I love your videos so much. Thank you for all of your knowledge and willingness to share.

I've just got the two 85's. Jupiter 9 and a Viltrox 85mm f1.8 for when I want auto focus. I love the Jupiter and the images it produces and will be sticking with it as my vintage 85. Nice video as always.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

Great review. The Pancolar 1,8/80 lens is a really unique peace of glass, even though the price is really high for a good one.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

Agreed, it's incredible!

Great shots and a really lovely in-depth review of a wonderful set of lenses. It looks like you had a a lot of enjoyment making this video!

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

I certainly did, thanks!

Great video. Thanks.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

Wonderful. Keep up your amazing content.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

Many thanks, glad you're enjoying it!

Fantastic review. I chose Jupiter-9 and Helios 40 for my kit some time ago and they are amazing.

@manichaean1888

4 жыл бұрын

I have three Jup-9s: a silver and a black ones in M39 LTM mount and a black one in M42 mount. They are all great. Would like to get a Helios but still haven't decided which one to take - one the vintage copies or a new one made in Russia.

@Mannikri

4 жыл бұрын

@@manichaean1888 I love the the vintage one. It has a very unique look.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

I've found the vintage Helios to be an incredible lens; I understand that the new ones are optically identical, although they don't have the purple coatings that I think work so well on the early Helios lenses. If I were you I'd go vintage, but it's your choice I guess!

@manichaean1888

4 жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 The opinions on this subject differ. Some people claim that the new Helios-40s are better, having modern coatings. I still haven't set my mind. Also, the vintage ones differ a lot, from silver ones made in 1950s (when the quality control was presumably much better) to more modern black ones (up to later 1980s) with improved coating but not so thorough QC.

Another wonderful video - thank you! I'd love to see a video focusing more closely on the best budget options around 85mm for under $200. There are not very many for that price (perhaps the Nikkor, Jupiter-9, Pentax-m 85/2, Canon EF, and maybe a CZJ biometar, sonnar, or triotar). Seems like all ~85mm lenses on ebay are $100+ more than any other range, and hard to know what's best!

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion, that would make an interesting video I think!

Wonderful comparison. Love all the images you shared. Perhaps the Jupiter had the most unique look to my eye A very pleasing vintage look. . I have my eye out for a vintage 85mm. I am also interested in checking out the Canon fd. They make one of my favorite 50mm and 28mm lenses.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

Canon FDs are really nice, and often quite cheap too!

As usual a superb video and stunning images! / Regards Ulf

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

I've recently gotten a Canon rangefinder mount 85mm 1.9, it's the best one I've tried and I was considering putting up my Jupiter 9 MC for sale but you convinced me to hold on to it a little longer. My copy of the Jupiter 9 MC is very soft wide open with a lot of 'glow' but is very sharp f2.8 onwards

I'm definitely a fan of the swirly stuff.

@oetproductions8101

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds shady when you say it like that lmao

3:50 check the purple/green fringing on the wire fence.

@barrycohen311

4 жыл бұрын

Hell yeah..Character! To be fair though, the Sonnar formula/design dates from the 1930s. 99% B&W photography at that time, so most likely, they did not even see color fringing as a design factor.

@vasyapupken

4 жыл бұрын

​@@barrycohen311 lenses of film era was designed exactly the same way as modern ones with full attention to chromatic aberrations. and they work as intended. on film ) but they are not designed to work with sensor covered with couple of glass layers. excessive color fringing with old lenses is a problem of digital sensor not the lens itself. you can google comparison tests of one lens with different digital cameras - amount of CA clearly depends on what camera is used.

@barrycohen311

4 жыл бұрын

@@vasyapupken That is all cool, but my statement still stands- 99% of all photography from 1840 thru 1950 was B&W. It would be foolish to spend a lot of time and energy worrying about chromatic aberrations and color fringing. I do agree with you that film vs digital, does handle things much differently.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

The image at 3.50 was shot on the Nikon lens! Whoops, might not have made that clear enough in the video, sorry...

