farlymac
PF McFarland
This chrome bodied export version of the Zenit-E (only the name was changed) looks good. But the Helios-44M 2/58 that came on it has a bad aperture control, so I swapped it out with the one from my Zenit TTL. Everything else on it works, even the selenium meter, though it’s a couple of stops off. And no light leaks!
But the proof is in the pudding, as they say, and it showed up in the uneven exposures. Shutter speeds just were not consistent, and this is bad for making panoramic shots.
I had originally planned on shooting this camera for the Red Oktober group on Flickr, but the film I had in it then came off the take-up spool, and I likely only got a couple of exposures on it. That was my fault for not trimming the leader on a reloaded canister I got from a friend. By the time I got around to pulling the film out, it was November.
I’m not going to mess with trying to get the shutter speeds corrected. It will look good though sitting with the black TTL on a shelf.
The Kodak BW400CN does not take kindly to over or under exposure.
Idle Mower by P F McFarland, on Flickr
Banding is left over evidence of uneven exposures in the images used in this stitch.
Hullett Road Farm by P F McFarland, on Flickr
The 8 images used for the above panorama. All f16 @ 1/500.
Exposure Variance by P F McFarland, on Flickr
See the other five images at https://flic.kr/s/aHskNqSikE
PF
Cosmorex SE by P F McFarland, on Flickr
But the proof is in the pudding, as they say, and it showed up in the uneven exposures. Shutter speeds just were not consistent, and this is bad for making panoramic shots.
I had originally planned on shooting this camera for the Red Oktober group on Flickr, but the film I had in it then came off the take-up spool, and I likely only got a couple of exposures on it. That was my fault for not trimming the leader on a reloaded canister I got from a friend. By the time I got around to pulling the film out, it was November.
I’m not going to mess with trying to get the shutter speeds corrected. It will look good though sitting with the black TTL on a shelf.
The Kodak BW400CN does not take kindly to over or under exposure.
Idle Mower by P F McFarland, on Flickr
Banding is left over evidence of uneven exposures in the images used in this stitch.
Hullett Road Farm by P F McFarland, on Flickr
The 8 images used for the above panorama. All f16 @ 1/500.
Exposure Variance by P F McFarland, on Flickr
See the other five images at https://flic.kr/s/aHskNqSikE
PF
Cosmorex SE by P F McFarland, on Flickr
gb hill
Veteran
What mount is that lens? I'm thinking there is a Helios lens that will fit the old Pentax screw mount. Maybe it's the Pentax K mount? Perhaps you can school me on this. I have a Pentax 50/1.4 & I've done good getting most of the yellow out but some is still there. Like to find the Helios or FSU lens to be on the look out for to use on my Spotmatic.
johnf04
Well-known
Zenit Es and their derivatives are M42 mount (Pentax thread}.
gb hill
Veteran
OK thanks John.
farlymac
PF McFarland
Yeah, M42, Greg. I've got three of the 44M's, but only one has a good operating aperture. One of the others will not stop-down on the camera, and the other will not work in Auto. Nice, sharp lenses though, so I may make an attempt to fix them.
There are the Kiev-17/17m/18/19/19m/20 series models that have the Nikon mount. The Almaz 101/102/103/104 by LOMO look like a Nikon F2, but have the PK mount.
http://www.sovietcams.com/index.php?358713866
PF
There are the Kiev-17/17m/18/19/19m/20 series models that have the Nikon mount. The Almaz 101/102/103/104 by LOMO look like a Nikon F2, but have the PK mount.
http://www.sovietcams.com/index.php?358713866
PF
johnf04
Well-known
If you are using monochrome film, a slight yellow tint to the lens will do no harm. The f1.4 Pentax lens is very highly rated - it would be a pity not to use it.
I should note, too, that earlier Helios lenses for the Zenit were preset diaphragm, and some Zenit Es have M39 rather than M42 mount.
gb hill
Veteran
I do shoot mostly B&W & certainly will not scrap the lens. I also have a Pentax 35/3.5 I'm happy about. I remember seeing someone using a Soviet lens on a Pentax but for the life of me couldn't remember what it was exactly. Loved the results that I do remember. I'll certainly be on the lookout for one. I think they are relatively cheap in price.
Steve M.
Veteran
The Helios is one of the best 50 SLR lenses you can buy. Great IQ. The FSU cameras, not so much. I finally just bought a M42 to FD adapter and shot my Helios lens on an AE-1 Program. Perfect exposures every time, and the Canon cameras are actually less money than the FSU cameras.
There are two versions of the Helios lenses, and the old style w/ the little pin on the back is the one w/ the swirley bokeh. That's the one you want, but both versions are great.
There are two versions of the Helios lenses, and the old style w/ the little pin on the back is the one w/ the swirley bokeh. That's the one you want, but both versions are great.
gb hill
Veteran
I shoot mostly Canon FD's but couldn't pass up a couple of nice Spotmatics. One being an SPII. I apologize to Phil that I feel like I'm stealing his thread but seeing that Helios 44m lens on his camera got my brain to clicking about my Pentax.
you guys are great with info & Phil that link & looking at those Zenits has giving me GAS. But I must take some GAS X because I'm itching to load a roll in my SPII.
farlymac
PF McFarland
I shoot mostly Canon FD's but couldn't pass up a couple of nice Spotmatics. One being an SPII. I apologize to Phil that I feel like I'm stealing his thread but seeing that Helios 44m lens on his camera got my brain to clicking about my Pentax.
you guys are great with info & Phil that link & looking at those Zenits has giving me GAS. But I must take some GAS X because I'm itching to load a roll in my SPII.
No worries, mate. If I get one of the busted 44M's to work, I'll send it your way.
PF