hks3sgte
Established
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!
W
wlewisiii
Guest
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
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
camera user
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
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.
The Menopta's seemed to be more consistent. I've had 7 of them.