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BigMackCam
Joined: 18 Dec 2016 Posts: 55 Location: United Kingdom
Expire: 2018-05-05
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Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2017 8:37 pm Post subject: Recent production Helios 40-2 - any good? |
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BigMackCam wrote:
One of the few lenses on my must-have list is the Helios 40-2. I've been looking at them for quite a while, but haven't been able to stump up the courage (or funds) given the now-somewhat-ridiculous prices they fetch (I should have bought much earlier!!). But still, I keep looking, and teetering on the brink of buying.
Ideally, I'd have liked a 1970s - early 80s model, but I also see quite a few new copies from recent production runs - 2015, typically.
Are these newer versions any good? Actually, let me re-phrase that, as a lot of people will probably say no Helios 40-2 is any good
Do these newer versions still have the same characteristics optically, including the rather pronounced bokeh swirl at wider apertures? And what about the build quality... is it robust?
Any opinions on the newer versions would be very much appreciated. Thanks _________________ Mike |
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Lightshow
Joined: 04 Nov 2011 Posts: 3666 Location: Calgary
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Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2017 5:34 am Post subject: |
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Lightshow wrote:
To my knowledge, they are the same design, just in a newer body and in different mounts(EF, F).
I think the prices for the older versions have come down to sane levels, the earliest ones are still pricey(red letter П), but that's mostly because they're rare.
Are you looking for a black or silver lens?
If you can, check that the aperture opening is symmetrical, I've seen a number of new lenses with a lazy aperture blade. case in point http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lens-MC-Zenitar-Helios-40-85mm-f-1-4-Canon-EF-mount-EOS-New-Model-/262792940535
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/RLIAAOSwmmxW3Eo7/s-l1600.jpg _________________ 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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BigMackCam
Joined: 18 Dec 2016 Posts: 55 Location: United Kingdom
Expire: 2018-05-05
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Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2017 10:12 am Post subject: |
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BigMackCam wrote:
Thanks for that. I've decided to take the risk on a new/unused Helios-40-2 M42 _________________ Mike |
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calvin83
Joined: 12 Apr 2009 Posts: 7555 Location: Hong Kong
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Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2017 1:18 pm Post subject: |
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calvin83 wrote:
MC Zenitar 85/1.4 is optically different from Helios 40/40-2 85/1.5. _________________ https://lensfever.com/
https://www.instagram.com/_lens_fever/
The best lens is the one you have with you. |
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BurstMox
Joined: 04 Dec 2011 Posts: 2013 Location: France
Expire: 2016-08-02
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Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2017 9:37 am Post subject: |
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BurstMox wrote:
calvin83 wrote: |
MC Zenitar 85/1.4 is optically different from Helios 40/40-2 85/1.5. |
I confirm, completly different design. Zenit is actual producing the Zenitar 85/1.4 and Helios 40 85/1.5. I guess thoses dishonest sellers write Helios-40 in order to be listed in Helios 40. _________________ Pierre
sovietlenses.fr
Soviet lenses Facebook group |
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Lightshow
Joined: 04 Nov 2011 Posts: 3666 Location: Calgary
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Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2017 10:27 am Post subject: |
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Lightshow wrote:
I was just pointing out the aperture shape, something to look out for. _________________ 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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calvin83
Joined: 12 Apr 2009 Posts: 7555 Location: Hong Kong
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Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2017 2:00 pm Post subject: |
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calvin83 wrote:
It will be good to have symmetrical blade fully stopped down. For fast lens like this , it is not uncommon for a lens to have asymmetrical blade when the aperture is fully stopped down. I bet most Contax 85/1.4 have asymmetrical blade at F16. _________________ https://lensfever.com/
https://www.instagram.com/_lens_fever/
The best lens is the one you have with you. |
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BigMackCam
Joined: 18 Dec 2016 Posts: 55 Location: United Kingdom
Expire: 2018-05-05
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Posted: Thu Jan 12, 2017 8:16 pm Post subject: |
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BigMackCam wrote:
Thanks all, this is great information.
In fact, I've just ordered a lens. It's a recent production Helios 40-2 in M42 mount, new and boxed (allegedly - will have to wait and see if that's true). No way of knowing if the aperture is asymmetrical until I receive and examine the lens, but if there are any problems, I'm confident I can return it with only a loss of postage costs, so pretty low risk.
I'd have preferred a well-looked-after older model, but the price negotiations were more favourable on this one, and - if it really is new - I'm hopeful it'll be ready to rock-and-roll straight from the box... _________________ Mike |
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BigMackCam
Joined: 18 Dec 2016 Posts: 55 Location: United Kingdom
Expire: 2018-05-05
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Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2017 8:36 pm Post subject: |
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BigMackCam wrote:
I thought I ought to post a follow-up on this...
I received the Helios 40-2 (a 2015 model). It was - as the seller had stated - a factory-sealed box and a brand new lens. It works as it should, and the aperture is symmetrical when stopped down, and there's no visible dust inside. Build quality is excellent... reminiscent of late 80s Soviet-era lenses. It's heavy, so the tripod mount of the older lenses is a definite plus. Shame they didn't include it on later models. Still, I won't be walking around with this on my camera all day, so it's not a problem.
Optically, it's exactly what I'd expected from reviews of both the older and newer lenses. Wide open, It produces extreme "swirl" in out-of-focus highlights. Stopped down, that effect goes away quite quickly. Border performance is poor unless stopped way down, and even then it's just so-so. But, as I said, this is what I expected... _________________ Mike |
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