Jupiter-8
The Jupiter-8 is a postwar copy of the prewar Zeiss Sonnar 50mm f/2 for the Contax. Originally made by KMZ for Arsenal's Kiev Contax copy, KMZ later produced its own version in L39 mount for its Zorki camera series. It first appeared on the Zorki 3 in 1953, and later was the standard lens on the Zorki 3S. GOMZ's Leningrad rangefinder came with a KMZ-built Jupiter-8, but it is unclear whether they were custom built or were just nicked from the Zorki warehouse.
One of its weak points is the aluminum lens barrel, which is easily damaged if dropped, particularly the filter threads on the front. The lens takes 40.5mm filters. The aperture ring doesn't have click stops, so it is easy to accidently change the setting.
Without a doubt its strength is the image quality. Soviet optical factories had a tradition for sharp optics, and this one is no exception. The edges may not always be great, but the center can be dead sharp with excellent contrast. Is also said to be a good color optic.
The lens was originally available only in a white metal finish but in the 1970s was also made with a black finish.
Links
- PGallery.net has a page of images made with a Jupiter-8
- Wayne Cornell lists some information on Soviet lenses, including the Jupiter-8
- A Jupiter-8 page at Alfred's Camera Page
