A new Lens

by Posted in Jupiter-8 50mm f2, Lenses Leave a comment
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Actually, it’s not all that new. If my information is correct, the serial number suggests that it was built in 1963.

It’s not even new to me: I’ve had it for several years, but I haven’t featured it specifically on this site before. Note that a number of the photographs in this post were taken through a train window. So, if you see reflections, it’s for that reason and not because there’s a problem with the lens.

It’s a former Soviet Union lens, a Jupiter 8, derived from the Zeiss Sonnar design. It has six elements in three groups and a focal length of 50mm with a maximum aperture of f/2.0.It was made for two different camera mounts, the Leica thread mount used on Zorki, FED, and some other Soviet rangefinders, and the Contax mount used on Kiev rangefinders. The latter one can be used on all Contax rangefinders, with the former possibly needing to be adjusted to properly work on non-Soviet rangefinders using Leica thread mount, particularly if you’re using it on a film camera. The lens is a standard M39 mount.

Additionally, there existed a modified version of this lens, called the Jupiter-8M. The only difference between the two versions is that the modified version had click-stops on the aperture ring. It was available only in Contax mount for Kiev rangefinders.

A variation of Jupiter-8 lens was the usual standard lens on many Zorki and Kiev cameras, making it a pretty common lens even today.

Like many classic lenses it can be used with modern, digital, mirrorless cameras with a suitable adapter. Note that it has to be a mirrorless camera. Digital Single Lens Reflex Cameras (DSLRS) do not for the most part lend themselves to such adaptation.

One of the reasons I bought my first mirrorless camera (a Sony NEX 5N) was because I’d read that old lenses (which were at that time, 2011 quite inexpensive. They’re somewhat more expensive nowadays) could be used with it. I bought a number of old lenses and adapters and used them for quite some time. Inevitably, I lost interest eventually and haven’t used them for ages.

However, I recently decided to try them again, especially this one because I really liked using it, and a love the results it can produce.

For a review take a look at Jupiter 8 – A giant amongst the stars

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Do you collect classic cameras? Would you like to?

by Posted in Camera Collection, Cameras Leave a comment

If so, then I recently came across some resources that you might appreciate.

They’re to be found on an interesting YouTube channel called: Amateur Photographer TV. The channel contains videos from Amateur Photographer, a UK based journal that claims to be the world’s longest running consumer photography magazine. ‘AP’ has been published weekly in the UK since 1884 and has been the bible for both amateur and professional photo-enthusiasts around the world for generations, helping millions of photographers to improve their skills. AP features the latest news, in-depth and unbiased equipment reviews, interviews with the world’s leading photographers, and tutorials on everything from analogue photography to the latest digital photography techniques.

Some of the recent videos on classic cameras include:

The channel has quite a few more videos on classic cameras, and even more on other aspects of photography.

Lichen and Fungi

by Posted in Fungi, Lichen Leave a comment
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I came across a downed branch in a friend’s driveway. On it was this bright green lichen and some fungi.

Lichens are unique organisms formed from a symbiotic relationship between fungi and photosynthetic partners, such as algae or cyanobacteria. They are found worldwide and consist of about 15,000 species that thrive in various environmental conditions. Lichens are not classified as plants or animals; instead, they represent a complex life form that can survive in extreme environments, including exposure to space. They play essential roles in ecosystems, such as contributing to soil formation and serving as indicators of environmental health (Wikipedia).

Fungi are a kingdom of organisms that include yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. They are heterotrophic, meaning they cannot produce their own food, and play a crucial role in decomposing organic matter, which helps recycle nutrients in ecosystems. Fungi can reproduce both sexually and asexually and often form symbiotic relationships with plants and bacteria, contributing significantly to nutrient cycling and environmental health. (Brittanica)

I just thought it looked ‘cool’ so of course I took a photograph.

Taken with a Sony RX10 IV.

A curious looking building

by Posted in Buildings/Structures Leave a comment
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I recently came across this building in Archville, NY. It’s an odd-looking building. What’s that tower like structure sticking out on top? At first glance it looks like someone’s garage, but as you look closely you see the words “Archville Fire Department”

Well, I say I came across it, but I was actually looking for it. I volunteer at the Briarcliff Manor-Scarborough Historical Society (BMSHS) and I’m preparing a piece on the history of the Archville and Scarborough Fire Departments. The text has been entirely prepared by a long-time member of the various (and sometimes confusing) Briarcliff Manor Fire Departments, and I was looking for some photographs to illustrate it. This is, indeed the original Archville Fire Station.

The website of the Archville Fire Department has this to say about its history:

The volunteer Archville Fire Department serves the hamlet and surrounding area, from the Hudson River to Pocantico Lake and from the edge of Briarcliff Manor to the edge of Sleepy Hollow.

Archville was named after an arched bridge over what is now U.S. Route 9. It carried the Old Croton Aqueduct over the highway. In 1924, the bridge was deemed to be a traffic hazard and it was demolished. In November 1998, long after the aqueduct was shut down, the bridge was replaced as a crossing for aqueduct walkers, bikers, and equestrians over the particularly dangerous section of the highway.

The Archville Fire Company was chartered in 1909. Its initial equipment consisted of thirty 3½ gallon galvanized buckets, and later a 50-gallon horse-drawn pumper purchased from the Valhalla Fire Department.

Archville Fire Department has three chief’s cars, two fire engines, and a horse drawn hand pumper from 1890, which serves as a department antique

Engine 236 / 2010
Engine 235 / 1992
Chief’s car 2631
1st Asst Chief’s car 2632
2nd Asst Chief’s car 2633

Hubert W. Mannerly was the first chief when the company chartered in 1909. Its first headquarters was a shed on the corner of Union Street and Albany Post Road (current Route 9).

The old Fire Station above is tucked away down a side street. You could easily miss it if you weren’t looking for it.

The new Fire Station (see below) is quite visible from a major road (Route 9). It’s right next to the Guadalajara Restaurant.

When the piece for the BMSHS is finished I’ll update this post with a link to it.

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Taken with a Sony RX10 IV.