Jupiter 11. Is it any good?.

Vostok · 07-23-2012

Hi, someone is offering me a Jupiter 11 135mm f/4 lens (M39) for $75 and I wanted to know how well it performs. Here´s a picture:

What can you tell me about it?.

Thank you.

peter_n · 07-23-2012

I used one for several years until I replaced it with a Leica lens of the same focal length and max aperture. My Jupiter-11 was a pretty good lens although I never shot it wide open. It focused accurately on my M and was mechanically sound but made the camera a bit awkward to use as it's so long and thin. I used mine to shoot buildings on a tripod at f11 and it produced very acceptable results. It wasn't up to the standards of the Leica but it was pretty good. Just make sure the mechanics are OK as the glass in Russian lenses is generally good but the construction and mechanics can be dodgy sometimes.

Vostok · 07-23-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by peter_n

I used one for several years until I replaced it with a Leica lens of the same focal length and max aperture. My Jupiter-11 was a pretty good lens although I never shot it wide open. It focused accurately on my M and was mechanically sound but made the camera a bit awkward to use as it's so long and thin. I used mine to shoot buildings on a tripod at f11 and it produced very acceptable results. It wasn't up to the standards of the Leica but it was pretty good. Just make sure the mechanics are OK as the glass in Russian lenses is generally good but the construction and mechanics can be dodgy sometimes.

Thank you for your answer. I'm obviously not expecting a Leitz Elmar for $75, but I've always had good luck with FSU lenses. I knew this couldn't be a bad lens.

sparrow6224 · 07-23-2012

A 135 lens that IS up to the standards of Leica's LTM 135mm lenses is Canon's 135mm f/3.5 -- NOT the f/4 which is inferior. I have the Canon 135/3.5 and I think it's stunning. I raise this point because you can likely find one for close to the price you're being offered for the Jupiter 11. I think $75 is too much for that lens.

Vostok · 07-23-2012

Haven't found them to be much cheaper on eBay.

I Didn't know about that Canon lens, it looks quite good. Although the really few I've seen on eBay are way more expensive than the J11 I'm being offered.

There is a problem with getting things that need to be sent from abroad, it's really really expensive for me. Not just because of the cost of shipping to Buenos Aires but also because of the 50% of the value of the item+shipping custom tax. That's why I buy from local dealers.

wolves3012 · 07-23-2012

Jupiter 11 is an adequate lens, there are better ones but it depends how much you need the 135. It's an old design so no surprise it's not as good as others but I find it does the job fairly well. Like most FSU lenses, the "bang-per-buck" factor is quite high.

Brian Legge · 07-23-2012

The Canon is excellent. KEH has them regularly at very fair prices. If possible, go for the black version as the chrome one is really heavy.

I had one briefly but didn't take it out much due to the size. I picked up a Canon 100mm 3.5 as a compromise (similar quality, much longer than my other lenses, great image quality). That and the long throw were the only drawbacks to me of the Canon or I would have held on to it.

Vostok · 07-25-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian Legge

The Canon is excellent. KEH has them regularly at very fair prices. If possible, go for the black version as the chrome one is really heavy.

I had one briefly but didn't take it out much due to the size. I picked up a Canon 100mm 3.5 as a compromise (similar quality, much longer than my other lenses, great image quality). That and the long throw were the only drawbacks to me of the Canon or I would have held on to it.

I'll try to get a Canon 135, then. Just has to be under $100 custom tax included.

-Nash- · 07-31-2012

I recently bought a Jupiter 11 for around $30. I honestly don't think its worth $75.

phototooker · 08-01-2012

I have a SC mount J-11, the flare is terrible, occupied almost 1/5 of photos at the centre.
What you need is a hood, I use a 6cm X 52mm metal hood.

Vostok · 08-01-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Nash-

I recently bought a Jupiter 11 for around $30. I honestly don't think its worth $75.

I know, I know. But I live in Buenos Aires and that was the best price I could find. :/

john341 · 08-03-2012

I have a 1961 Ju-11 in good condition. I think that it is a great lens. Mine has a bubble or stress spot on one of the elements but it has not affected the photos I get from this lens. Very happy with it. Seventy dollars? no, you ought to be able to get a decent lens for around $40-$50. Bonne chance from Australia

Dez · 08-03-2012

I would have to agree that a $75 J11 would need to be a very good one indeed, and that you should be able to find one at a lower price. If the goal is to find one under $100 for Customs reasons, I think some ebay shopping might be a good idea. All the various Jupiter lenses are made of aluminum, and while that does make for a lighter lens, the aluminum does tend to corrode.

I would agree that the Canon 135 is a fine lens, but be aware that it is rather heavy, as it is all brass.

Cheers,
Dez