Helios opinion

chromo · 05-19-2010, 06:17 PM

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Hi all,

I have a Helios-44M..2/58.
Just like to get opinions as to ...Is it worth the trouble to buy a mount adaptor and try it out on my *ist-DL ?

Also I've read that I might not get infinity focus.?

If there's any other issues please let me know.

Chromo

JohnBee · 05-19-2010, 06:20 PM

Originally posted by chromo

Hi all,

I have a Helios-44M..2/58.
Just like to get opinions as to ...Is it worth the trouble to buy a mount adaptor and try it out on my *ist-DL ?

Also I've read that I might not get infinity focus.?

If there's any other issues please let me know.

Chromo

The 44-2 is an amazing portrait lens! And of course it's worth using it if you're into portraiture.
I wouldn't concern myself with infinity focus since the bulk of it's uses are geared toward intimate(close proximity) work.

So grab a nice $2 stainless M42 adapter from eBay and enjoy it!

chromo · 05-19-2010, 06:38 PM

Oh wow great thanks

I didn't think the old lens would be that good. I got it from a garage sale for $2.

I found an adaptor on ebay that has no flange, so it sits right into the camera mount and allows infinity focus...You beauty !!

Cheers....I'm off to ebay now.

Chromo.

P.S. That's a really nice photo

tux · 05-19-2010, 06:46 PM

make sure you remove the little latch thing from the adapter. They get stuck if you dont.

chromo · 05-19-2010, 08:00 PM

Originally posted by tux

make sure you remove the little latch thing from the adapter. They get stuck if you dont.

Do you mean the springy thing around the edge , on one side , looks like a piece of shim ?
Like in the 4th pic here : M42 LENS TO PENTAX K MOUNT ADAPTER NEW infinity 1 pcs. - eBay (item 220604650909 end time Jun-11-10 04:51:49 PDT)

I can only wonder why it's there if it gets stuck.

Would I be right in saying that it's not needed because the camera body has a locking button ?

Thanks for the info.

Chromo

JohnBee · 05-19-2010, 08:11 PM

You'd be far better off with an adapter of this type:

Pentax adapter: M42 to PK K - Focus to infinity - eBay (item 220607488271 end time May-24-10 12:25:51 PDT)

Though it does not focus to infinity. it does on the other hand allow the 44-2 to mount without wobble and/or the hassles of fiddling with removal tools and many of the other issues that follow the inconveniencces of the 3'rd party adapters(see slipping, cutting, scratching, camera etc etc).

Also since the 44-2 is most commonly used for proximity type shooting, the infinity focus is rarely(if ever) an issue.

And finally... the adapter(mentioned above) is quite possibly the most simple adapter to use(quick, painless and effortless use).

Hope this helps.

chromo · 05-19-2010, 08:51 PM

This lens has a pretty wide base so I don't think it would wobble. Should mount right up to camera face and not just the adapter face.

Last edited by chromo; 11-21-2011 at 04:22 AM.

stevebrot · 05-19-2010, 08:54 PM

Originally posted by chromo

Hi all,

I have a Helios-44M..2/58.
Just like to get opinions as to ...Is it worth the trouble to buy a mount adaptor and try it out on my *ist-DL ?

Also I've read that I might not get infinity focus.?

If there's any other issues please let me know.

Chromo

The short answer is YES, buy an adapter and use the lens. I have the 44M and use it with the genuine Pentax adapter on my K10D.

Here is a recent photo taken with the Helios 44M:

K10D, KMZ Helios 44M 58/2

and a full resolution crop from the original:

As far as adapters go, the base on the 44M is plenty wide to avoid wobble with a non-flanged adapter. If you decide on a non-flanged adapter, please consider the prevailing opinion on this forum and get the official Pentax version. The brand-x knock-offs tend to get stuck on the camera unless the retention spring is removed.

Steve

P.S. Your lens has the silver A/M switch on the side of the base. This means that you don't have to disable the auto-aperture pin. You also have 8 aperture blades. Happy, happy!

JohnBee · 05-19-2010, 09:04 PM

Originally posted by chromo

This lens has a pretty wide base so I don't think it would wobble. Should mount right up to camera face and not just the adapter face.

Ah... you have the later version of the 44-2

I completely overlooked this possibility when posting my initial response and... I honestly don't know how the later revisions perform in contrast to the classic versions.

Having said that, you are right on the money with the none issue's regarding the mounting flange, and there will be plenty of room to mount/use the infinity focus adapter without concern with the rattling or movement that occurs on the classic version.

Also... for the sake of reference(I should really learn to read), the image I posted was taken with a classic HELIOS 44-2(none M) version.

stevebrot · 05-19-2010, 09:05 PM

Originally posted by chromo

Would I be right in saying that it's not needed because the camera body has a locking button ?

