Industar 61 L/Z - An old lens with a few secrets
Ah decided tae do a photo feature on this old, small, manual lens. Industar lenses were common on Russian rangefinder cameras, typically supplied with Zorkis and evolved from those roots tae SLRs like the (in)famous ZENIT series.
Its spec looks like many other 50mm lenses but it has a couple of features which make it stand out, more later...
- Spec : Industar 61 L/Z (Lzos factory)
- 50mm focal length f2.8-f16 M42 screw
- Stepless diaphragm - no clicks or indents
- 4 elements in three groups, 6 blade, Tessar type, 49mm thread
- closest focus 20-30cm, depending on model
An interesting fact is that some of the lens elements are integrated with Lanthanum (or lanthane). A radioactive, rare earth element which when used in lenses, produces high refraction/ low dispersion. The lens designer's "Grail". This probably explains why my beard and hands glow in the dark!
The lens is small and light and very sharp, even wide open
Ah paid $20 + $10 p+p, from Russia, when ah bought it. They're selling for $75-$100 in the US and around £50 here. Bargains can still be found.
The close focusing is one characteristic of this lens which sets it apart. Mine's focuses tae around 22cm (9"). Folk call it a macro lens but it's not even 1:2, mebbe 1:3.
A couple of close-up shots, Taken in desklamp light.
This lens's best feature comes out at night .It has a unique ( in my experience) star-shaped iris, which changes shape continuously as ye turn the aperture ring. There is no separate aperture ring/ f-stop, the diaphragm closes as the ring is set tae the desired f-stop. examples below...
f2.8
f4
f5.6
f8
f11
f16
This lens is excellent for many applications and ah'd thoroughly recommend it tae anyone looking tae get into manual lenses. It's great fun at the festive period, social events and special occasions.
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How interesting! I used to have a manual Zenith, my first ever SLR, how I wish I'd kept it! To use it now, after I've learned so much more about f stops/apertures and the like, would be brilliant.
Which camera did you use this lense on?
Some great examples here of just what these old manual lenses can do.
Thanks for sharing.
Viv
photogirl
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I like the results you get from this lens, amazing how the lights change
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Hi Vivien,
Ah mostly use my Sony A700, in A-priority, direct manual focus. The A700 shows its Minolta, backward compatible roots. Almost every function on the camera is available in these modes.
Some cameras like Nikon need a glass adaptor tae even get infinity. Only thing ah need tae remember is a pad and pencil tae note the f stops used as the camera exif doesn't record this. ISO, shutter speed and everything else is recorded.
Manual lenses become addictive. Ah just bought my 8th.! one, a couple of weeks ago. When ah added them all up; over three years it's cost me the princely sum of £137. Cheapest lens £5 - most expensive $35. Prices are rising quite quickly now though as the 4/3 camera owners start buying them.
Ye can get a good Zenit (body only) for between £5 and £25. Add a £10 lens and yer back in the 70s!
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Hi
You can influence the shape of the circles of confusion by placing a shape in front of the lens. It has to be very close.
A single narrow strip of black tape can be placed across the lens and changing the angle will alter the out of focus light. It is possible to use a cross or a star shape in much the same way. Bear in mind that too much blocking may require an increase of exposure.
the effect will vary depending on the aperture and works best with a long lens. Such 'filters' held so close to the lens will not affect the sharpness, just the background.
Kind regards,
Chas.
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Nice tutorial, great to read the feedback too. Learning all the time here. Ta
Steve
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