JUPITER-8 2/50 (KMZ, M39). Review from Rodion Eshmakov

Overview of the lens JUPITER-8 2/50 (KMZ, M39) specifically for Radozhiva prepared Rodion Eshmakov.

Jupiter-8 and adapter M39-Sony E.

Jupiter-8 2/50 and adapter FOTGA M39-NEX. increase.

Jupiter-8 is a regular lens, which was equipped with the “Zorkiy”, “Leningrad” rangefinder cameras. The review presents a late version in a black case of a simplified design.

Specifications (source):
Optical design - 6 lenses in 3 groups, Zonnar, see;
Focal length - 52 mm;
Relative aperture - 1: 2;
Light transmission coefficient - 0.8;
Geometric vignetting - 56%;
The back focal segment is 27.75 mm;
Aperture - 9 petals, without a preset mechanism;
The minimum focusing distance is 1 m;
Filter thread - 40.5 mm.

Reviews of the lenses of the Jupiter-8 series:

  1. JUPITER-8 1: 2 F = 5cm П | Arsenal | Contax-Kiev | 1956
  2. JUPITER-8М 1: 2 F = 5 cm | Arsenal | Contax-Kiev | 1961 | reader's review
  3. JUPITER-8М 1: 2 F = 5cm П | Arsenal | Contax-Kiev | 1963
  4. JUPITER-8М 2/50 | Arsenal | Contax-Kiev | 1977
  5. JUPITER-8М 2/53 | Arsenal | Contax-Kiev | 1978
  6. Jupiter-8 1: 2 F = 5cm П | KMZ | M39 | 1958 | white
  7. Jupiter-8 2/50 | KMZ | M39 | 1962 | white
  8. Jupiter-8 2/50 | KMZ | from the TV camera 'Electronics L-50' | 1965
  9. Jupiter-8 2/50 | KMZ | M39 | 1974 | black | review from Rodion Eshmakov
  10. Examples on JUPITER-8 2/50 (black, M39)
  11. 500PX Gallery
  12. Video about Jupiter-8

Jupiter-8 also exists in early versions under the names:

  1. ZK 1: 2 F = 5cm P | KMZ | folding frame | ~ 1948 | M39
  2. Vigilant ZK 1: 2 F = 5cm P | KMZ | white with ears | ~ 1949 | M39

Jupiter-8 design

Jupiter-8 is a small unpretentious black aluminum barrel, which is marked with distance scales and the depth of field - like on any old lens. The wide focus ring attracts attention, and you can also see the rangefinder pusher protruding beyond the plane of the threaded mount, which is necessary for working with film cameras.

Side view of the Jupiter-8 case.

Side view of the Jupiter-8 case.

This version differs from the others in the design of the focusing mechanism: the “white” Jupiter-8 lenses were designed so that when focusing their lens unit did not rotate. The late (black) version was simplified, and focusing occurs with the rotation of the lens unit - as on Industar-50. This interferes with the use of a polarizing filter, for example. On the other hand, this design eliminates the main drawback of the design of this lens - a large MDF, the limitation of which was dictated by the use of the lens on rangefinder cameras. So, when removing the MDF stopper in the helicoid, you can safely unscrew the lens unit by 1.5 turns and achieve a focus distance of about 35-40 cm, which is already a good indicator.

Changing the dimensions of Jupiter-8 when focusing on infinity, on MDF = 1 m and (when removing the stopper) on MDF ~ 35 cm.

Changing the dimensions of Jupiter-8 when focusing on infinity, on MDF = 1 m and (when removing the stopper) on MDF ~ 35 cm.

The undoubted advantage of the lens is the round aperture - 9 blades provide an almost round hole shape at any aperture. Diaphragm petals matte, gray. Aperture limits - F / 2-F / 22, no clicks. There is no preset mechanism.

Jupiter-8 aperture.

Jupiter-8 aperture.

Lens lenses give yellow when looking at the lumen - like most old lenses, Jupiter-8 will give the pictures a warm shade.

The entrance pupil of the lens with an open aperture.

The entrance pupil of the lens with an open aperture.

The entrance pupil of the lens with a covered aperture.

The entrance pupil of the lens with a covered aperture.

This is due to both the glass varieties and the simplest single-layer enlightenment. Although, apparently, in later Jupiter-8 they tried to correct the color rendition using a combination of coatings in yellow and blue-violet tones.

View of the front lens Jupiter-8.

View of the front lens Jupiter-8.

