'84 Helios-103 won't mount on '77 Kiev 4a

[xxloverxx]

Helios-103 arrived. Won't mount on Kiev 4a, as it's too tight. It'll fit in vertically, but when I try to turn it, I feel an amazing load of resistance. Am I right in thinking that I have to file the metal things sticking out of the lens? Which way do I file it (to make it thinner or shorter?)

Thanks

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I have filed down a number of Helios-103's that would not fit on a Nikon RF, Contax RF, or Kiev. Some fit one and not another.

I have had to file down the very end of the light baffle on one; the locking tab on another, and the mounting flanges on a couple. Press the release of the camera mount, the one that the locking tab slides over. If it makes it partway and stops, the locking tab is probably too thick. If that does not help at all, look at the lens from the back of the camera. Back off, shutter on "B", then mount the lens. That is how I caught the light baffle of the lens going too deep into the camera, and filed it down.

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

I filed down the baffle on mine to fit in Amedeo's adapter...spec on these things seems to have been all over the place.

 

[xxloverxx]

Will try locking tab tonight — felt a bit rough last night.

 

[xxloverxx]

Locking tab isn't the problem; the mount is. Those ridges are ~0.5mm too wide & a bit too "low" http://twitpic.com/1vqrt7

Ideas, or should I just get a new one?

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I would be bringing out the file. Best to take the lens out, it is held in by two set screws.

If you get another on, look for one made in 1981 or 1982. The design of the mount is a bit different, and i have had better luck with tolerances.

 

[xxloverxx]

I would be bringing out the file. Best to take the lens out, it is held in by two set screws.

If you get another on, look for one made in 1981 or 1982. The design of the mount is a bit different, and i have had better luck with tolerances.

Spent almost USD200 on eBay just minutes ago :bang:. Bought another Helios that comes mounted on a Kiev 4AM. Also a J12+finder.

Bloody shipping! 🙁

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Ouch! You must have wanted a Helios-103 really bad!

Keep it at least until the new one arrives. It might fit on that Kiev!

 

[xxloverxx]

It was my safest bet to make sure it fit 🙂

Good suggestion though; I'll keep it for a month longer 🙂

 

[dexdog]

A Menopta lens such as this one from eBay would be have been a good option. I have one of these, and it is a nicely-made Czech version of the Helios. It fits well on my various pre-war and post-war Contax bodies, and also works well on the Bessa R2C.

IIRC, Brian has a couple of these, and has even shimmed one for Nikon RF

http://cgi.ebay.com/Menopta-1-8-53-...ViewItem&pt=Camera_Lenses&hash=item27b20cca27

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Leon is a good Seller. I have bought at least a dozen lenses from him.

The Quality Control on the Menopta is -in general- better than the 83 and later Helios-103. I had a couple of 1981 and 1982 Helios-103's that were better machined than the later issue lenses. On par with the Menopta. I bought 7 of the Menopta's, shimmed most for the Nikon RF's.

I also reduced the flare on a couple of them:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51076