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Nordentro
Joined: 24 Jun 2010 Posts: 4713 Location: Lillehammer, Norway
Expire: 2015-01-29
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Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 7:40 pm Post subject: About Helios 44 |
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Nordentro wrote:
Probably discussed before, but what is the best version of Helios 44 in terms of IQ?!?
Has anybody did comparisons? _________________ Lars | Manuellfokus.no |
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iangreenhalgh1
Joined: 18 Mar 2011 Posts: 15679
Expire: 2014-01-07
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Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 7:42 pm Post subject: |
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iangreenhalgh1 wrote:
Copy variation renders such discussions moot. _________________ I don't care who designed it, who made it or what country it comes from - I just enjoy using it! |
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LucisPictor
Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 17633 Location: Oberhessen, Germany / Maidstone ('95-'96)
Expire: 2013-12-03
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Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 7:47 pm Post subject: |
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LucisPictor wrote:
The later the version, the "better" the results if you are looking for contrast and sharpness.
But I have sold all my copies apart from the oldest one, 44-2, which I liked more than all the newer ones. _________________ Personal forum activity on pause every now and again (due to job obligations)!
Carsten, former Moderator
Things ON SALE
Carsten = "KAPCTEH" = "Karusutenu" | T-shirt?.........................My photos from Emilia: http://www.schouler.net/emilia/emilia2011.html
My gear: http://retrocameracs.wordpress.com/ausrustung/
Old list: http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=65 (Not up-to-date, sorry!) | http://www.lucispictor.de | http://www.alensaweek.wordpress.com |
http://www.retrocamera.de |
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Aanything
Joined: 27 Aug 2011 Posts: 2187 Location: Piacenza, Italy
Expire: 2014-05-30
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Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 10:11 pm Post subject: |
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Aanything wrote:
I have a 44-2, 44-m a 44-m-6 and a 44-m-7 (that I sold)
I tend to prefer the oldest (44-2) because of build quality, preset aperture and a/m switch. I also like better its color rendering, but I never noticed evident differences in sharpness.
But here comes copy variation, so, who knows?
Always heard that the later ones are sharper, anyway. _________________ C&C and editing of my pics are always welcome
Samples from my lenses
My gear
My Flickr |
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erkie
Joined: 08 Oct 2011 Posts: 308 Location: Missouri
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Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 12:38 am Post subject: |
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erkie wrote:
I'm with Carsten on this one. The old 44-2 has a more pleasing rendering for me. I have a 44-7 MC and 44-k-4 non MC which are sharper but that's not what i'm after from a Helios. the 44-7 is sharper than my 44-k-4 and much better coatings but again I prefer the K-4. So for me thee old cheap 44-2 is what I like. You may need to purchase two or three to find a keeper but I've hung on to my first so far. _________________
I shoot film and meter with digital
Asahi H3v, Praktica FX3, Retina IIa, Spotmatic sp1000, Fujica V2, Yashica lynx5000, Pentax Sf1, Minolta SRT102, Minolta7000i, Pentax MX, Pentax ME, Pentax Kx
lensesM42- Isco Gottingen Westanar 50/2.8, Isco Gottingen Westron 35/2.8, Rikenon 35/2.8, Spiratone Tc 105/2.5, Spiratone Tc 200/4.5, Sankyo Kohki Komura 300/5, Sankyo Kohki Komura 135/3.5, Auto Tak 35/3.5, Super Tak 150/4, S-M-C Tak 50/1.4, S-M-C Tak 28/3.5, SMC Tak 55/2, Mamya Sekor 55/1.8
K- mount- Helios 44-K-4, Jc penny 28/2.8, Da 18-55, Da 55-300, Pentax F 35-70, SMCP M 50/1.4, SMCP M 50/1.7
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ForenSeil
Joined: 15 Apr 2011 Posts: 2726 Location: Kiel, Germany.
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Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 1:51 am Post subject: |
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ForenSeil wrote:
This question is asked very often.
And there's always no real answer.
I also prefer 44-2 preset over 44-M7 and 44M (M7 had slghtly better contrast and flare control though). 44-3 has some very good/maybe best recommendations but it's usually more expensive and there's are the same risk of getting "a lemon".
Optical quality spreading is often bigger than the differences between the versions.
You should simply try to get a cheap one in very good condition. _________________ 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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martinsmith99
Joined: 31 Aug 2008 Posts: 6950 Location: S Glos, UK
Expire: 2013-11-18
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Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 5:58 am Post subject: |
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martinsmith99 wrote:
They tend to get sharper and more contrasty and less aperture blades with each later model. My favourite is the 44-2, but sadly it clonkes the 5Dii's mirror so I use a 44 or a 44M depending on what I'm doing.