So, the late Jupiter-8 is more convenient (compared to older versions) for using lenses with modern cameras due to the simplified housing design, although it is also a drawback that makes it difficult to use polarizing and gradient filters. The convenient M39 screw mount allows you to use this lens with mirrorless cameras through an inexpensive adapter. And also the lens looks harmoniously on the camera thanks to the modernized design.

Optical properties

Jupiter-8 forms on the open aperture an image with a low sharpness in the center with a strong drop in resolution to the edge of the frame. The reason for this is spherical aberration and coma. Chromatism is masked by other distortions. At full frame, significant vignetting becomes noticeable. In the center of the frame, sharpness becomes good with F / 2.8, but the edges come back to normal only at F / 5.6-F / 8.

The image formed by the lens has a satisfactory contrast under normal lighting, but backlighting leads to the appearance of a veil and iridescent glare. It can be used as an artistic effect. Color reproduction of the lens with a shift in the yellow-green region.

Thanks to the optical scheme used, Jupiter-8 has an interesting bokeh that differs from the usual planar-like fifty dollars. Today, very few manufacturers produce lenses with a “Zonnar” scheme or similar, only come to mind 7artisans 35 / 1.2  и 7artisans 50 / 1.1 and, of course, Zeiss (but, alas, not all Sonnar they really have to do with Zonnar).

It is interesting to compare Jupiter-8 with its more aperture counterpart - Jupiter-3 50 / 1.5 - which, moreover, is much higher valued in the secondary market. Jupiter-3 has a seven-lens optical scheme and a large 1.8 times aperturebut is it better optically?

Below are photographs of Jupiter-8 and Jupiter-3 (ZOMZ, 1963), taken under equal conditions. Focus on the inscription "Tessar 1: 2.8".

It is easy to see that the level of aberrations of Jupiter-3 at F / 1.5 is not higher than that of Jupiter-8 at F / 2. 1 stop diaphragm saves Jupiter-3 from excessive software, but has little effect on field aberrations - it becomes much sharper than Jupiter-8 on F / 2. Similarly, aperture on a step affects Jupiter-8.

Thus, due to the complexity of the optical system, Jupiter-3 really has a gain of ~ 1 aperture level with optical quality similar to Jupiter-8. However, this does not detract from the merits of Jupiter-8, and even, on the contrary, allows us to establish that you can enjoy the picture of expensive Jupiter-3 for less money.

Below are examples of photos on Jupiter-8 and Sony A7s (shot in RAW, development in Imaging Edge).

Conclusions

Jupiter-8 is one of those lenses that every owner of a mirrorless camera, keen on manuals, tries. The late black Jupiter-8 not only seemed to me more convenient to handle (due to the ease of reducing MDF) than its older counterparts, but it also came out optically no worse. Those who really like the picture formed by this lens should look to even more interesting Jupiter-3 50/1.5.

You will find more reviews from readers of Radozhiva here.

Add a comment: Alexander

 

 

Comments: 37, on the topic: JUPITER-8 2/50 (KMZ, M39). Review from Rodion Eshmakov

  • Pavel Gorbunov

    It would be nice to compare Jupiter-8 with its later counterpart Jupiter-8-1.

    • Pavel Gorbunov

      I found the only review dedicated to this lens, so I think it will be interesting not only to me:

      https://dave-7447.livejournal.com/186734.html

    • Rodion

      It would be nice if he came across a secondary car at the same price as the Yu-8 black.

      • Pavel Gorbunov

        This is right now.

      • Paul

        Now I am going home from J8-1. I wanted to buy an eight, but the seller brought out 8-1, and I, due to inexperience, did not notice, but in the end it turned out even better. The price is the same for them - 1990 rubles.

    • Sergei

      Jupiter-8-1 was produced by KMZ for some time after the end of serial production of the Zorkiy camera. And he intended for a number of cameras.
      From the usual black Jupiter-8 (as in the test) it was distinguished by the color of numbers and figures on the case and a slightly changed color of enlightenment.
      Optically equivalent.

      • Pavel Gorbunov

        All true.
        The fact that Jupiter-8-1 was produced for video surveillance cameras is also indicated by the years of its release (1990-1992), and the fact that it was delivered not in individual cases, but in boxes of 10 pieces without back covers, only with front covers.
        The passports for each instance were standard, the same as for Jupiter-8.

  • spitzer

    Yellow, but this is not a bug, but a feature ..