I had a 2.8 Pancolar on a Practika Super TL i hsd many years i remember it was very sharp.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

You can't beat a good czj!

Zeiss Pancolar 80mm f1.8 selling around 900-1000 dollars now..

@zenography7923

3 жыл бұрын

It's an expensive lens, no doubt about it, but if you shoot one you'll know why!

another well made video and many great photos for examples - once again im in a cross road between the Pentax & Olympus haha but from previous videos maybe ill get the 135mm OM lens while I get the Pentax 85mm here. - (might check if there's a pentax 135mm as well to compare) - though i really like the OM lens that you show and now consistent their lens designs are, that one could tell its an OM lens just by looking at the focus ring etc. but in another question, i do wonder in the future do you plan to talk about medium format or lens?

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

Ideally yes, I'd like to, though I don't have any medium format kit at the moment, so that must be resolved first!

Thank you for the video. Extremely interesting. What do you think about the CZJ Prakticar 80mm 1.8? As far as I know it and Pancolar are exactly the same lens, but with a cheaper price...

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

I've just become aware of the Prakticar and will be looking into it!

Great video. Beautiful inspiring images. Not a good video to watch while working from home though. Now I just want to go out and shoot! Have you shot the Nikkor 85mm f/1.2? I have one and would be interested to know how it fares in comparison to these.

@james263

3 жыл бұрын

I am also interested to know if the Pancolar 50mm 1.8 has similar quality to the 85mm (wide open sharpness and colour rendition especially) as these seem to be cheaper to get hold of and I prefer the 50mm focal length. Would be interested to hear your opinion.

@zenography7923

3 жыл бұрын

I haven't shot this lens, but would love to try it!

@zenography7923

3 жыл бұрын

The Pancolar 50mm is one of my favourite lenses, bar none. It has all the qualities of the 85mm - very, very sharp, great colour and nice background blur - though not as much as the 85 of course! A fantastic lens.

@sheepeck

3 жыл бұрын

I think there is no Nikon 85 1.2. Maybe you mean 1.4? That one is great though.

@james263

3 жыл бұрын

@@sheepeck Yeah, sorry, I meant 1.4.

I have the great chance to own the Pancolar 80:1.8 for years. As I'm now on m4/3 system I don't use it as it's a 160mm eq... But it's true that its rendering is whow, especially the colors. A great piece of glass!

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

If there's one lens in the world that I'd like to own more than any other, it's the pancolar 80mm. You are a lucky man sir, enjoy!

Omg, I kept thinking I need to go back to your 3 way 85mm comparison and suggest the Pancolar. I recently got it and it's very quickly risen up to be one of my favorite vintage lenses. I hadn't paid too much attention to the colors (not much to see here beyond leaves) but now that I think of it one or two of my photos have superb punchy lovely colors. What I really like too is the sheer strength of the bubbles in the background. Like my other CZJ lenses this one makes very defined bokeh bubbles. It's lovely. For anyone considering this lens, I do think it's not a bad idea to pick up the Prakticar version of the lens instead of the m42. I believe they are optically the same but the Prakticar is usually a touch cheaper and has a minimum focus distance of like 65cm which is a fair bit better (it does have a bit of haze at that distance but eh) Anyway really lovely lens. I felt much regret spending on it but in retrospect I got a very good price and once I tried it completely fell for it.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

It's one of the nicest, perhaps the nicest, vintage lenses I've used!

A very intresting video ! I learn alot of the information and the lovely images you share with us all. I have a question : which one of these fantastic lenses is compatible, using a lens adapter, with my Leica M8 Rangefinder ? Greetings, stay in Good Health ! Roger :-)

@zenography7923

3 жыл бұрын

None I’m afraid - they’re all slr lenses, and won’t focus on rangefinder cameras.

