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MHO, the problem with the J9 is finding a good one.
This may involve one (if lucky or good dealer) or multiple copies (if unlucky)
That makes more sense in the past when they were cheaper than now if its cost being comparable to many other 85mm f1.8-f2 options.
A good copy is not soft.
Its certainly sharp enough in the center from wide open.
My first copy of the J9 looked good on the exterior but was soft (and I thought they were all like that).
But I managed to try a friend's copy which was good from wide open, which encouraged me to look for another copy.
This time, it was a beaten up one on the outside, but optically it was good.
Some shots with the better J9.
20150118-DSC08271-bw-2400 by jenkwang, on Flickr
DSC0426220140215ILCE-7-1 by jenkwang, on Flickr
20141122-DSC06853-2400 by jenkwang, on Flickr
By modern standards its not as sharp of course, but its certainly sharp enough (good copy)
Its a sort of Sonnar soft/sharp look that makes it different.
Bokeh, I think its smooth in most case, but as with any 85mm f1.8-f2, it can go bad in some bkgnd types, distances. The rounder aperture is a bonus wrt more modern options though.
Flare resistance is not good, though it is no deal breaker in most cases.
IMHO, rendering (and perhaps history/lineage) is what this lens is about imho.
Else, there are many technically better 85mm lenses for the price.
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