M-6, Helios 44M-4... etc.
- Helios 44-2, Helios 44-3... etc.
also I saw 44K-4 on ebay.
Are they same lens just different mounts or is something else to be considered?
Thanks!
_________________
Camera: Pentax K3
FOR SALE:
Do you have Pentax-A or F or FA primes and like to trade?
Here is the list what I have to trade/sale:
Primes: - Kiron 28mm f2 (C/Y); Vivitar 28mm f2.5 Auto (FD); Minolta MD 50mm f2 (incl. adapter to m4/3); Miranda Auto 35mm f2.8 EC (incl. adapter to m4/3); Miranda Auto 135mm f2.8 EC (incl. adapter to m4/3);
Zoom Lenses:
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Aanything
Joined: 27 Aug 2011
Posts: 2187
Location: Piacenza, Italy
Expire: 2014-05-30
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| Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 10:15 pm Post subject: |
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Aanything wrote:
The ones without M are earlier, m39 or m42, mostly pre-set.
The ones with M are non pre-set, some with auto-man switch, the higher the number after the M the higher the resolution: i never noticed differences between M4 and M6, but i rarely do pixel peeping.
The ones with K are just like the ones with M, but with pentax K mount.
_________________
C&C and editing of my pics are always welcome
Samples from my lenses
My gear
My Flickr |
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RSalles
Joined: 12 Aug 2012
Posts: 1372
Location: Brazil - RS / South
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| Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 10:21 pm Post subject: |
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RSalles wrote:
[put the thread title here]... and where.
If I can, I'll be in Russia the next June, if it will not be possible, at least my sister will be. So, I'm prospecting for places to buy this 2 lenses at Moscow, St. Petersbourg, Kazan and Samara - the cities I'm sure she will stay. The bucks are still reserved for that.
Any help would be very much appreciated,
Renato |
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simbon4o
Joined: 19 Dec 2011
Posts: 390
Location: Bulgaria
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| Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 10:47 pm Post subject: |
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simbon4o wrote:
Russian lenses:
KMZ Zenitar 50 1.7 - of coarse 
Mir 24(M or N) - nice 35mm for low budget
Zenitar 16 2.8 - nice fish i you find it cheap
Helios 44 first silver version M39 - nice one
Helios 81 - looks nice on internet but never had it
Kaleinar 5N - nice 100 2.8
Tair 11/11A - great portrait 133/135 2.8
Jupiter 21M - good 200 4.0
Tair 3/3S - great for the money 300 4.5
PS I almost forgot Jupiter 37A - as sharp as Sonnar CZJ 135 3.5 but with more blades on the diaphragm and in my opinion nicer for use. The MC version even have contrast like the Zeiss.
_________________
10-300мм 4.0 - 1.2 - 4.5  NIKON&Sony bodies / Sony 10-18, Pentax 28 2.8 II, CZJ 35 2.4, Nikkor DX 35 1.8, Samyang 35 1.4, KMZ 50 1.7, FDn 50 1.2 L, Nikkor 55 2.8, Rokkor 58 1.2, Soligor 85 1.8 Preset, Samyang 85 1.4, Canon FDn 85 1.2 L, Tokina AT-X 90 2.5, Canon FDn 135mm 2.0, Nikkor 180 2.8 ED, Tair 300 4.5
________
snimo.net |
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RSalles
Joined: 12 Aug 2012
Posts: 1372
Location: Brazil - RS / South
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| Posted: Thu Jan 02, 2014 12:59 am Post subject: |
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RSalles wrote:
| simbon4o wrote: |
Russian lenses:
KMZ Zenitar 50 1.7 - of coarse
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That's why I don't trust (blindly) browser's auto correction...
Cheers,
Renato - (still learning English, or trying to...) |
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CuriousOne
Joined: 31 Dec 2013
Posts: 669
Location: Home
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| Posted: Thu Jan 02, 2014 6:39 am Post subject: |
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CuriousOne wrote:
Yashma-4 is also a great lens (300mm/F2. but quite expensive and quality varies wildly.
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I have nothing to compensate with lens |
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Analog lex
Joined: 10 Nov 2013
Posts: 95
Location: East Europe
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| Posted: Fri Jan 03, 2014 7:52 pm Post subject: |
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Analog lex wrote:
| RSalles wrote: |
[put the thread title here]... and where.
If I can, I'll be in Russia the next June, if it will not be possible, at least my sister will be. So, I'm prospecting for places to buy this 2 lenses at Moscow, St. Petersbourg, Kazan and Samara - the cities I'm sure she will stay. The bucks are still reserved for that.
Any help would be very much appreciated,
Renato |
You can use russian site "AVITO", for find items you need. That is very huge m/lens selling place in there. Especially in Moscow and Petersburg - a lot of cheap deals. Only remember its "local pickup" lots mostly. 
_________________
=-=Canon eos 1100D=-=Zenit-E=-=
[RMC Tokina 35-105 macro FD][CZJ Sonnar 135mm f4 Exa][Jupiter-11 135mm f4 (silver)M39][Helios 44m-6][Helios-44-2 2/58][Vega-11u m39][Industar-50u][Tair-3fs][Mir-1B 2,8/37 (ВОЗМ)] |
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Webwalker
Joined: 09 Jan 2012
Posts: 96
Location: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
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| Posted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 6:54 pm Post subject: |
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Webwalker wrote:
| memetph wrote: |
...
The Helios 44 is a must in my opinion... But you have a Zenitar 1,7. I suppose that they are very different nevertheless I'll be interested by the opinion of someone owning both.
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Yes they are different. I have both H-44 and Zenitar 1,7.
Zenitar 1,7 has very smooth bokeh and its image edges are sharp enough.
And Helios 44 can give swirly bokeh and it has noticeable resolution fall from center to edges, it is more suitable for art photo IMO.
_________________
Sony SLT A58
MF: Mir-1 silver GP Brussels, Zenitar-M 1.7/50, Helios 44 silver, Indi 50-2, Jupiter 38 4/75, MC CZJ Biometar 2.8/80, Jupiter 11 crome, MC Tamron SP 28-80mm f/3.5-4.2, Vivitar 75-205 mm f/3.8
AF: Minolta AF 50mm 1.7, mini beercan, beercan, secret handshake, Sigma Tele Converter X1.4 |
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vanylapep
Joined: 03 Jan 2014
Posts: 312
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| Posted: Tue Jan 07, 2014 6:31 pm Post subject: |
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vanylapep wrote:
| woodrim wrote: |
I agree that most of the Russian lenses seem good. From my experience...
Had a MIR 37mm and didn't like it.
Helios-44 58/2 is a great bargain and good performer, but I fond that I don't use it very much.
Had a Volna 80/2.8 Was okay, but sold it.
I have Jupiter 11 135/4 and don't use it at all. It's good enough, but I have better and faster.
Kaleinar-3B 150/2.8 can be good, but very difficult to use (focus).
Now for my favorites...
Jupiter-9 85/2 has found a permanent slot in my bag and has become one of my most used lenses.
Kalejnar 100/2.8 is extremely sharp (at least my copy)
Tair-11 133/2.8 I have two copies of this great lens, both equally good. One of my favorite lenses (favorite Russian) and best bokeh. |
Is there a reason to get the Jupiter 9 over the Rokkor-X 85/2?
Thanks |
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