M39 rangefinder vs M39 SLR

[blockend]

Yesterday I received an FSU industar f3.5 with 39mm thread. I tested it on the Leica through the rangefinder and on the lens focal scale, and both were way out of focus on the negative. I assumed the lens had been incorrectly reassembled but on closer examination it focuses correctly when held some distance in front of the camera. A little research showed the early Zenit SLRs also took an M39 threaded Industar f3.5.

The lens was advertised as a rangefinder lens and the seller has offered to replace it, but looking at photographs of rangefinder and SLR versions, both look identical and I don't want him to send the wrong one again as it takes a couple of weeks to receive parcels to the UK. Is there any obvious way of telling which is which, except for testing them on a camera?

 

[Sewin]

I'd join this forum (I'm on there and find them very helpful and they know their stuff)

http://ussrphoto.com/

 

[ronnies]

The rangefinder version looks like it's the SLR version with an extension tube on the rear. If there is not a cylinder behind the focusing ring then it is an SLR lens.

Ronnie

 

[blockend]

The rangefinder version looks like it's the SLR version with an extension tube on the rear. If there is not a cylinder behind the focusing ring then it is an SLR lens.

Ronnie

Thanks for the info, mine was the SLR version.

 

[j-dogg]

m39 was used on both early Zenit SLRs and FED/Zorki/Leningrad rangefinders as well as a whole slew of RF oddities to come from KMZ

They physically mount but the flange distances are way off, thus the m39 mount gave way to m42 to prevent cross-mounting.

The dead giveaway is most for your SLR lenses are larger and have larger glass elements to make up for the extended flange distance.