Helios 44 question

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radiocemetery

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Hi evil SLR users,

Have been trying to find more info. on the Helios 44 series of lenses. Is the Helios 44 the M42 equivalent of the Jupiter 8 in an SLR mount? I am thinking about getting one for my Spotmatic. Anyone use this combination? Results? One final question is there a web site that sorts out the different versions of the Helios 44 as far as coatings, "auto-man. function", and other differences?

Thanks, Steve
 
radiocemetery said:
Hi evil SLR users,

Have been trying to find more info. on the Helios 44 series of lenses. Is the Helios 44 the M42 equivalent of the Jupiter 8 in an SLR mount? I am thinking about getting one for my Spotmatic. Anyone use this combination? Results? One final question is there a web site that sorts out the different versions of the Helios 44 as far as coatings, "auto-man. function", and other differences?

Thanks, Steve
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I'm no expert on them, but I think the Helios 44 is probably more akin to the Helios 103 on Kiev RF's than the J-8. I have a 44M that I used on a Bessaflex (M42 mount) and it's one of the nicest 50's I've seen. Very smooth oof areas, lots of personality in the lens. For awhile I also had a 44M-6 that was equally as good optically, but didn't have the A/M switch that the 44-M had. I think this lens went through 6 or 7 generations, up until fairly recently. It was the standard issue 50 on many a Zenit and some of the later ones have "Zenit" as well as "Helios" printed on the lens housing.

They're inexpensive, and sometimes other photographers will give you one they have in the closet. Well worth trying to see if you like them. I believe they're actually 58mm f/2. They're fairly large & heavy for a 50 and I seem to recall they take 55mm filters.

Gene
 
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Almost correct, the Helios 44 is a Russian lens based on the Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58/2.

This is what a Biotar looks like:

1371941239_fa56f22ee9_m.jpg
 
Thanks for the responses.

Gene, I had noticed there was quite a proliferation of this lens and so there are some that have the auto-man function. That is good to know.

Al, the Stargazer photo. in your gallery really defines well what I am looking for, nice work and thanks.

Will, now you have given me an excuse to find that Biotar with a Praktica lens cap!

Research continues, Steve
 
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