While we are at it props to the Jupiter 12 which withstood a tongue in cheek comparison between it and and Leica Summilux 35mm f/2 ( borrowed from a very kind and talented Manu Jarvis) I wrote for KEH Spotlight with its dignity intact. Of the few Russian lenses I have tried this lens and the Jupiter 9 stand at the top with the Industar 10 just behind largely owing to its collapsible build. What this lens lacks in Zeiss like perfection it makes up for in character by way of swirly bokeh under the right conditions and better than it has any being general performance. If you stay within a reasonable realm of expectations considering this lens’ vintage there are good image results to be had. I scored the Zenit E for some cheap film vintage fun and I recommend doing the same. Photography and good sense are often not on the same Venn diagram or even sheet of paper in my universe. Both of these newer ones are awful and I have shot only 1 test roll through each. The “newer” variant of each was new/old stock never used in original packaging and cost peanuts. I ran through quite a few Russian cameras including a Zorki 4 and have since settled on two Zenits ( Zenit E and Zenit KM) and two FEDs ( FED 2 and FED 5c). I did not bat an eye then went back and ordered another with a different lens and kept it moving. I once mangled a Kiev 4 day 1 of receiving it while fiddling with it. They are capable, inexpensive “can mangle their innards by looking at them too hard (or more specifically adjusting the shutter speed before winding on)” devices. I say may and perhaps because I went native on this one.įor some reason I have a soft spot for Russian cameras. Since it is a common M42 mount I believe this can be used with any M42 mount and perhaps Pentax K mount with an M42 to K ring adapter. If you get your hands on a good copy this lens is a fantastic value. Have heard some have received bum copies so I would recommend purchasing from a reputable source and testing thoroughly when you first receive it. I have heard that quality control may be an issue so all lenses may not be equal. I have an older copy and have not had any issues. There is a wide range of years available. I never knew there was an early one that went to f/22.It would appear that roughly a bazillion of these have been made because there are plentiful supplies from $50-$90. It has an aperture from 2-16 and was made by KMZ - I think all my Helios lenses were from the KMZ factory although it's not obvious on the later lenses. I count it as one of my favourite lenses - might have something to do with the fact it only cost me £12 I've seen the very vivid blue/purple versions and it's certainly not one of those. My Helios 44 doesn't have the red P but has a very light, barely perceptible coating. Oooo - new info (to me)! Thanks Lightshow I also have a very early 44, with the f22 aperture, if you find one, jump on it. Just avoid the 44 with 13 blades and no red P(Pi) with the heavy purple coating, it has nasty purple ghosting/flare.I'm thinking of pulling the optics out of a good 44-2 and sticking them in this body to get the 13 blade iris. I can either keep them all or resell one or two of them. What I have decided is this: As there are so many Helios lenses available cheaply on eBay in UK I have decided to buy a Helios 44 M, a Helios 44-2 and if I can find one in good enough condition, a Helios 44.
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