I've not seen much of the QC issues reported with my collection of FSU glass and suspect it is blown out of proportion. _________________ Casual attendance these days |
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woodrim
Joined: 14 Jan 2010 Posts: 4060 Location: Charleston
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Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 3:38 pm Post subject: |
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woodrim wrote:
My preference reflects the consensus expressed here. Mine are 44, 44-2, 44-3, and 44M-7. I have already traded my 44M-7. I will be parting with all but the 44-2. While I like the 44, it needs servicing that I do not know how to do, so it will be going. The 44-2 I find to be the most comfortable to use, having what I perceive is a better, more solid build quality than the 44-3 and 44M-7. I cannot see an appreciable difference in IQ, so I'm just going with the one I like best. I don't need to have more than one. _________________ Regards,
Woodrim |
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Laurentiu Cristofor
Joined: 23 Oct 2010 Posts: 524 Location: WA, USA
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Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 4:28 pm Post subject: |
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Laurentiu Cristofor wrote:
As a note, AFAICT, there is no difference between the 44 and 44-2 in M42 mount - the 44 was made earlier and then they changed its name to 44-2 to avoid confusion with the initial M39 version (Zenit, not LTM). So the 44 are perhaps more collectable, but from any other pov they are identical to the 44-2. |
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calvin83
Joined: 12 Apr 2009 Posts: 7555 Location: Hong Kong
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Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 4:32 pm Post subject: |
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calvin83 wrote:
Laurentiu Cristofor wrote: |
As a note, AFAICT, there is no difference between the 44 and 44-2 in M42 mount - the 44 was made earlier and then they changed its name to 44-2 to avoid confusion with the initial M39 version (Zenit, not LTM). So the 44 are perhaps more collectable, but from any other pov they are identical to the 44-2. |
The early m39 version has 13 aperture blades and more attractive chrome body to some people. _________________ https://lensfever.com/
https://www.instagram.com/_lens_fever/
The best lens is the one you have with you. |
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woodrim
Joined: 14 Jan 2010 Posts: 4060 Location: Charleston
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Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 4:56 pm Post subject: |
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woodrim wrote:
My 44 is m42 and not 13 blade, but is the chrome - or is it alloy - body. _________________ Regards,
Woodrim |
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Lightshow
Joined: 04 Nov 2011 Posts: 3666 Location: Calgary
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Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 9:03 pm Post subject: |
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Lightshow wrote:
44: Stick to the version with the red P (Pi)I have a 13 blade sn"00" that has nasty flare.
44-2: KMZ version seems to be the sharpest. _________________ A Manual Focus Junky...
One photographers junk lens is an artists favorite tool.
My lens list
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lightshow-photography/ |
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woodrim
Joined: 14 Jan 2010 Posts: 4060 Location: Charleston
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Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 9:19 pm Post subject: |
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woodrim wrote:
Is there a legend that shows the symbols and their respective factory names? _________________ Regards,
Woodrim |
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mo
Joined: 27 Aug 2009 Posts: 8979 Location: Australia
Expire: 2016-07-30
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Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 9:33 pm Post subject: |
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mo wrote:
woodrim wrote: |
Is there a legend that shows the symbols and their respective factory names? |
Is this what you mean
http://www.zenitcamera.com/qa/qa-logos.html _________________ Moira, Moderator
Fuji XE-1,Pentax K-01,Panasonic G1,Panasonic G5,Pentax MX
Ricoh Singlex TLS,KR-5,KR-5Super,XR-10
Lenses
Auto Rikenon's 55/1.4, 1.8, 2.8... 50/1.7 Takumar 2/58 Preset Takumar 2.8/105 Auto Takumar 2.2/55, 3.5/35 Super Takumar 1.8/55...Macro Takumar F4/50... CZJ Biotar ALU M42 2/58 CZJ Tessar ALU M42 2.8/50
CZJ DDR Flektogon Zebra M42 2.8/35 CZJ Pancolar M42 2/50 CZJ Pancolar Exakta 2/50
Auto Mamiya/Sekor 1.8/55 ...Auto Mamiya/Sekor 2/50 Auto Mamiya/Sekor 2.8/50 Auto Mamiya/Sekor 200/3.5 Tamron SP500/8 Tamron SP350/5.6 Tamron SP90/2.5
Primoplan 1.9/58 Primagon 4.5/35 Telemegor 5.5/150 Angenieux 3.5/28 Angenieux 3,5/135 Y 2
Canon FL 58/1.2,Canon FL85/1.8,Canon FL 100/3.5,Canon SSC 2.8/100 ,Konica AR 100/2.8, Nikkor P 105/2.5
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woodrim
Joined: 14 Jan 2010 Posts: 4060 Location: Charleston
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Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 9:51 pm Post subject: |
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woodrim wrote:
Yes, thank you. _________________ Regards,
Woodrim |
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Excalibur
Joined: 19 Jul 2009 Posts: 5017 Location: UK
Expire: 2014-04-21
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Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 11:39 pm Post subject: |
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Excalibur wrote:
My copy is very good.....44m 7 blade with KM3 symbol. _________________ Canon A1, AV1, T70 & T90, EOS 300 and EOS300v, Chinon CE and CP-7M. Contax 139, Fuji STX-2, Konica Autoreflex TC, FS-1, FT-1, Minolta X-700, X-300, XD-11, SRT101b, Nikon EM, FM, F4, F90X, Olympus OM2, Pentax S3, Spotmatic, Pentax ME super, Praktica TL 5B, & BC1, , Ricoh KR10super, Yashica T5D, Bronica Etrs, Mamiya RB67 pro AND drum roll:- a Sony Nex 3
.........past gear Tele Rolleiflex and Rollei SL66.
