pakeha
Well-known
Greetings, anyone using the Helios 103 on their contax mount camera/ kiev?
I am interested in how this lens compares to the Jupiter , is it sharper? Any other issues worth considering.
I guess the same QC issues are valid - i am looking at later production new- old stock.
Also, in the sticky this lens is listed as an f2, i am seeing f1.8, so which is correct please.
regards,
CW.
I am interested in how this lens compares to the Jupiter , is it sharper? Any other issues worth considering.
I guess the same QC issues are valid - i am looking at later production new- old stock.
Also, in the sticky this lens is listed as an f2, i am seeing f1.8, so which is correct please.
regards,
CW.
summar
Well-known
I have both the Jupiter and the Helios 103 for my Kiev 4a, can't really tell the difference. Both are good lenses. The Jupiter is an f/2, the Helios is an f/1.8.
dexdog
Veteran
The Helios is a Planar design, and typically is somewhat sharper away than the center of the image (in the corners of the frame) than the Sonnar design of the Jupiter. I have a Menopta version of the Helios, and use it on my Contaxes occasionally.
I've onwed several, and the Menopta. Shimmed several for the Nikon S-Mount.
The build quality on the 1981 and 1982 lenses is better than the later ones; build quality on the Menopta versions is also better. The Menopta was probably an export version.
The build quality on the 1981 and 1982 lenses is better than the later ones; build quality on the Menopta versions is also better. The Menopta was probably an export version.
ray*j*gun
Veteran
I also have a Menopta as well as the Helios version. I have one of Brian's Nikon conversions and use it often as well as the std on my Contax. I find these lenses to be remarkable especially for the money. I agree they produce sharper images in the corners than the Jupiter and its the perfect lens to complement the Sonnar.
batterytypehah!
Lord of the Dings
For the money you can't go wrong. I think I paid $20 for mine, 1984 NOS from Fedka, although that must have been a special offer.
Cons: I find it big (the standard ER case won't close) and ugly. Flares badly from those shiny aperture blades. I hear more adventurous guys than me open it up and paint them black. Sharp edges that will scratch up the mount on the camera if you're not super careful.
I ended up getting a good deal on a collapsible Sonnar so the Helios is not getting much use anymore.
Two shots on Efke 400. Peony shot is wide open, lupines must have been f/5.6 or so.
Cons: I find it big (the standard ER case won't close) and ugly. Flares badly from those shiny aperture blades. I hear more adventurous guys than me open it up and paint them black. Sharp edges that will scratch up the mount on the camera if you're not super careful.
I ended up getting a good deal on a collapsible Sonnar so the Helios is not getting much use anymore.
Two shots on Efke 400. Peony shot is wide open, lupines must have been f/5.6 or so.
Attachments
dexdog
Veteran
I blackened the shiny aperture blades on my Menopta with a Sharpie marker, following instructions provided by Brian Sweeney. Pretty easy to do, provided you have a lens spanner.
batterytypehah!
Lord of the Dings
Somehow I knew Brian must have had something to do with this hack 
How's the black holding up in use? Doesn't it rub off?
How's the black holding up in use? Doesn't it rub off?pakeha
Well-known
quote from batterytypehah!
Two shots on Efke 400. Peony shot is wide open, lupines must have been f/5.6 or so.
thanx for posting these, i did not know my peonies from my lupines, now i do! these shots give me some idea for a comparison
quote from batterytypehah!
Somehow I knew Brian must have had something to do with this hack How's the black holding up in use? Doesn't it rub off?
Lenswork 101, take some tinfoil and a black vivid yep, i thought the same when i read dexdog`s post.
I`ll get one from Alex, thanks all, regards
CW.
Two shots on Efke 400. Peony shot is wide open, lupines must have been f/5.6 or so.
thanx for posting these, i did not know my peonies from my lupines, now i do! these shots give me some idea for a comparison
quote from batterytypehah!
Somehow I knew Brian must have had something to do with this hack
How's the black holding up in use? Doesn't it rub off? Lenswork 101, take some tinfoil and a black vivid
yep, i thought the same when i read dexdog`s post.I`ll get one from Alex, thanks all, regards
CW.
The Marker is holding up on my Menopta. Somewhere I have a before/after comparison, and the difference was remarkable.
julio1fer
Well-known
Another great Soviet lens!
Helios-103, Kiev 4M, FP4+
Helios-103, Kiev 4M, FP4+