Russian Lens Recommendation?

cmdurham · Aug 31, 2010

Hey Guys, this is my first post and I have what I hope is a pretty easy question.

I just picked up a Fed-2 rangefinder (Russian Leica knock-off) that came with an Inustrar-61 lens. My only complaint so far is the minimum focusing distance on the lens which is 1.5 meters. Does anyone know of an M39 screw mount 50mm lens with a shorter minimum focus? Preferably something somewhat fast.

I don't have the money really to buy old Leica glass, but I know there are plenty of old Russian surrogates available inexpensively. Unfortunately most of them on Ebay don't list minimum focus in their specs.

Thanks

anon12345 · Aug 31, 2010

There might be some info in this data . . .
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Look under the column titled "Entfernung" and you might occasionally find reference to the min/max focusing distances. I have the N-61 on my Canon III. I like it for three reasons. It has aperture click stops, it's sharp, and the focus ring is easily found in a hurry. I once had a Jupiter 3. Didn't much care for it because the aperture was always moving around, no click stops. I was about ready to glue it at f/16, but then decided to sell it.

mabman · Aug 31, 2010

I found this chart that has minimum focal distances listed - not sure if it's a comprehensive list, though.

Anyway, it looks like the only one that can focus closer than .9/1 meter is the Russar 20/5.6, which would require an auxilliary viewfinder.

Also, are you sure about your Industar 61 only being able to focus to 1.5 meters? I have one as well (an Industar 61 L/D, actually), and it focuses to .9 meters (and the chart I linked to indicates 1 meter, which is close enough for Soviet standards

mablo · Aug 31, 2010

Rangefinders in general have difficulties to focus closer than 1 meter. The usual gimmick to circumvent that (in FSU terms) is to get a Jupiter-9, 85mm/2 lens which gives you somewhat closer reach.

cmdurham · Sep 1, 2010

Thanks everyone.

Mabman, you're right, it is .9 meters. I had to double check when I got home. Although, I have to say, it feels like something more than a meter when at minimum focus and lining up the focal image in the viewfinder for a close subject. More experimentation. I'm new to this but so far I love it.

paulfish4570 · Sep 1, 2010

2.5-3.5 feet is standard minimum focus distance for a rangefinder lens. The I-61L/Z is for an SLR, which gives much closes minimum - because it is an SLR. You will have to go with a short tele for the appearance of close focus, but with your FED, you will need an auxilliary viewfinder. you could a turret auxilliary view viewfinder, which would give you wide as well as short tele options.
Your I-61 is a very good lens. you can always crop ...

photoncatcher · Sep 1, 2010

Just to echo what has been said. Most "normal" lenses that use the helical focusing system are limited to about 3 ft close focus. For slrs there are many macro lenses that will alow you to get 1:1 focus. For the RFs this was a problem. Paralax problems specialy. I was lucky enough to find an Orion 15 28mm for my Fed 2, and my Zorkis. But it still only focuses to a bit less than one meter. The Jupiter 9 is a great option, and a great piece of glass. Oh, and the turret finder is the way to go, as it covers the whole range of lenses that are readily available. What color is your Fed? They made them in many colors, and I have a really pretty blue one. It gets some interesting looks, and comments.

Russian Lens Recommendation?

cmdurham

anon12345

mabman

mablo

cmdurham

paulfish4570

photoncatcher

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