Helios 44M-7 or 77M-4

[OptiX]

Hi;

I'm going to choose a Russian M42 lens and I have two options now: 44M-7 and 77M-4! anybody knows which one can produce sharper images especially when the subject is off the center of frame?

[Smoli4]

hmm i have both lenses so i can make a test, but as the 77m-4 is a newly acquired and i havent had alot of tests with that.

the MC 44m-7 is the best helios in off center sharpness it is sharper off center and in center then all my tested helios 44m and 44-2.
also it has one of the best coating on a helios lens so flare control and contrast will be as best as youll get.

but the MC 77m-4 seems to have very good coatings as well and it is a very sharp lens wide open.

but these are pretty different lenses, but ill make a few test shots to help ya out.

[Smoli4]

There ya go as you can see the mc 44m-7 is the sharpest lens in center and in corners.


#1 77m-4

#2 44m-7

#3 77m-4

#4 44m-7


#5 77m-4

#6 44m-7

#7 77m-4

#8 44m-7


#9 77m-4

#10 44m-7

#11 77m-4

#12 44m-7

[OptiX]

Thanks for quick reply and the samples Smoli4. I agree with you, the 44M-7 is a little sharper although the difference is not noticeable.

[Smoli4]

no problem, im glad to help when i can, and you asked about these two lenses that i have and it was interesting to test them side by side.

[ChromaticAberration]

My eyes can't seem to tell the difference...

[Smoli4]

yes the difference is pretty slim and these are quite different lenses, one is f2 the other is f1.8 and different focal length.

what you can see in the raw files is the center sharpness is better on the helios 44m-7 quite obviously.
and not a major difference in corner sharpness but again there is an edge for the 44m-7 there also.

one will be happy with any of these lenses, and will not experience "bad IQ" or something like that, also they both have good coating etc..