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Explore the world of vintage lenses through repair notes, real test shots, and detailed archive threads packed with images.

Explore the world of vintage lenses through repair notes, real test shots, and detailed archive threads packed with images.
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Helios-94 50mm/1.8 on A7
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Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2014 11:17 am
Post subject: Helios-94 50mm/1.8 on A7
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Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2014 11:17 am
Post subject: Helios-94 50mm/1.8 on A7
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This lens was supposed to replace the Helios-103.

Here is the lens :



It was built for the Kiev-5, so it has modified bayonet. In fact, it's like an external kiev-4 bayonet, but it won't fit to this bayonet without any modification. The rear part of the lens is not "empty" like other external bayonet lenses like Jupiter-9 or 12. So, even if you remove the focusing part of the bayonet, you'll need to trim a bit the bayonet (not on the lens).

Here is the design of Helios-94 :

(image from photohistory.ru)

And design of Helios-103 :


I cannot say if the lens design is different from Helios-103 because of the non detailed draws, but when they change to design, they usualy change the "number". The Jupiter-8 on the Kiev-5 is called Jupiter-8 NB (Noviy Bayonet I guess). I guess if the Helios-94 simply was an adapted Helios-103, they would have called it Helios-103 NB.

Coating is different, diaphragm ring has 1/2 clics, but shape is the same.

So, here are some quick samples (the firsts), all wide open on the A7.


#1

#2

#3

#4


Regards,


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Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2014 11:52 am
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Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2014 11:52 am
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Looks like an excellent lens with interesting bokeh, reminds me a bit of the Zenitar M2S. Congrats.


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Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2014 12:29 pm
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Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2014 12:29 pm
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Pretty unique character! I like the bokeh, definitely swirly.


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Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2014 1:14 pm
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Posted: Sun Oct 05, 2014 1:14 pm
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Great portrait.
The schematic looks similar(air glass transitions),but the glass glass transitions have definitely been recalculated, to what end I can't say.
If the managed to improve on the 103, that would be quite the feat, as my 103 is very sharp.


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Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2014 4:46 pm
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Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2014 4:46 pm
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Some more shots with this lens (I adjusted my adapter to allow infinity) on A7. No crop exepted 16/9 on first.
Classical Paris vs modern Paris Smile

#1


#2


#3


#4


#5


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Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2014 7:43 pm
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Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2014 7:43 pm
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I find the bokeh a bit disturbing. It draws the attention too much to my taste.


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Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2014 8:11 pm
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Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2014 8:11 pm
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memetph wrote:
I find the bokeh a bit disturbing. It draws the attention too much to my taste.


I love this kind of bokeh Smile


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Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2014 9:29 pm
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Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2014 9:29 pm
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Awesome shots. Lens is good but it suits the photographer also.


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Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2014 9:58 pm
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Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2014 9:58 pm
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Pancolart wrote:
Awesome shots. Lens is good but it suits the photographer also.


Thank you!


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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 1:51 pm
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 1:51 pm
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Sorry to dig up an old topic, but I now have access to a Helios-94 and would like to try it, so could you please tell me where and how the external mount needs to be trimmed? I have a home-made adapter hacked from a Kiev 4 and I can remove the inner focusing part. The lens does just about fit, but won't turn to lock onto the mount.


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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 4:03 pm
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 4:03 pm
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This might be some guide for you: http://www.ebay.com/itm/252555948885
In my case I've just bought such adapter. Good luck!


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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 4:23 pm
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 4:23 pm
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Pavko's adapter should do the job.
If you want to trim your adapter, trim the part where are written the DOF index (2,28,4,5.6, etc...)


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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 5:27 pm
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 5:27 pm
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Thanks BurstMox and pavko, I guess I'll need to shave the face of that front DOF ring until it is flat and closer to level with the mount lugs.


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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 7:00 pm
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 7:00 pm
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MartinV wrote:
Thanks BurstMox and pavko, I guess I'll need to shave the face of that front DOF ring until it is flat and closer to level with the mount lugs.


Yes, you can trim and regulary check how the lens mount on it.


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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 7:22 pm
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 7:22 pm
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Sorry , I don't understand . This lens has its own focusing ring or it is like the 103 ?


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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 11:30 pm
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2016 11:30 pm
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memetph wrote:
Sorry , I don't understand . This lens has its own focusing ring or it is like the 103 ?


It has its own focusing ring, like Kiev Jupiter-9 or Jupiter-12.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENf7cCViwvE


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Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2016 6:38 am
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Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2016 6:38 am
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Like 1 small Like 1 small Like 1 small


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Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2016 1:43 pm
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Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2016 1:43 pm
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Nice results!
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