Helios

[hks3sgte]

You know how there are better-made Jupiters (earlier models)? How about the Helios 103? I want one for my Kiev II, but I want to know which is the year to look for. Or are they all pretty much the same? Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[wlewisiii]

The best ones seem to be the ones that are labeled Menopta. There are many varied explainations for the name difference and who know which is right ... 😉 Mine is serial 940085.

But I haven't heard of any bad Helios 103's, so get one & have a nice little modern planar formula lens for your Kiev.

William

 

[john341]

I think that the Menopta is just a relabelled Gelios. I have use the Helios and it is good but I have heard that quality was somewhat variable. Stick to the Jupiter-8M..its great

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I have found that the earlier ones from 1981~1982 seem to have better machining. The construction is slightly different. They fit onto the Kiev, Contax, and Nikon S-Mount without the need for filing. Some of the 1984~1985 Helios-103's required some filing, seemed to be looser tolerances in the mount. Optically, they have all been good.

The Menopta's seemed to be more consistent. I've had 7 of them.