Hellios 58/2 aperture????

[mfkita]

A friend has asked me to sell the Zenit-E/58-2 camera and lens.
I understand the lens is worth more than the body, and so I would likely ebay the lens by itself.
...but before I do I took this shot of the aperture to ask you all what you think of the leaves...

I have to say that they open/close VERY smoothly (the focusing ring does too)
...and whatever it is about them doesn't seem to be liquid, even though it looks like it...

Could it be the result of being exposed to heat?...it looks like liquid and bubbly, but there's no change in the appearance after opening and closing the leaves so it looks messy but it won't be drippy....

Any ideas would be appreciated...thank you...





[shot taken with Micro-Nikkor 60/2.8]

[drjs]

It is oil. The lens most likely have preset aperture (you use the out ring to preset to the smallest setting and inner ring closes to that setting) and it is not atypical for helios from that era to be like this. Since there is no automatic operation and everything is done by head, oil will not cause any harm unless it migrates to lens elements.

[Attila]

It's result of DIY and crappy re-lube of focus device, grease is melted , and went to blades, this amount looks to me higher a lot than usual amount, it will go to glass (I think already there) and cause little haze fog, it will reduce contrast , which is pretty low anyway , so may not harm much.

[mfkita]

I know it LOOKS like oil but as I said, the "drips" do not change shape after closing and opening the aperture...it's as if the oil is BAKED on to the leaves...

[Attila]

very strange ..

[skida]

Maybe it was left in a car on a very sunny day, causing the grease to melt and some of the thinner to evaporate, resulting in hardened grease on the blades. Considering the cost to buy a good one, I would not buy this one.

[mfkita]

It's likely been that way for a long time...too bad...thanks for the replies everyone...

[frenched]

This is a desirable lens, but you may not get top dollar for it. Maybe post some test shots in your listing to show it has no effect on IQ.

[Laurentiu Cristofor]

As long as the glass is clean, I would not worry. I have Russian lenses with oily aperture blades and I have no problem with them. The texture looks weird for this lens, but if it is clean and if the blades move without impediment, it should be as good as any other copy.

[mfkita]

I agree that clean glass and freely moving functions makes for a perfectly useable lens...but not a saleable one...

[skida]

If you sell it on ebay, then no matter how accurately you describe and photograph the problem, the chances are some optimistic moron will buy it, return it and give you negative feedback.

My last Zenit with a Helios 44 lens in good condition cost me about £12 including postage. Is your feedback reputation worth risking for such a low value item?

[Attila]

[tromboads]

if its works, it works

If you are trying to sell it, open it up and clean it bro

[ForenSeil]

My best guess is also that it was a DIY relubig attempt with the wrong lube.
As long as it doesn't hit the glas and everything works smooth ignore it.
When it reaces the glas, open the lens, soak and clean the blades with a solvent (paint thinner etc., heating might be necessary) and use a better lube for relubing.

[martinsmith99]

Why sell a Helios anyway?

[Lloydy]