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jito
Joined: 29 Nov 2011
Posts: 113
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 Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 6:25 pm Post subject: which Helios 44 should I get? |
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jito wrote:
There seems to be a myriad of helios-44 variants. I would like to know how they differ from each other and which one do you guys recommend, and why.
The helios 44-2 seems to be the most common model and has very positive reviews. I'm inclined to buy that specific one, but should I buy other instead? What's the difference? |
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dimitrygo
Joined: 01 Apr 2009
Posts: 561
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| Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 6:53 pm Post subject: Re: which Helios 44 should I get? |
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dimitrygo wrote:
| jito wrote: |
There seems to be a myriad of helios-44 variants. I would like to know how they differ from each other and which one do you guys recommend, and why.
The helios 44-2 seems to be the most common model and has very positive reviews. I'm inclined to buy that specific one, but should I buy other instead? What's the difference? |
Depends on your preferences. Helios 44 and Helios 44-2 are preset lenses, focus ring is thin and placed very close to a mount. Helios-44M has A/M switch. Others are fully "automatic". Some old silver versions of Helios 44 have 13 blades aperture and this creates perfect circles at each F setting. Newer versions of Helios 44, Helios 44-2 and Helios-44M have 8 aperture blades. Other versions have 6 blades. Newer versions are multicoated. Helios 44-3 is actually newer lens, preset with wide focus ring, 8 aperture blades and multicoated.
http://forum.mflenses.com/complete-list-of-helios-lenses-getting-closer-t26100,highlight,%2Bgetting+%2Bcloser.html
Last edited by dimitrygo on Wed Jan 11, 2012 7:57 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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noddywithoutbigears
Joined: 13 Jan 2010
Posts: 215
Location: Leek, Staffordshire
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| Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 7:04 pm Post subject: |
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noddywithoutbigears wrote:
The only comment I'd llike to give is that you won't be dissapointed with whichever version you finally own, they are all fantistic value for money and a joy to use. 
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Super Takumar 55mm F18, Helios 44-2 58mm f2, Super Takumar 85mm f1.9, Pentacon 50mm f1.8, Zenitar 16mm f2.8 Fisheye, Carl Zeiss Vario Prakticar 35-70mm f2.7-3.5. Carl Zeiss Prakticar 35mm f2.4 |
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martinsmith99
Joined: 31 Aug 2008
Posts: 6950
Location: S Glos, UK
Expire: 2013-11-18
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| Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 7:22 pm Post subject: |
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martinsmith99 wrote:
I have a number of them:
44 (Alu m39 mount, preset with 13 aperture blades) x2,
44-2 (m42 mount, preset with 8 aperture blades) x2,
44M (Auto/Manual with 8 aperture blades) 4+,
44M-4 (Auto only with 6 aperture blades) x2.
44: is not bad but a little softer than later models. Bokeh is circular at all apertures. Fine on 5D (just)
I'd say the 44-2 has the best value for money. The sharpness is good, 8 blade aperture so bokeh is fine when stopped down, preeset is easy to use with DSLR (hits 5D mirror though)
44M looks about the same as 44-2 but A/M switch instead of preset so easy on DSLR. Fine on 5D
44M-4 I use as body caps on M42 cameras 
There is also a 44-3 MC which is supposed to be the best, but prices are crazy and some cannot be mounted on DSLRs.
Hope this helps.
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martinsmith99
Joined: 31 Aug 2008
Posts: 6950
Location: S Glos, UK
Expire: 2013-11-18
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| Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 7:29 pm Post subject: |
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martinsmith99 wrote:
Nice avatar btw!
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Drack
Joined: 27 Feb 2011
Posts: 735
Location: Lithuania
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| Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 7:40 pm Post subject: |
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Drack wrote:
| noddywithoutbigears wrote: |
| The only comment I'd llike to give is that you won't be dissapointed with whichever version you finally own, they are all fantistic value for money and a joy to use. |
+1. |
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jito
Joined: 29 Nov 2011
Posts: 113
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| Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 8:51 pm Post subject: |
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jito wrote:
So the 44-2 is probably my best choice. I don't have any preset lens, but I like the concept.
Has anyone mounted it on an EOS crop body? Supposedly the mirror on crop bodies is smaller.
Looking at this picture I notice it goes quite deep inside the mount.
