Chrome Helios lens in F mount and M42 mount

[derror]

Hi there,

Have a couple of questions about the Helios and I think this is the place to ask them. Can anyone tell me if there are any chrome Helios lens in the Nikon F mount? I have heard that they did make some but I cannot find any. If anyone has information or one for sale, please let me know. I am also quite happy to get one in the M42 mount. I would like to have it on my Nikon FM2.

Also am looking for Russian Leica thread mount lens. Anyone has recommendation on which to get?

Thanks a lot.

D

[Gerris2]

I don't really have an answer for you, but just to add I'd like one, too! Welcome to MFlenses!

[iangreenhalgh1]

Welcome.

The silver Helios is the 44, as far as I know it only comes in M39 for the Zenit 3 and a unique mount for the Start SLR.

The 44-2 and later is black.

For Russian RF lenses, the biggest bargain is the Jupiter-8, a copy of the Zeiss 2/50, stunning lens, I have three copies, won't ever part with any of them.

[ManualFocus-G]

Here's some info on Russian lenses for Nikon bodies:

http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=14813

[Gurdie]

AFAIK, only Helioses I know in F-mount are common Helios-81N 50mm/f2 and prototype(?) Helios-123 50mm/f1.4.

At http://www.photohistory.ru/index.php?pid=1207248188492734 there´s a picture of a chrome Helios-81 lens, but probably that one is in another mount.

[Attila]

Welcome!

I had Helios 1 silver in multiply copies come with M39 SLR mount and Start camera mount. One copy was little soft wide open others were sharp excellent lenses.

[Webwalker]

Some tech info about Helios 44:

[derror]

Hi,

Would anyone be able to tell me how I would be able to get a Helios chrome lens on my Nikon FM2? I just think it would great to have a black body and chrome lens, and I really want to try the Helios because of the great bokeh I keep hearing about.

And thank you to everyone who replied and Joseph for the welcome

[Gurdie]

Well, if you mean Helios 44 - silver version, I´d say that the easiest way is to buy a M39 to Nikon F adapter. But, if the adapter doesn´t have a glass element, you are not able to reach infinity on a Nikon camera.

I haven´t seen any M39 adapters with glass element, but there´s plenty M42 to Nikon F adapters with the glass. Maybe you´ll find a silver Helios in M42 mount.

Of course you could try modify your Helios lens, but you must take it apart first. A guide with photos
http://forum.manualfocus.org/viewtopic.php?id=12363

[ManualFocus-G]

As above, you will need an M42 adapter with a glass element and an M39 to M42 adapter. Image quality won't be impressive though due to the glass adapter. Buy a Canon instead

[derror]

Hi,

Thank you for all the repies so far! So it will be better to have a lens in M42 mount to F mount with adapter? Does anyone know if they made chrome helios 44 lenses in chrome? Also I am getting very confused with the m39 mount, is that the same mount as the Leica 39 screw mount? And will they work on old Lecica thread mount cameras?

Thanks again

[iangreenhalgh1]

They only made chrome Helios 44s in M39. This is physically the same as the Leica screw mount but has a different flange focal distance, the only camera it will fit it the Zenit 3M. You can put an M39-M42 ring on them and use them on M42 cameras or digital cameras with an M42 adapter.

None of the Helios 44s will work on the Nikon mount unless you use an adapter with glass which will degrade the image quality. If you use an adapter without glass it will only focus a few metres from the camera and only be useful for macro shots.

Just forget a chrome Helios, it's not going to be much use on a Nikon at all.

[derror]

It is so disappointing. My search started because of this video, and he has a Helios lens on his Nikon F and it looks amazing... watch it and let me know what you think..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRFIiG_9SVo&feature=plcp

[Ghost2501]

Hi derror

We have the same problem : we both own a Nikon.

Since I'm registered here (a month), I caught the virus (bought 8 lenses so far, only 2 with Nikon mount).
So, in order to play well with thoses lenses, the only choice I have is to buy another body : http://forum.mflenses.com/the-most-versatile-digital-camera-for-mf-lenses-t49715.html

[derror]

Hi Ghost2501

You actually had to change camera brands? Wow... I just wanted to try my best to keep my Nikon lol. I also use a Canon rangefinder (film) that uses the Leica thread mount and was hoping that the m39 lens would fit, but as you can see from the advice above that it won't work either. Please check out the youtube link I posted above, that guy has an amazing collection of cameras and I really just wanted to find out how he had a beautiful shiny chrome Helios lens on his Nikon F.

Btw thanks for sharing the link, what camera did you end up getting? I really like the Ricoh GXR, its a nifty little idea, and the module with the Leica mount is awesome, though I suspect it will still be like the Nikon and be difficult with compatibility.

[Ghost2501]

Don't get me wrong
I'll keep my DSLR because the autofocus is faster (phase detection) and more suitable for shooting sports and kids playing.
Nikon bodies are the least compatible for non-Nikon MF lenses . So, I think a second body (an affordable one) will be a good choice to play with my new cheap lenses.
Sony's NEX-7 seems to be a wondefull camera but too expensive for me. So, I'm in the search of a used NEX-3 or NEX-5.

[derror]

I love my Nikons, the film (Fm2, N65, FM3a, Nikomat) and digital (D700, D50), and I don't really want to change them. But I suppose a Nex seems a good idea, although have you checked out the Ricoh GXR.

[sichko]

[Gurdie]

Of course if you want use a silver lens with your Nikon body, you could buy a silver Nikkor 45/2.8 P pancake lens.

[derror]

John,

Thank you for the insights. I suppose if thats the case i will keep searching for an alternative... although the idea of a shinning chrome lens on my FM2 black body just won't leave my mind...

Gurdie,

thanks for the suggestion, I have contemplated it, but the metal chrome lenses looks a lot better, and also is a lot cheaper, the 45mm always goes for about 350 or more and I can't spend that much atm.

[sichko]

Another possibility is the silver coloured Mir 1 37mm f/2.8 M39 designed for Zenit SLR cameras. The lens is easily dismantled when you find that the position of the optical cell relative to the mount is determined by a relatively thick (~ 0.5 - 1mm - from memory !) washer. It should be possible to reduce its thickness by 0.3 mm - that is to convert the M39 register into an M42 register and then use a glass M42 Nikon adapter. I should stress that I haven't tried this. However I have used a Mir 1B (M42) with a glass adapter on a Nikon body. Results were good.

[Gurdie]

You could also try this Exakta lens to Nikon adapter

http://forum.mflenses.com/quick-exakta-lens-to-nikon-f-adapter-t18705,start,15.html

[derror]

Hi all,

I found this website that sells mf lenses with the adapter- top35mm.com. Are the prices reasonable?

thank you