helios 44m manual, no automatic

[revinhood]

Helios 44M does not have the option of manual, automatic only.
as to make the make the "f" in the manual.

[sichko]

Take the back off - remove the 4 screws and it lifts off. Remove the pin and slide over it a short (1-2 mm ?) plastic tube - I use a section of a "cotton bud" (also called "Q-tip" - I think). Replace the pin and the back. You have manual.

This idea is not original. Apologies to the original author. It's quicker to describe the method than to find the original thread.

[piticu]

[revinhood]

very good link.
another question. the focus ring is too hard, it's normal in this lens.

[sichko]

The lens is 22 years old. The "grease" used to lubricate the focussing helicoids can degrade during that time, particularly if the lens is not used regularly. You can try turning the focussing ring back and forwards many times. If this does not help, and the focussing still feels stiff and uneven, you may have to dismantle the lens, clean the helicoids and regrease them. But this is another story .....

[aussiesnapper]

Just did my first conversion on a hanimex F2.8 28mm and works great, wanted to start with a lens i wasnt worried about but now going to do my Helios 44m-4

Cheers
Dave