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Archive 2010 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

gpop
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

there's a beat up Helios-40 85mm near by in m42 mount that I'm entertaining the thought of buying.
I've seen a few images that show a 'swirly' effect when wide open, but I don't know a thing about them.

anyone have any thoughts or experience they'd like to share?

is it safe to assume that the m42 - eos adapter is all that's required to mount it to any eos body? (will the mirror clear?)

I have no idea what the street value is. looks like $400.00 for a nice one with box/filter kit in used condition at ......, but a beater?

thanks,
dan

Aug 13, 2010 at 08:54 PM

mMontag
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

I have several lenses from the Helios time period and have researched several others to gain a knowledge of their respective character. There is an 85/1.5 Helios 40 - should be a clear aluminum color and sometimes an M39 with a 42 adapter - and a Helios 40-2 - black in color and usually includes a built-in tripod mount - the 40 is the older of the two and the 40-2 is said to have the better IQ. They are optimized for portrait - nicely sharp in the center and very soft at the edges at 1.5 and yes the "Biotar" swirly bokeh. They are big and heavy.

With an M42 mount - though hard to find in good condition - a good condition 40 should be less than $400 and a beater around $300 - you can find excellent condition 40-2's for $475 - though the prices on that one has been going up. I've notice some of the BIN's are asking much higher prices - wait for a lower price to come around - they are probably hard to sell and will be tough to get your money back.

Mirror clearance? - good question - not all M42's clear on a 5D at infinity - I know I've research that but have forgotten. Good thing memory is the first thing to go - I need all that other stuff!

Aug 13, 2010 at 09:26 PM

helimat
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

My Helios-44 does not clear the mirror on my 5D2. It's also bare aluminum and M39 mount.

Aug 13, 2010 at 09:35 PM

praktinafan
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

My Helios-40 did clear the mirror on my EOS 5D in landscape mode but not clear sometimes in portrait mode.
The missing hood was some of a shortcoming.

Aug 14, 2010 at 12:43 AM

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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

i've tested all three versions of Helios-40: old ('alum', m39 ), newer (black, m42) and last (multi-coated, m42) and found no any problems with mirror clearens on my 5D. the only problem i've got with old lens is infinity overstepping.

Aug 14, 2010 at 11:13 AM

AnthonyRhoades
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

On my Helios 40-2 there are no mirror clearance issues. It's stiff to focus, even after an overhaul, but I love this lens to death beside the fact that it's a heavy beast.

Aug 31, 2010 at 04:16 PM

asbalyan
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

Love this lens... I have alu with wooden cap

Its M42 mount,

Can see my set on flickr,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/asbalyan/sets/72157608523426244/with/3007514992/

I paid around $100...

Sep 01, 2010 at 05:06 PM

Ataboy
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

$400 for the first version seems a bit steep... Or have they gone up in price that much lately?
I have two silver copies. One is among first ever produced, with Red "П" (equivalent of Zeiss T) on it. It is as good as the famous Biotar 75/1.5, only with less harsh bokeh. Another one is a later copy with yellowed glass, lower contrast and terrible flare control. I would sell one of them but the first is undeniably better optically, but the second one produces amazing retro-looking pictures that I just love. So I keep both for now

First:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2512/4216940615_e7f0a52f33_z.jpg

Second:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2431/4086753756_9a323c4c3c_z.jpg

Sep 01, 2010 at 06:29 PM

guissimo
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

I have the Helios 40-2. No mirror clearance issues with my 5D. This is one of my favorite lenses for wildflowers.


	http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3657/3352011371_4fbccdbb7f.jpg

Sep 01, 2010 at 06:37 PM

mMontag
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

Nice shots - a lens for images with distinction! - Andrei - perfect lens for the vintage clothes shot. Guissimo - the poppies are great - that also might look good cropped to 16:9.

You guys may want to look at the Meyer Trioplan - fairly cheap - it's not for everybody but is distinct. I have some images in my uploads if you're interested - page 6 & 7. I'll try to pull some others off the hard drive.

Sep 01, 2010 at 06:54 PM

Ataboy
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

Yes, I saw some pics with Trioplan - very unique rendering and nice colors. I guess it will become the next one on my shopping list..

Sep 01, 2010 at 07:41 PM

Sam N
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

It has fun bokeh, but it can be very clunky in use. The silver ones are very heavy beasts.

Sep 01, 2010 at 11:44 PM

LeadyGonzales
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

i like my helios a lot, although many people get sick by watching the pictures

why don¨t you put in more pictures ?

best, L.


	http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/5722502748_5b9b71a3b0_z.jpg


	http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5670886638_cde03c0448_z.jpg

all first version, open at f/1.5


	http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5102/5659196694_e771a8bc27_b.jpg

Jun 19, 2011 at 04:26 PM

Ataboy
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

Wow, the last shot should go into "the most magical lens" thread - it feels like it came from a fairy tale!

Jun 19, 2011 at 11:02 PM

jfinite
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

Crazzyyy good!

Jun 19, 2011 at 11:09 PM

LightShow
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

LeadyGonzales wrote:

i like my helios a lot, although many people get sick by watching the pictures


	http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/5722502748_5b9b71a3b0_z.jpg

Wonderful image, needs to be poster size on a wall.

Jun 20, 2011 at 12:20 AM

LeadyGonzales
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

... oh ... thanks for your positive comments.

the helios 40, .... magic it become in the dark: all f=1.5

best, L.


	http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5004/5252289799_f630bf94d5_b.jpg


	http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5247/5218662287_730a08666e_b.jpg


	http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5221899644_1df5eb7c5f_b.jpg

Jun 20, 2011 at 02:34 AM

cj velez
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

Beautiful set Leady. How many aperture blades does the Helios 40 have?

Regards,

Chris......

Jun 20, 2011 at 07:12 AM

LeadyGonzales
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

hi chris,

thanks .. i counted 10 blades.

best, L.


	http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5043/5252289989_e526617126_b.jpg

wide open foreground bokeh.

Jun 20, 2011 at 02:33 PM

jfinite
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Helios-40 1.5/85mm ?

^- That's AWESOME!

Jun 20, 2011 at 02:49 PM

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