problem with helios 103

[mravigna]

I just got this lens today that was purchased from Zenitar on ebay for 20 dollars including shipping to Canada. The problem is that it will not fit on either my Kiev II, III or IV. The bayonet seems to be improperly manufactured and the 3 protruding grooves are much too thick and would have to be filed down. Has anyone else had the same problem with this lens?😕

 

[FrankS]

Sorry, no. Does the lens look brand-new and never used, or does it look used?

 

[mravigna]

lens is new but the bayonet claws seem ....

lens is new but the bayonet claws seem ....

This lens is new but the bayonet claws seem to be too thick to engage with the internal bayonet flange.

 

[shadowfox]

I assume you already made sure it's in Contax/Kiev mount. My Kiev 4AM comes with a Helios 103, from somewhere in South Siberia. Ask Brian Sweeney, he's the lens mount expert around here.

 

[mravigna]

definetely a kiev contax mount

definetely a kiev contax mount

It's identical to the other ones I have except that the bayonet claws are just a bit thicker which seems to prevent the lens from turning and locking into place. I am assuming that this is a manufacturing flaw which a kiev 4am is able to handle but the earlier versions like the kiev 2, 3 and even 4 cannot handle.

 

[Xmas]

mravigna

In compatibility problems have been reported.
Please remove back from camera and advise exactly when, where, and how the foul occurs. Do the bayonet claws foul on penetration depth, or thickness. You need to be really sure before you attempt a remedy.
Does the lens enter fully? Do you have a J8 to compare dimensions with a vernier calliper?
'Blue tack' the lens in place and take a photo, if it is good I would recommend...
An email to seller might be first option he may send another lens, for free, and you would then have two to file rather than one.

Noel

 

[mravigna]

The lens seems to fully enter into the camera

The lens seems to fully enter into the camera

The lens seems to enter fully into the body but is impossible to turn and lock. I have compared the bayonet <claws> on this lens with my other Jupiter 8 lenses and the <claws> are definetely thicker and probably need to be filed so that they will no longer interfere with the rotation of the lens (claws behind the internal mount). Thanks

 

[Xmas]

marvigna

If you look through the gate of the camera with the shutter open on B the thickness of the 'claws' should not be critical? The initial turn should have some clearance, this should be taken up by the 'springs' as the lens turns to the lock position.
If the lens bottoms normally it is not the 'claws' are too thick it is they are too close to the lens register lug.
If you want to file and have a fine file, a scrap feeler gauge or similar and steady hand, you could try an entry scallop (say 10 degree slope 1/16 of an inch deep) on the start of the leading edge... Or you could try removing metal from the lug. An entry scallop wont compromise the mount.
Or post lens to Brian Sweeny...

Noel

 

[mravigna]

thanks Xmas-will be trying to gently use a file

thanks Xmas-will be trying to gently use a file

The lens bottoms out just as well as my other jupiter 8 lenses so I will try and file away some of the extra thickness and imitate what my other lenses look like.

 

[xayraa33]

the H-103 from 1980/81 fit on my 1972 Kiev 4 ok.
the H -103 from 1984 does not.
filing the claws will make it fit.

 

[darkkavenger]

A friend from RFF has offered me a Menopta lens, it fitted VERY tight into my Contax IIIa, and I've had problems with late Helios-103 lenses to mount on early Kiev bodies. Additionally, I can report other problems such as lenses NOT fitting, ex: a J8M not fitting on my Contax III because the square tab was too big.

There are no general rules alas.

 

[mravigna]

My lens was manufactured in 1984

My lens was manufactured in 1984

Thanks Xayraa33, you have answered my question. My lens was produced in 1984 and you seem to have had the same problem. I will be filing those tabs down to a similar size as my other lenses. The seller Zenitar has offered to credit my account 50% of the amount because of this problem.

 

[xayraa33]

A friend from RFF has offered me a Menopta lens, it fitted VERY tight into my Contax IIIa, and I've had problems with late Helios-103 lenses to mount on early Kiev bodies. Additionally, I can report other problems such as lenses NOT fitting, ex: a J8M not fitting on my Contax III because the square tab was too big.

There are no general rules alas.

It seems that way Max, but the Helios is such a fine lens that it is worth the trouble.

PS. please keep me in mind if you ever want to sell that J-3 for the Kiev Max.

 

[darkkavenger]

It seems that way Max, but the Helios is such a fine lens that it is worth the trouble.

PS. please keep me in mind if you ever want to sell that J-3 for the Kiev Max.

Will do if ever, though it'll probably be the very last lens I'll sell 😀

 

[xayraa33]

Will do if ever, though it'll probably be the very last lens I'll sell 😀

thanks, It should be the last lens you sell and I understand why . 🙂

 

[xayraa33]

Thanks Xayraa33, you have answered my question. My lens was produced in 1984 and you seem to have had the same problem. I will be filing those tabs down to a similar size as my other lenses. The seller Zenitar has offered to credit my account 50% of the amount because of this problem.

It will workout fine, the credit the seller is giving you will make for a good deal on this fine lens.

 

[Todd Frederick]

I just received a Helios 103 yesterday and have the same problem on my Kiev 4a, however, I just got a good grip on it and forced it to lock. The fit is tight. I need to now check on the focus accuracy. I may never remove the lens from the body so, if it works Ok, no problem.

 

[Todd Frederick]

PS...it's hard to believe that a lens with such quality and solid construction cost me $21 including 10 day shipping from Moscow!

we're really not losing much money if we play with these a bit and break it! (*U*)

 

[physiognomy]

I'm glad the seller resolved your problem mravigna. I have been fairly lucky with compatibility... Initially I had trouble mounting a J-12, but that was mostly user error. My '83 Helios mounts fine on all of my Contax/Kiev cameras dating from '38 through '63.

 

[Todd Frederick]

I would like to follow-up on my comments above.

I received a Helios 103 Wednesday past, and it would not connect to my 4a easily. It was tight. I used more hand torque and it went to the click stop with no damage. I am guessing that if I do that a few times it will become easier to mount but I plan to keep it on the camera. I'm concerned about filing down anything so as not to make the lens too loose. I've done that!

I was concerned about possible focus issues because of the tightness, so took some photos today. No problem. Perfect image focus. My lens seems to be uncoated but that did not cause any problems with flare even directly into the sun.

Here are some samples from the Helios 103 as of today.