Ukrainian H(N) lenses on Nikon?

[bobcominitaly]

Maybe a dumb question, but I haven't found the answer so far - not even here. I'm wondering about the compatibility of 35mm Kiev lenses (Arsat N, Helios N, probably others) with Nikon camera's: do they have the same diaphragma lever so that they can measure wide open or do they need stop-down metering? And are there any other compatibility issues - like the pre-ai problems? And, last but not least _ are they any good (as in reasonable to excellent?)

[Mos6502]

From what I've heard: it depends. Some will and some won't. The original Kiev 17 had no meter, so the lenses didn't "communicate" with body in any way, other than through the auto-diaphragm operation.

I've heard that lenses for the 17 have trouble mounting on Nikons, but the later lenses from the 19 do not. I have not heard any explanation for why.

I do not own any so I can't say from personal experience.

[themoleman342]

I'm sorry for deviating from the question but can I request that the title be changed "Ukrainian H(N) lenses on Nikon?" In almost all cases the Arsenal plant in Kiev mass-produced lenses and cameras with a Nikon mount.

[Orio]

[Gurdie]

Hello,

I have used Zenitar N 16/2.8, Mir-24N 35/2, Arsat N 50/1.4, Helios-81N 50/2 and Kaleinar-5N 100/2.8, earlier with a D200, nowadays with a D700 Nikon body. They work like regular Nikon lenses, metering wide open.

With the Helios-81 (at least with my version), you have to be careful, though. At the back side of the aperture ring, there´s a raised ridge on my Arsat N 50/1.4 lens (latter picture). The ridge should mate with the moving aperture indexing ring around the lens mount. With the Helios, there´s no ridge, so sometimes it slides under the lens mount ring and the camera indicates wrong aperture.

Helios-81


Arsat N