  • Radmir

    Throw out all the autofocus stuff and shoot on Jupiter 8, for your pleasure)

    • coroner

      Support!
      Only, if not difficult, indicate in a personal place where all the autofocus stuff will fly;)

      • Rodion

        In fairness, I note that today, as I understand it, there is not a single AF Zonnar 50-85 mm. So, except for pens, you can’t get his picture.

        • Alexander

          Some craftsmen insert the lens blocks of manual glasses into the bodies of autofocus lenses, and even make the aperture drive. So it’s not necessary to twist your hands.

          • Alexey

            this is only possible for lenses that focus by moving the entire lens block.

            • Alexander

              And this is the majority of fixes. If I’m not mistaken, in one case the case was taken from Canon 50 / 1.8 and put in it a lens unit from the Yu-37a. And Helios, probably, was stuffed into the same building.

              • Alexey

                not at all. some fixes have CRC. or both CRC and internal focus. in addition, with such a transplant, the issue of controlling the hole pattern usually hangs in the air :) in addition, it is far from simple with focusing on phase-detection AF sensors, but the contrast one will work correctly in any case.

          • Rodion

            To put Jupiter-8 in this way, an AF donor lens with a mirrorless rear segment is required. Honestly, nothing comes to mind except the 42.5mm yong.

            • Alexander

              I think you are wrong. The length of the segment is determined by the optical scheme, and not by the donor body.

              • Alexey

                he is right, but in his own way :) he wanted to say that a donor is needed for some kind of UPC system, that's all.

  • twm

    Bokeh is a pleasure, makes you exclaim (for the umpteenth time): portraits play somehow in a special way with him, Jupiter, fascinate. And the characteristic color rendition, which, I confess, I also love.
    Shots with big water and a huge sky (aka infinity) - landscapes with this glass, by the way, also turn out well.

    I don’t know what to add in the case. Weaknesses? They are visible in examples, and Rodion named them. With sufficient dexterity, you can wrap them to the benefit of some of the stories.
    Thanks for the material, very suitable

  • Basil

    Thank you for the excellent review. As a child, I had the recklessness after Kiev 4 to buy Zenit TTL with Helios 44M — there was an incomprehensible shock why such rubbish went (sluggish) although the Yu8 35-14 lin / mm would be bad for me. And the Yu3 is not worth the money some unconscious elements of our society are being beaten for him (800 bucks)

  • Molchanov Yuri

    Great lens! Try to put it on Canon ...

    • Rodion

      Jupiter-8 on the mirror canon will only be in macro. ZFO 27 mm With a permissible (for crop) 32.5 mm.

  • mojst

    I read customers and amazed. What is there to be bewitched with? From Gali is it a yellow dark glass from the time of the scoop? They did not even know how to steal wisely. It’s easier to take the original, from which the scheme was slammed.

    As an experiment - I myself like to suffer with garbage. But it's straight to wring your hands from admiration for the “quality”, then this is some kind of masochism.

    • mojst

      A slip of the tongue ... Not clients, but comments. T9 gadky

      • Alexander

        t9? are people with a push button sitting here?

        • Rodion

          The name of the auto-completion mode of the dialed word from the push-button phones has become a household name.

    • Charles

      From which Gali?

    • twm

      I think this is the answer to my hand-wringing.
      In the post above, I'm not talking about quality, but about the chips - the features that give this simple glass character. Bokeh and color are special - they are here.

      Otherwise, this is by no means a comfortable glass. With obvious problems. And often mediocre workmanship. But those same chips - yes, Rodion caught them.

  • Sergei

    KMZ had a project together with New Jupiter-8 Lomographs (renamed LZK-48).
    So for vintage they made a retractable tube.
    Added MS-enlightenment, a couple of zeros to the price tag ...
    True, things did not go beyond the experimental series ...

  • Pavel Gorbunov

    Yesterday I purchased Jupiter-8. So now there is the opportunity to do a comparative test together with Jupiter-8-1.
    Arkady, you have the word: do you need it or not?

    • Rodion

      There is nothing to think about - of course you have to :)

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Do it will be great :)

  • Pavel Gorbunov

    Well, I’ll do a comparative test of the Jupiter brothers))

  • Misha

    Gentlemen, was this Ju-3 installed on the old Zenits (C, 3, 8M)? Or is it strictly rangefinder?
    Or was there another version for DSLRs released?

    • Rodion

      On the ZK, he in no way physically fits because of the small ZFO.

  • Luchok

    Tell me, please, what difficulties may arise if you put an adapter on a pentax mz-7? Is aperture mode possible?

    • B, R, P.

      Not suitable for mirrors.

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