Jupiter 12 on VC 'R' series - dangerous?

scottgee1 · 02-28-2005

OK. Just making sure here . . .

True or false?

The Jupiter 12, nice lens though it may be otherwise, has a rear element structure that is so large that it causes damage to the guts of 'R' series VC cameras.

If so, it sounds like the, ahem, Biogon design of the Zeiss 28mm f/2.8 for Contax G.

That, and it's tough to find a rear lens cap for it.

TIA!/ScottGee1

kai · 02-28-2005

My understanding is that it's not just dangerous - it's not possible: the light baffles inside the Bessas physically prevent the lens from mounting properly... well, you'd probably damage the rear lens element trying, anyway. At very least, I've understood that the metering arm in the Bessa interferes with the lens. I don't own a Bessa to confirm this for myself, however it certainly won't mount onto my otherwise LTM-compatible Periflex-1 camera, for similar reasons.

On rear-lens caps, luckily a regular 35mm film cannister, cut down to about 1/2 size (and perhaps melted around the edge slightly to give it both a tighter grip as well as a smoother feel) works just perfectly for the Jupiter-12. It's almost as if the lens had been intentionally designed to allow film cannisters to work as rear lens caps!

(If anyone does this, drill a very tiny hole near the 'bottom' of the film cannister, too, so that air can escape when you're pushing it onto the lens).

Cheers,
Kai

HBC · 02-28-2005

I have a J12 wich have used on my bessa-r with out a problem, though the meter does not work.

Rick Beckrich · 02-28-2005

Count me with HBC... my J-12 fits on the R,
barely clears the meter sensor (try it with an
empty camera, back open, shutter on bulb
and you can see what happens). Meter does
not record. My understanding is some J-12s
will touch, possibly destroying the sensor, or,
almost as much fun... ruining the lens.

Definately an "at your own risk" situation.

Rick

sockeyed · 02-28-2005

I have used a film cannister for a rear lens cap too, but then I found my lost original cap.

I have noticed that the Alex-photo eBay seller has J-12 rear caps for sale.

kai · 02-28-2005

I stand corrected! Interesting to know that it's possible, albeit risky, to use the J-12 on the R. I'd still be a bit nervous about it, though...

FrankS · 02-28-2005

I've heard that teh rear element will interfere with the front shutter blade set of the Bessa's when the lens is focussed to infinity, (when focussed closer, the lens moves forward.)

Roman · 03-01-2005

With my Bessa R and two J-12, I noticed that I can mount them close-focussed, but can't focus to infinity, because the rear element hits a ledge in the camer body when moving bak while focussing to infinity.

Roman

scottgee1 · 03-01-2005

E-yeah. I think I'll just look at other options . . .

Thanks for the responses!/ScottGee1

tedwhite · 03-01-2005

What's so good about the J-12 that anyone would risk all of the above?

phototone · 03-01-2005

It's sharp and cheap. Nuf. said.

Average price on fleabay is about $60. or so.

phototone · 03-01-2005

Also, you can purchase a good J12, aaaannnnnd a used Leica IIIc to put it on, for less than just about any NEW 35mm LTM lens.

RML · 03-01-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by phototone

Also, you can purchase a good J12, aaaannnnnd a used Leica IIIc to put it on, for less than just about any NEW 35mm LTM lens.

Now that's what I'd call a veeery good reason to get a J12!

Hmmm, prices of Leica III's could go up after this advice.... I better be quick and snap one up.

scottgee1 · 03-03-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by phototone

Also, you can purchase a good J12, aaaannnnnd a used Leica IIIc to put it on, for less than just about any NEW 35mm LTM lens.

This raises a sort of related question - how much should a useable (i.e., working) IIIc cost? A lot of ones I see need service.

Thanks!/ScottGee1