What's that metal fringe for? I'm suspecting I'll need to remove it in some way. |
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Lloydy
Joined: 02 Sep 2009
Posts: 7787
Location: Ironbridge. UK.
Expire: 2022-01-01
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| Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 8:56 pm Post subject: |
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Lloydy wrote:
I've got the 44M and the 44-2, a pair of each actually, and love them. I use the 44M mostly because the 44-2's are slightly stiff focusing and tend to unscrew out of the adapter. The 44M has the bigger base and I've drilled them to take the locking pin on my K10.
But they are both great lenses to use, I get a good success rate with them both.
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dimitrygo
Joined: 01 Apr 2009
Posts: 561
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| Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 8:56 pm Post subject: |
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dimitrygo wrote:
| jito wrote: |
What's that metal fringe for? I'm suspecting I'll need to remove it in some way. |
This is not Helios-44.
There is no mirror problem with crop Canon.
Last edited by dimitrygo on Wed Jan 11, 2012 8:58 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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GrahamNR17
Joined: 17 Jan 2009
Posts: 1855
Location: Norfolk, UK
Expire: 2012-09-06
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| Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 8:58 pm Post subject: |
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GrahamNR17 wrote:
Nowt to add to what the others have said, really. They just never made a bad'un
My 44-2 is my most-used lens, and the one I enjoy using most. |
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themoleman342
Joined: 21 Oct 2007
Posts: 2190
Location: East Coast (CT), U.S.A.
Expire: 2013-01-24
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| Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 9:01 pm Post subject: |
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themoleman342 wrote:
That picture shows the Mir 1B/V.
I'd say, because of the commonality, go for the 44-2. They will come the cheapest and offer great performance. |
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sichko
Joined: 20 Jun 2008
Posts: 2475
Location: South West UK
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| Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 9:02 pm Post subject: |
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sichko wrote:
| dimitrygo wrote: |
| jito wrote: |
What's that metal fringe for? I'm suspecting I'll need to remove it in some way. |
This is not Helios-44.
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It looks like a Mir-1B.
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jito
Joined: 29 Nov 2011
Posts: 113
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| Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 9:44 pm Post subject: |
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jito wrote:
Ops, sorry. That is indeed the mir-1v. I was looking at the wrong picture, I ended up fooling myself. LOL.
But well, getting a bit off topic, I'll take the chance to ask anyway: does the mir-1v has the mirror issue on the rebel?
Thank you for the feedback everyone. I was hoping that the helios 44-2 was a good choice as I find its looks cool  |
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ForenSeil
Joined: 15 Apr 2011
Posts: 2726
Location: Kiel, Germany.
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| Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 9:47 pm Post subject: |
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ForenSeil wrote:
The older ones (non-MC 44-2) have slightly badlier flare control but I prefer them because of a better focusing ring.
The 44M-7 is said to have I higher resolution than all other Helios 44Ms and 44-2, but in fact my 44-2 is not as good in the centre but better in the corners
blablabla, does not matter, take the cheapest you can get in a good condition. They are all good.
The price for Helios 44 lenses is currently exploding here at German Ebay.
Saw one going for above 50€
Got mine with a Zenit Body less than 1 year ago for 9€ in perfect condition on Ebay
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My camera: Sony A7+Zeiss Sonnar 55/1.8
Current favourite lenses (I have many more):
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Most wanted: Samyang 24/1.4, Samyang 35/1.4, Nikon 200/2 ED
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Last edited by ForenSeil on Wed Jan 11, 2012 9:55 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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themoleman342
Joined: 21 Oct 2007
Posts: 2190
Location: East Coast (CT), U.S.A.
Expire: 2013-01-24
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| Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 9:54 pm Post subject: |
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themoleman342 wrote:
Eh, the resolution figures are not so cut and dry. If you've seen the chart you'd assume the difference between an original 44 and 44m-7 would be staggering. Having owned ~25 helios variations, I can tell you it just ain't that simple.  |
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ForenSeil
Joined: 15 Apr 2011
Posts: 2726
Location: Kiel, Germany.
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| Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 10:01 pm Post subject: |
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ForenSeil wrote:
I think quality spreading may be a reason of different resolution.
Quality spreading is another reason not care about which one is the best.
The best 44-2 will be a lot better than the worst 44M-3 or 44M-7 etc.
They all have the same optical formula.