Merci pour les sous titres, mais votre Anglais est si compréhensible que c'est presque inutile! It is a pleasure to watch and hear you!

@zenography7923

3 жыл бұрын

Many thanks, very glad you're enjoying the videos! Merci bien!

Great video and info sir... I have the normal fat jupiter 9 and I love it, but I have question, What's the difference between jupiter9 rangefinder and normal fat jupiter9 for slr?

@zenography7923

3 жыл бұрын

I don't think the glass itself is any different, but the slr version will probably have an m42 mount, and will likely focus a little closer too.

Wonderful

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

Your comparisons are always welcome. Would be interested in the difference between the Nikkor 85s 1.8 and the 2 you reviewed. Since 85s are ideally suited for portraiture, it would be interesting to see a comparison with portraits for comparison. Or 85s and 105s which are both portrait lenses on a 35mm camera..

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion!

Ach, Zuiko and Jupiter are two more lenses I sold before mirrorless cameras were a thing :-( Loved the Jupiter for B&W street shooting. That's a terrific review of those lenses - many thanks.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

Interesting comparison.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

Have you looked at any of the c/y mount yashica lenses? They are fantastic and most lenses have good coatings and decent sharpness. I'd recommend the kit 50mm f1.9 which I am surprised it is as good as it is and also the yashica 135mm DSB f2.8 is beautifully made and both are decently cheap. Cheers

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

There's a Yashica 50mm in an episode very soon!

Thank you for an excellent review. The 80mm f1.8 Pancolar is a lens I have always coveted. I still have a very early review of this lens in the Mar/April 1979 issue of the now long defunct 'Praktica Photography' magazine. In it, the reviewer mentions that the high standard of resolution was maintained right across the image, amongst other desireable qualities. I have used Exakta cameras since 1969, and have never wanted to change. Unfortunately, to the best of my knowledge, the 80mm Pancolar lens was never issued in Exakta fitting, only the 50mm Pancolar, and that was of f2.0 aperture. However, the 80mm f 2.8 Biometar lens was issued in Exakta, (and Pentacon Six) fittings, and I have this optic, and have always considered it to be quite a smooth performer, a comparative review of these two lenses would be an interesting one, but most importantly, it is good to see these older optics still being used, and appreciated.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

I'd love to compare those lenses, perhaps they'll come my way someday! Glad you enjoyed the video!

@petersnow389

4 жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 Hello, If you still have the CZJ 85mm Pancolar lens, I would be happy to loan you my 80mm CZJ Biometar in order that you could make a comparison video. However, my lens does date from approx the middle 1960's, so it perhaps would not be a direct comparison. Kind regards. Peter Snow.

where is the minolta mc 1.7/85mm? 🤔

@zenography7923

3 жыл бұрын

If one comes my way I'd love to try it!

That was a great video and comparison. Once again, though, I'm heading to eBay after watching one of your videos.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it! Careful with the ebay clicks though!

I actually live in post USSR country where USSR vintage lenses and cameras are sold as dirt cheap. which are the top cameras/lenses you'd recommend picking up? Already got Helios 44m - 4 and I love it. I use it on my Nikon D7200 and D800, Love flares it makes.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

My favourite post USSR cameras are: Zorki 3 and 3m, Fed/Zorki 1, Fed 2, early Fed 3 and the Zenit SLRs. As for lenses I can recommend the early (13 aperture blade) Helios 44, Helios 40, Jupiter 8, Jupiter 9, Tair 11, Industar 22 collapsible, Industar 50 Collapsible and the early, uncoated Fed 10. I'm sure there are many others too! I also rather like the look of any early Kiev (2a or 3a, without light meter) and, if you should see one, the extraordinary Leningrad clockwork rangefinder! Oh, and almost any Carl Zeiss Jena lens! Which country are you in? If photo gear is very cheap, I'd like to visit!