Many lenses from good to excellent. |
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Nordentro
Joined: 24 Jun 2010 Posts: 4713 Location: Lillehammer, Norway
Expire: 2015-01-29
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Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 1:41 am Post subject: |
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Nordentro wrote:
Thx guys, I bought a 44-2 today
(have a 44m-4 from before) _________________ Lars | Manuellfokus.no |
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fotomachi
Joined: 02 Feb 2008 Posts: 638 Location: Estados Unidos de las Esferas Ultraterrenales
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Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 6:30 am Post subject: |
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fotomachi wrote:
That's how it begins... From a first to a second Helios and before you realize it, you are buying all the different numbers, then you go for all the different versions of those different numbers, etc...
Have fun _________________ :::[ f o t o m a c h i . M X ]:::
:::[ F o T o M a C h i . C o M ]:::
:::[ M y . l e n s . c o l l e c t i o n ]:::
:::[ M a c h i g l a z k i . О п т и к . B l o g ]::: |
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Jesito
Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 5745 Location: Olivella, Catalonia, (Spain)
Expire: 2015-01-07
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Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 7:59 am Post subject: |
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Jesito wrote:
Nordentro wrote: |
Thx guys, I bought a 44-2 today
(have a 44m-4 from before) |
As Ian said above, quality depends on each single copy.
I keep one Helios-44 (to me the sharpest in my current gear), four Helios 44-2 (for different reasons, some are good but highly worn). I had a 44M-4 and it was the sharpest Helios 44 I have ever had, I commited the mistake of selling it and now I regret it!.
In the meantime many have been passing thru, so being a cheap lens and a good performer, it should not be a problem to keep several . Until you feel the need of having a Biotar, the original from where the Helios was copied.
Regards.
Jes. _________________ Jesito, Moderator
Jesito's backsack:
Zooms Sigma 70-300, Tamron 35-135 and 70-210 short, 70-210 long, 28-70 CF Macro, 35-70, 35-80, Vivitar 70-210 KA, Tamron 70-250.
Fixed Industar-50, , Tamron 24mm, Tamron 135mm, Sands Hunter 135mm, Pancolar 50mm, Volna-3, many Exakta lenses
DSLR SIGMA SD9 & SD14, EOS 5D, Sony A700 and NEXF3, Oly E-330, E-400, E-450, E-1
TLR/6x6/645 YashicaMat, Petri 6x45, Nettar, Franka Solida, Brilliant
SLR Minolta X300, Fuji STX II, Praktica VLC3, Pentax P30t, EXA500, EXA 1A, Spotmatic(2), Chinon CM-4S, Ricoh, Contax, Konica TC-X , Minolta 5000, 7000i, 3Sxi, EOS 500 and CX
Rangefinders Chinon 35EE, Konica C35 auto, Canonet 28, Yashica Lynx, FED-2, Yashica electro 35, Argus C3 & C4, Regula Cita III, Voigtlander Vitoret (many), Welta Welti-I, Kodak Signette 35, Zorki-4, Bessa-R & L, Minolta Weathermatic, olympus XA2
Compact Film Konica C35V, Voigtlander Vitorets, Canon Prima Super 105, Olympus XA2 and XA3
Compact Digital Olympus C-5050, Aiptek Slim 3000, Canon Powershot A540, Nikon 5200, SIGMA DP1s, Polaroid X530, IXUS55, Kodak 6490, Powershot G9 and G10
CSCCanon EOS-M, Samsung NX100 and NX210, Lumix G5, NEX-F3 |
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Smoli4
Joined: 01 Jul 2011 Posts: 606 Location: Haifa, Israel
Expire: 2013-06-07
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Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 9:31 am Post subject: |
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Smoli4 wrote:
i'v tested all sorts of helios 44, havent had the change to test out an early Helios 44, but i've tested some known helios 44 and 44m side by side.
the 44-2 are sharper then most 44m. (only when looking at 100% crops from 18mp.)
the non MC 44m's looks less sharp and less contrasty.
when tested the MC 44-3 vs the MC 44m-7 sharpness is the best in both those lenses vs all others, 44m-7 is very slightly sharper but ONLY in the corners.
and the MC 44-3 beats the MC 44m-7 in contrast in a noticeable way.
44m-3 also produces better colors in controlled lighting and also produces the better contrast in difficult lights when outside.
( the MC Helios 44-3 i tested is mint never used outside the box with the ET camera. and the Helios 44-2 was mint outside the box aof the ET camera as well. i have a used 44-2 helios and is less sharp then the mint one.. so... this is how it went with my tests. and the mc 44m-7 i tested is a used copy but nonetheless performs excellent. i tested those against 44m-6, mc 44m-4, mc 44m-6.) |
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