If you want to use later it on analog SLR camera, than take one with automatic (the 44Ms)
_________________
I'm not a collector, I'm a tester
My camera: Sony A7+Zeiss Sonnar 55/1.8
Current favourite lenses (I have many more):
A few macro-Tominons, Samyang 12/2.8, Noritsu 50.7/9.5, Rodagon 105/5.6 on bellows, Samyang 135/2, Nikon ED 180/2.8, Leitz Elmar-R 250/4, Celestron C8 2000mm F10
Most wanted: Samyang 24/1.4, Samyang 35/1.4, Nikon 200/2 ED
My Blog: http://picturechemistry.own-blog.com/
(German language) |
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Joosep
Joined: 25 Jan 2010
Posts: 305
Location: Estonia, Tallinn
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| Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 10:03 pm Post subject: |
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Joosep wrote:
Ive tried about 5 different ones.
If you want cold resolution, then go with the newest ones... 7 was it ?
If you want awesomeness, then 44-2, and try to get the KMZ one, its far superior to the rest. (mine was)
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The future is analogue.
23 cameras, 25 lenses and counting. |
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Attila
Joined: 24 Feb 2007
Posts: 57865
Location: Hungary
Expire: 2025-11-18
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| Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 10:13 pm Post subject: |
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Attila wrote:
Come on they are dirt cheap , take all!
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dimitrygo
Joined: 01 Apr 2009
Posts: 561
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| Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 10:35 pm Post subject: |
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dimitrygo wrote:
| themoleman342 wrote: |
| Eh, the resolution figures are not so cut and dry. If you've seen the chart you'd assume the difference between an original 44 and 44m-7 would be staggering. Having owned ~25 helios variations, I can tell you it just ain't that simple. |
Yes, especially when the label ring can be so easily replaced you never know actually what version you buy. I even saw single coated lens with an MC on the label. Swapping label rings between let's say 44M-4 and 44M-7 is unnoticeable and canot be proved. |
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themoleman342
Joined: 21 Oct 2007
Posts: 2190
Location: East Coast (CT), U.S.A.
Expire: 2013-01-24
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| Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 11:51 pm Post subject: |
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themoleman342 wrote:
| Quote: |
| Yes, especially when the label ring can be so easily replaced you never know actually what version you buy. I even saw single coated lens with an MC on the label. Swapping label rings between let's say 44M-4 and 44M-7 is unnoticeable and canot be proved. |
I've noticed that too. It seems to be a more common occurrence though now that the entire series is getting more recognition and the Helios 44m-7 commands decent prices (~80US if advertised properly). I've always tried to cross reference body serial #s with lens #s. |
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Lightshow
Joined: 04 Nov 2011
Posts: 3666
Location: Calgary
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| Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 1:58 am Post subject: |
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Lightshow wrote:
| Joosep wrote: |
If you want awesomeness, then 44-2, and try to get the KMZ one, its far superior to the rest. (mine was) |
I would have to agree with Joosep, the KMZ is the one to get.
I recently got a 44 13 blade version, and was surprised at how easy it is to get purple flare(coating color), I need to do some tests to determine where it's coming from since I've only used it once so far.
I'll update this post with my findings.
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martinsmith99
Joined: 31 Aug 2008
Posts: 6950
Location: S Glos, UK
Expire: 2013-11-18
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| Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 7:16 am Post subject: |
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martinsmith99 wrote:
| themoleman342 wrote: |
| Eh, the resolution figures are not so cut and dry. If you've seen the chart you'd assume the difference between an original 44 and 44m-7 would be staggering. Having owned ~25 helios variations, I can tell you it just ain't that simple. |
I've found the 44s I have to be softer than my 44-2s. Do you think this is down to QC or was there a known difference?
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Smoli4
Joined: 01 Jul 2011
Posts: 606
Location: Haifa, Israel
Expire: 2013-06-07
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| Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2012 12:23 pm Post subject: |
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Smoli4 wrote:
I am still searching for the perfect helios
but i you want to take a look at some crops from several helios lenses you can kinda see what the difference is..
you know all the MC version supposed to be more contrasty in harder light conditions, maybe overall colors should be better, but it seems that the older version 44-2 is the sharpest in center i dunno you can look at this link for the comparison:
http://forum.mflenses.com/lens-tests-x4-helios-44s-sharpness-test-t41758.html |
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