Helios 44M-7 on Sony a850

[iangreenhalgh1]

Bought this in new condition, unused for 20ukp. It's not the sharpest 50 I own but very respectable and has a nice character.


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[Gerald]

The lens looks good, but several photos lack snap. It is not lens' fault, it is just a matter of appropriate post-processing. If you do not object, I can post some post-processed photos to show what I'm saying.

[iangreenhalgh1]

Feel free. These are unprocessed to show the lens rendering au naturel.

The reason for the lack of snap is the lighting conditions. I'm at 56.4N and at this time of year it's more often than not very dull and gray. It's much sunnier today so I'll try to make some more samples to show what a difference the light can make.

[Gerald]

In my opinion, the black level of the original photos suffered an upward shift. Perhaps the camera was set to low contrast, I don't know. The black level shift is evident in the histograms of the original images.

Original picture with its histogram:


Original Picture:


After processing:

[iangreenhalgh1]

It's simply atmospherics, a thin mist and low light combine to make a low contrast image. It was very cold too, about 4C so there could have been some condensation on the lens, you often have to keep wiping them when it's so cold and humid. The black level shift is due to overexposure, which the camera will often do when the light levels are low and there is mist/fog in the air.

[Gerald]

I agree with you that condensation on the lens makes sense. Regarding the mist, I do not think it explains the loss of contrast because mist causes a gradual reduction of contrast that decreases with distance. Note that the two women are just a few meters from the camera, but the loss of contrast is already pretty apparent, what would only occur with a very heavy mist. If the cause of loss of contrast were heavy mist, the houses more than 100 meters away were disappearing into the mist, I think.

[kryss]

Very nice Ian,atmospherics and comments do not detract from shots,some people attend a feast of knowledge and manage to devour a few crumbs.

[kryss]

Attempt to "unlock" the potential...

[iangreenhalgh1]

Ooh, I like that kryss, it's got a metallic feel to it.

Sun appeared for a bit yesterday, so I ran out and made some more samples. Bit of sunlight and a clear atmosphere makes a big difference.


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[kryss]

Take cheap Russian lens that differs between copies and place it in the hands of a seasoned master and you too can produce great shots..

[Attila]

[iangreenhalgh1]

Some stitched ones:


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[kryss]

That bargain price A850 does you proud Ian..

[iangreenhalgh1]

Cheers man. Second best thing I've ever bought after my NEX-3 which is still serving me very well after nearly 5 years and a LOT of shots with a very great number and variety of lenses. I do love the a850 though.

[kryss]

I love my a600 + many,many lenses,I also have some expensive Pentax lenses and want to handle the new FF Pentax before I decide it or a7r for which I have a number of Sony Alpha lenses & Sony LEA4 adapter. I really do have to divest myself of much stuff,76 and not getting younger.

[iangreenhalgh1]

Hopefully you've got plots of picture taking and making still to come! I know how you feel though, I have too many cameras and lenses so that ones I love can sit unused for years.

[visualopsins]

[fotografiasol]

Very nice pictures with a very nice lens! Watching the picture #2 of the first post, I think it should be an Helios uncommon version of with black diaphragm leafs, because they are seen very little even though the sun is in the picture. Can you tell us about Ian? Thank you

[iangreenhalgh1]

Hello

The blades are stamped steel and quite shiny, I'll take a picture of them tomorrow if you want to see how they look.

[WNG555]

Very nice sample photos, Ian! Especially the 2nd and 3rd sets. With some better light, the lens' properties are revealed. I too have experienced atmospheric conditions that places a blanket of dullness to the exposures. Monsoon season in high desert.

A timely post, was considering a newer 44M-6 or -7, or an older 44M w/ 8 blades. Informative thread.

[iangreenhalgh1]

Cheers. I really like this 44M-7, but apart from the coatings, it's not better than my Helios 44-2.

[fotografiasol]

Thanks Ian, do not need to take the picture of the diaphragm. My Helios-44M-x all but one have bright diaphragms and clearly show their reflections in the picture when the sun is inside the frame.