The bayonet lock has nothing to engage with on the non-flanged adapters. Some users have bought the non-Pentax versions, removed the retention clip, and notched/drilled the lens base to mate with the locking pin on the camera. This is not a bad solution if you don't mind messing with the lens.

Steve

chromo · 05-19-2010, 09:08 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

The short answer is YES, buy an adapter and use the lens. I have the 44M and use it with the genuine Pentax adapter on my K10D.

Here is a recent photo taken with the lens:

K10D, KMZ Helios 44M 58/2

and a full resolution crop from the original:

As far as adapters go, the base on the 44M is plenty wide to avoid wobble with a non-flanged adapter. If you decide on a non-flanged adapter, please consider the prevailing opinion on this forum and get the official Pentax version. The brand-x knock-offs tend to get stuck on the camera unless the retention spring is removed.

Steve

Ok that's made my mind up, I'll buy the non flanged and if it gives me trouble I'll just buy a flanged one. They're cheap enough anyway.

Thanks heaps for the help guys.

Steve, very nice photo. Such perfect botanical specimens, are they real ?

Chromo

chromo · 05-19-2010, 09:12 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

The bayonet lock has nothing to engage with on the non-flanged adapters. Some users have bought the non-Pentax versions, removed the retention clip, and notched/drilled the lens base to mate with the locking pin on the camera. This is not a bad solution if you don't mind messing with the lens.

Steve

More good advice ?
That's an easy solution, I will drill it.

Thank you
Chromo

seacapt · 05-19-2010, 09:14 PM

+1 for getting the real deal Pentax adaptor!

chromo · 05-19-2010, 09:34 PM

Originally posted by seacapt

+1 for getting the real deal Pentax adaptor!

Thanks Seacapt and you're prob right , but at $90.00 I'll say no to Pentax.

Cheers,
Chromo

Lloydy · 05-20-2010, 12:13 AM

I use a non flanged, non Pentax, adaptor from SRB who ship internationally.

I have no problems with their adaptors at all, and have used them with the spring in place.

And at $20 it's a big saving on the genuine article.

M42 lenses on Pentax K

I have no connection with SRB, even though I always mention them in these topics.

05-19-2010, 06:17 PM	#1
chromo Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: North Coast NSW Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 581	Helios opinion Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Hi all, I have a Helios-44M..2/58. Just like to get opinions as to ...Is it worth the trouble to buy a mount adaptor and try it out on my *ist-DL ? Also I've read that I might not get infinity focus.? If there's any other issues please let me know. Chromo

05-19-2010, 08:00 PM	#5
chromo Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: North Coast NSW Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 581 Original Poster	Originally posted by tux make sure you remove the little latch thing from the adapter. They get stuck if you dont. Do you mean the springy thing around the edge , on one side , looks like a piece of shim ? Like in the 4th pic here : M42 LENS TO PENTAX K MOUNT ADAPTER NEW infinity 1 pcs. - eBay (item 220604650909 end time Jun-11-10 04:51:49 PDT) I can only wonder why it's there if it gets stuck. Would I be right in saying that it's not needed because the camera body has a locking button ? Thanks for the info. Chromo Last edited by chromo; 05-19-2010 at 08:13 PM.

05-19-2010, 08:54 PM	#8
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by chromo Hi all, I have a Helios-44M..2/58. Just like to get opinions as to ...Is it worth the trouble to buy a mount adaptor and try it out on my ist-DL ? Also I've read that I might not get infinity focus.? If there's any other issues please let me know. Chromo The short answer is YES, buy an adapter and use the lens. I have the 44M and use it with the genuine Pentax adapter on my K10D. Here is a recent photo taken with the Helios 44M: K10D, KMZ Helios 44M 58/2* and a full resolution crop from the original: As far as adapters go, the base on the 44M is plenty wide to avoid wobble with a non-flanged adapter. If you decide on a non-flanged adapter, please consider the prevailing opinion on this forum and get the official Pentax version. The brand-x knock-offs tend to get stuck on the camera unless the retention spring is removed. Steve P.S. Your lens has the silver A/M switch on the side of the base. This means that you don't have to disable the auto-aperture pin. You also have 8 aperture blades. Happy, happy! Last edited by stevebrot; 05-19-2010 at 09:09 PM.

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05-19-2010, 06:20 PM	#2
JohnBee Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Newrfoundland Photos: Albums Posts: 4,667	Originally posted by chromo Hi all, I have a Helios-44M..2/58. Just like to get opinions as to ...Is it worth the trouble to buy a mount adaptor and try it out on my *ist-DL ? Also I've read that I might not get infinity focus.? If there's any other issues please let me know. Chromo The 44-2 is an amazing portrait lens! And of course it's worth using it if you're into portraiture. I wouldn't concern myself with infinity focus since the bulk of it's uses are geared toward intimate(close proximity) work. So grab a nice $2 stainless M42 adapter from eBay and enjoy it!