@georgehuman7253

4 жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 The country is Georgia. I've seen Fed 3, Fed 5 here for about 10 - 20 USD, Industar 61 L/Z for about 20-25 USD, Zenith E for 40-50USD just 2 days ago. Seller clamed the were all in working condition, but I don't use old camera bodies or 35mm film now, so I've never tested them and don't know how to test them. I'm hunting for Kiev medium format cameras atm. That's why I come across old gear :)

which one is the smallest in size? i need it for street photography. thanks

@zenography7923

Жыл бұрын

Well the Pentax isn't huge, but from memory the Jupiter 9 was the smallest. Get an L39 version (rather than m42) and the adaptor is really small too!

@myblueandme

Жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 Thank you

If you want that real 60s look try a silver nose Olympus om lens.

Wow, I thought the only Zeiss Pancolar lens was a 50mm. Are there any other focal lengths of this great design?

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

I believe there's a 55mm f1.4 - very rare though!

I almost always agree with your reviews, and this one is on point. Results are about what I would have expected. The scheme of the Jupiter is a zillion years old, so it wouldn't compare with more modern lens. I love it. I have most of these lenses, but here in the US, I would have to sell a kidney to buy the Pancolar.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

I really like the Jupiter too, there's just something nice about it! It sounds like you have a cool collection, but for a kidney I'd want something with autofocus...

Of these 85 mm lenses, I bought the Oly for £ 170 some weeks ago. And then I have some other lovely glass lumps for Nikon F. The Nikkor 85/1.4 AIS, but you have to stop it down to 2.8 or 4.0 to get the best of it. It's too soft wide open, but marvelous color rendition when stopped down. The other is the Mitakon 85/1.2. Sharp as Canon 85/1.2 wide open, but stopped down, the Nikkor is much better.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

You have a nice collection there - and well done with that Oly!

@protestagain

4 жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 The problem is, I'm a very good buyer, but a lousy seller. That's why I have so many different lenses and cameras.

Well done as aleays and I totally agree. The Jupiter is a special lens with a logical price. The prices of 40 year old lenses today are insane , no reason to buy them.

@zenography7923

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video!

I’m a total beginner,...I mean just got a second hand SLR 2 weeks a go ,..my first camera ever,...it’s a canon....can the Soviet time lens fits to canon EF standard lens screws?..

@zenography7923

3 жыл бұрын

Please be aware that only SLR lenses can be used with your Canon camera; rangefinder lenses (eg Jupiter 8, Industar 61) will not work. Many FSU lenses (and many old western lenses too) have an M42 mount - any lens with this mount can be adapted to your Canon! And of course, there's loads of nice ef glass too (the 50mm 1.4 is particularly nice!).

@udinbata

3 жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 Thank you very much for the information!

Hi which one produces great Sunstars? Thanks

@zenography7923

3 жыл бұрын

I don't remember testing them all for sunstars, but one lens that does it really well is the Jupiter 9.

Respect

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!

there is a big difference in the type of Jupiter 9 lens you are using, what year is the Jupiter used in testing.

Any sleeper Canon FD lenses to look out for?

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

The 50mm 1.4 is nice, as is the 135mm f3.5.

@caldera878

4 жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 thx

You should add the canon 85 1.8 fd to this review

@zenography7923

3 жыл бұрын

That's a lens I'd very much like to try!

У меня два ретро-объектива "МС ЮПИТЕР-9" 2/85. Цена таких объективов в России в районе $80-$100. Качество советской оптики всегда было нестабильным. Оно зависело от того, в какое время выпускался объектив: если необходимо было наверстать план выпуска к концу года или квартала, то объективы делались не очень хорошо. Так у меня один объектив резкий у же на полностью открытой диафрагме, а другой приходится диафрагмировать до f/3.5. I have two retro lenses "MC JUPITER-9" 2/85. The price of such lenses in Russia is in the region of $ 80- $ 100. The quality of Soviet optics has always been unstable. It depended on what time the lens was produced: if it was necessary to catch up with the release plan by the end of the year or quarter, then the lenses were not made very well. So I have one lens that is sharp at a fully open aperture, and the other has to be apertured to f / 3.5.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

I've heard there is quite a variation in soviet lenses but I have to say I've never encountered it myself - maybe I've just been lucky!

