helios-40 problem?

ffureel · Joined: 20 Jun 2008 Posts: 29

Hey.

Got my helios-40 yesterday, what a lump. Awesome.

Everything is fine with it, just something weird.

I can set the aperture ring to below 1.5 on the scale, thus the preset ring can not move. If I set the ring to 1.5, the preset ring can move, by a very small amount. So I am not sure, is the dial just put on wrong and displaying 1 step aperture lower than it is...? here is a picture showing how I can set the dial before 1.5...

The dial does not click into place in this position, but does click into place at 1.5, 2 etc as normal....?

And here is one of my first pictures with the lens. Not wide open, maybe about f/2 or 2.8 ?

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

Maybe the lens has been opened and the top ring remounted without much precision. I would ignore it, this will not have an influence on your pictures.

Nice sample, that shows both the strenght and weakness of the lens: great detail and lifelikeness of the subject, weird OOF highlights.

From my experience with the lens: I advice to always use a hood, even if home made. I could not find a 66mm hood so I made one from cardboard. It makes a dramatic difference.

ffureel · Joined: 20 Jun 2008 Posts: 29

I like the highlights...personally.

I am not that upset about the lens aperture... For example, would that mean if i set the lens to 1.5 it is actually 2, and if i set it to 2 it will be 2.8? (just for my lens of course)

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

I don't think it's likely that the difference is one full stop but only you can know it with a simple test, photograph something in manual mode as RAW with both this lens and a lens that you know is precise and you can immediately measure the difference.

ffureel · Joined: 20 Jun 2008 Posts: 29

Thankyou. I will do a little test.

A little note. I did a little comparison between the helios and jupiter 85mm.

The helios is sharper at 1.5 than jupiter at f/2.. I am quite shocked at the sharpness at f/1.5, it is only in the very centre though.

The jupiter was sharper at f/4.

The helios produces a very circular/ rotating, cat eye type bokeh. On the other hand the jupiter produces very smooth, pefect circular bokeh.

I do not like the aperture of the helios stopped down... it looks like a star. Whereas the jupiter is perfectly circular at all apertures.

So both very different lenses actually. Depending on the situation and effect desired.

rayatphonix · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 28

I checked mine after reading your post. Mine will go just past the 1.5 "stop"; not as far as yours, but just under the 1. I've never really thought about it.

Orio, how to you attach your homemade hood? There isn't much space available. I've thought about modifying a collapsable rubber hood and using a rubber band. Any other thoughts?

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04