05-19-2010, 06:38 PM	#3
chromo Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: North Coast NSW Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 581 Original Poster	Oh wow great thanks I didn't think the old lens would be that good. I got it from a garage sale for $2. I found an adaptor on ebay that has no flange, so it sits right into the camera mount and allows infinity focus...You beauty !! Cheers....I'm off to ebay now. Chromo. P.S. That's a really nice photo

05-19-2010, 06:46 PM	#4
tux Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 82	make sure you remove the little latch thing from the adapter. They get stuck if you dont.

05-19-2010, 08:11 PM	#6
JohnBee Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Newrfoundland Photos: Albums Posts: 4,667	You'd be far better off with an adapter of this type: Pentax adapter: M42 to PK K - Focus to infinity - eBay (item 220607488271 end time May-24-10 12:25:51 PDT) Though it does not focus to infinity. it does on the other hand allow the 44-2 to mount without wobble and/or the hassles of fiddling with removal tools and many of the other issues that follow the inconveniencces of the 3'rd party adapters(see slipping, cutting, scratching, camera etc etc). Also since the 44-2 is most commonly used for proximity type shooting, the infinity focus is rarely(if ever) an issue. And finally... the adapter(mentioned above) is quite possibly the most simple adapter to use(quick, painless and effortless use). Hope this helps.

05-19-2010, 08:51 PM	#7
chromo Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: North Coast NSW Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 581 Original Poster	This lens has a pretty wide base so I don't think it would wobble. Should mount right up to camera face and not just the adapter face. Last edited by chromo; 11-21-2011 at 04:22 AM.

05-19-2010, 09:04 PM	#9
JohnBee Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Newrfoundland Photos: Albums Posts: 4,667	Originally posted by chromo This lens has a pretty wide base so I don't think it would wobble. Should mount right up to camera face and not just the adapter face. Ah... you have the later version of the 44-2 I completely overlooked this possibility when posting my initial response and... I honestly don't know how the later revisions perform in contrast to the classic versions. Having said that, you are right on the money with the none issue's regarding the mounting flange, and there will be plenty of room to mount/use the infinity focus adapter without concern with the rattling or movement that occurs on the classic version. Also... for the sake of reference(I should really learn to read), the image I posted was taken with a classic HELIOS 44-2(none M) version.

05-19-2010, 09:05 PM	#10
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by chromo Would I be right in saying that it's not needed because the camera body has a locking button ? The bayonet lock has nothing to engage with on the non-flanged adapters. Some users have bought the non-Pentax versions, removed the retention clip, and notched/drilled the lens base to mate with the locking pin on the camera. This is not a bad solution if you don't mind messing with the lens. Steve

05-19-2010, 09:08 PM	#11
chromo Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: North Coast NSW Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 581 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot The short answer is YES, buy an adapter and use the lens. I have the 44M and use it with the genuine Pentax adapter on my K10D. Here is a recent photo taken with the lens: K10D, KMZ Helios 44M 58/2 and a full resolution crop from the original: As far as adapters go, the base on the 44M is plenty wide to avoid wobble with a non-flanged adapter. If you decide on a non-flanged adapter, please consider the prevailing opinion on this forum and get the official Pentax version. The brand-x knock-offs tend to get stuck on the camera unless the retention spring is removed. Steve Ok that's made my mind up, I'll buy the non flanged and if it gives me trouble I'll just buy a flanged one. They're cheap enough anyway. Thanks heaps for the help guys. Steve, very nice photo. Such perfect botanical specimens, are they real ? Chromo

05-19-2010, 09:12 PM	#12
chromo Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: North Coast NSW Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 581 Original Poster	Originally posted by stevebrot The bayonet lock has nothing to engage with on the non-flanged adapters. Some users have bought the non-Pentax versions, removed the retention clip, and notched/drilled the lens base to mate with the locking pin on the camera. This is not a bad solution if you don't mind messing with the lens. Steve More good advice ? That's an easy solution, I will drill it. Thank you Chromo

05-19-2010, 09:14 PM	#13
seacapt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Carolina , USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,271	+1 for getting the real deal Pentax adaptor!

05-19-2010, 09:34 PM	#14
chromo Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: North Coast NSW Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 581 Original Poster	Originally posted by seacapt +1 for getting the real deal Pentax adaptor! Thanks Seacapt and you're prob right , but at $90.00 I'll say no to Pentax. Cheers, Chromo

05-20-2010, 12:13 AM	#15
Lloydy Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Shropshire, UK Posts: 1,114	I use a non flanged, non Pentax, adaptor from SRB who ship internationally. I have no problems with their adaptors at all, and have used them with the spring in place. And at $20 it's a big saving on the genuine article. M42 lenses on Pentax K I have no connection with SRB, even though I always mention them in these topics.