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Back again to Helios-103 1.8/53
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PostPosted: Sun Apr 24, 2016 9:30 pm    Post subject: Back again to Helios-103 1.8/53 Reply with quote

In 2012 there was an animation here on the forum around Helios-103 1.8/53, a late Soviet lens which exists only on RF Contax-Kiev mount. At that time it was not in my priorities. But I recently acquired a 1982 copy. The lens is known for its sharpness already wide open and mine fully confirms that fame. I was impressed indeed with the image it gives at f1.8, especially after dreamy Jupiters w/o. And obviously even more at f2.8-f5.6.

As far as many posts and saturated discussions from 2012 lost the images provided by the fresh owners of Helios-103, I refresh the data bank with several shots which might not give the maximum richness of colours and subjects but which give an idea of the lens' drawing and IQ.


#1 - close up wide open ( f1.8 )



Crop form the image centre above, unprocessed, wow:



#2 - close up at f2.8



Crop form the image centre above, unprocessed, where you may see some fine details, like the web thread, double wow, just amazing:



#3 - at a distance of 2 metres, at f1.8, auto contrast:



Crop form the image above (towards the lower edge), unprocessed:



#4 - texture and grip test at f1.8, auto contrast



#5 - texture and grip test at f5.6, auto contrast



#6 - "macro mode" at f1.8 which overrides the minimal focusing distance and shows quite a thin DOF and strangely 3D-mounting OOF:


I have some of the shots made equally with Jupiter-3. Let me know if side-by-side posting serves you in any way.


PostPosted: Mon Apr 25, 2016 2:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I agree, it's a nice little lens, I should use mine more, I first have to tighten the adapter as its gotten loose.
The lens has a nice transition to OOF that I really like.
I do wish it had a bit more robust build, it does feel less substantial than all my other RF lenses.


Last edited by Lightshow on Fri Jul 22, 2016 12:49 am; edited 1 time in total


PostPosted: Mon Apr 25, 2016 5:06 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

It is a Planar-Biotar symmetrical scheme (6/4) not a Sonnar. It is a way sharper than its "collegue" J8.