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Comparison

KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8 vs KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2

The KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8 is a 50mm f/2.8 M42 lens made 1970s-1990s, valued at $25 to $100 used. The KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 is a 50mm f/2 M39 (Leica screw) lens made 1950s-1980s, valued at $30 to $120 used.

Specifications side by side

KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8 and KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 specifications compared
SpecificationKMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2
Native mountM42M39 (Leica screw)
Production years1970s-1990s1950s-1980s
Optical design4 elements / 3 groups, Tessar6 elements / 3 groups, Sonnar
Typical used value$50$60
Value range$25 to $100$30 to $120
Adapts toSony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mountSony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount

What actually differs

  • The KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 is 1 stop faster: f/2 against f/2.8.
  • The KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8 is cheaper. Typical used value is $50 against $60, a gap of $10. Ranges: $25 to $100 versus $30 to $120.
  • Both are 50mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
  • The KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 is the older design; production began around 1950 against 1970 for the KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8 (1950s-1980s versus 1970s-1990s).
  • They use different mounts, M42 and M39 (Leica screw), so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
  • Construction differs: 4 elements in 3 groups for the KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8, 6 elements in 3 groups for the KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2.

Which one to buy

Choose the KMZ Industar-61 L/Z 50mm f/2.8 for the $10 lower typical price. Choose the KMZ Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 for the 1 stop of extra speed. Rendering differs too: read the character notes below, because speed and price are the only advantages the catalog data can settle.

Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.

Full reference pages

Mount references: M42 and M39