Great video. Tried in the past the Jupiter-9 (m39 version) and Helios-40 but was not happy with them (don't like the softness at wide apertures). Since 1989 I own the Pentax-M 85mm f2 and from the first moments understood, that was the right one for me.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing

I love how when I'm trying to find these lenses the ebay scumbags are selling them for like 3 x the price

85 mm Takumar is a good lens, but its 85/1.8 Pentax descendant is even better.

@punkrachmaninoff

4 жыл бұрын

I can vouch for this... My SMC PENTAX 85mm f1.8 is one of the greats.

@barrycohen311

4 жыл бұрын

@@punkrachmaninoff I put my 55mm f/1.8 SMC up there with my Leica Summicron. And that is saying a lot.

@punkrachmaninoff

4 жыл бұрын

@@barrycohen311 @Baruch Cohen yeah i almost sold my SMC PENTAX 55/1.8 last week. Decided not to and reluctantly sold the M/50/2 instead. Will miss that M series 50/2 for it's low element count, but ultimately that 55mm f1.8 from the previous early K generation is magic. It just has a certain look, although I think the M/50/2 could be good enough for almost any situation. No joke though -- out of 60 or so lenses I have bought and sold in the last few years, the best lens I have (besides perhaps the SMC 85/1.8) is the Pentax-M 28/2.0!! No reviews on KZread about it, what a beast of a wide. Must've tried 30 wide angle lenses before I found this thing, it never comes off.

@manichaean1888

4 жыл бұрын

@@punkrachmaninoff My fav among 85-ish is Oly 90/2 macro, though. Great all-around lens.

Helios is not a manufacturer's name. it's name of lens itself like Zuiko. manufacturer of Helios is KMZ.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

You're quite right of course, thanks for reminding me!

@Desmond-Hume

3 жыл бұрын

KMZ was a main, but not the only manufacture of Helios'es. Also Jupiter and Arsenal did make Helios'es too

You must first define "beat." Then "Beat"/ dollar/pound/euro/yen. And "sharp" is only one of at least a half a dozen lens parameters that must be compromised together.

@zenography7923

3 жыл бұрын

Well, I guess it's subjective - hence the subjective approach of these reviews!

Может вам попался неплохой Юпитер 9,но сколько я не пробовал, ничего стоящего. Особенно если есть панколар. Попробуйте Волна 3. Панколар в продаже в Беларуси ч никогда не видел

The CZJ Pancolar 80mm F1.8 M42 costs between 400->1500 EUR nowadays. It's not cheap, and a 80mm Lens is a small Tele, or hereby a Portrait Lens. So for people, which aren't into Portrait Photography, 80mm does make little to no sense after all, no offense. I know this Lens since the 90s.

@zenography7923

2 жыл бұрын

If you have one of these CZJs you're a lucky chap! Actually I like 80-90mm lenses for general photography on full frame - a little more reach than a 50!

@marcp.1752

2 жыл бұрын

@@zenography7923 Nope, i don't have use for this 80mm focal length, since i don't shoot portraits. And these are nowadays, thanks to too much YT'bers, uber-expensive anyway. /edit: I like 35mm focal length as the one to shoot it all, when not using a zoom, or sometimes, a 50mm prime.

Total click bait. Every lens ever designed and built has advantages and disadvantages, optically, physically and imaging. It's impossible to say which one is "best". What is "best" to you may be "worst" for me and my style of photography. This guy just wants subscribers and money and is giving you no factual information at all. No resolution charts, no optical bench tests, just his opinion. Meaningless.

@zenography7923

4 жыл бұрын

Ricky Earp Tranquilo hermano...