The Bokeh Club

**Riggomatic** · 10-11-2016, 04:12 PM - **5 Likes**

The clematis is blooming again.

SMC-K 55 at f4

a5m · 10-11-2016, 04:28 PM

Originally posted by Audi 5 cyl

Oh, I like it too, I would not be using it otherwise.
It is an asymmetric double-Gauss lens. There are no differences in sharpness and bokeh rendering between Helios and Biotar, it's a same design anyway, the only real difference is in flaring but Helios has so many iterations that flare differently so I can not absolutely claim even that. I prefer the flare of Biotar vs Helios 44-2 and 44M-4, because those are the lenses that I own. That being said, Helios is a lot more pleasant to use as the focusing is smoother, there are no scratches (depends on the example) or bubbles and similar age related issues. It is more simple to disassemble, modify and clean, etc.
When I got my Biotar, it was a part of a lot, came almost for free, but it was a brick. It had plenty of dust and sediment, helicoid was stuck, it felt loose. It took me 3 hours of cleaning to get everything in order and ready to assemble again. Even now, focusing is not sufficiently smooth for my taste but I am still searching for that special, "thin" helicoid grease to come my way.
Helios or Biotar, I like them equally, great lenses that deserve respect. It's a pity they are rarely being used stopped down. Excellent performers and sharp enough, even by today's standards.

This is good information to know, thanks for sharing. If that's the case then I will just look for a Helios since they can be had for cheap.

Apparently the last number in the model e.g. 44-'2' or 44-'7' means how good they are optically; the higher the better. I just ordered a M42 adapter so I will probably start looking to pick one up. I really like that nervous psychedelic looking bokeh.

Originally posted by Riggomatic

The clematis is blooming again.

We planted three roses back in July that are doing the same thing. Glad to know they're not the only weirdos :P.

**pepperberry farm** · 10-11-2016, 07:34 PM - **2 Likes**

Trick Fall · 10-11-2016, 07:56 PM - **3 Likes**

Some more attempts.

Attached Images

View Picture EXIF

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edmundrt · 10-12-2016, 05:46 AM - **7 Likes**

DA40 XS

ogl · 10-12-2016, 07:07 AM - **4 Likes**

FA31@2.5

---------- Post added 10-12-2016 at 07:14 AM ----------

FA77@2.8

**paulh** · 10-12-2016, 07:46 AM - **3 Likes**

Spring greenery - Super Tak 28/3.5

Jean Poitiers · 10-12-2016, 09:41 AM - **13 Likes**

K-5 + a Werra rangefinder lens - a Carl Zeiss Jena Cardinar 100/4 mounted in an M42 extension tube set (about 20mm) ...

th1952 · 10-12-2016, 11:33 AM - **11 Likes**

Mid 70's today in Northeastern Ohio. K5IIs with Sigma 17-70

**GUB** · 10-13-2016, 02:40 AM - **3 Likes**

There is a plane of focus in there somewhere!
Small Magnolia - the last of the spring flowering for me.
8 element sup tak 50mm 1.4 wide open

**kernos** · 10-13-2016, 07:34 AM - **4 Likes**

Minimal processing in LR, K5 iis, Tokina at-s 90mm macro, f2.5 the exif shows 85mm because this is the PK version

**taks** · 10-13-2016, 01:24 PM - **7 Likes**

Originally posted by GUB

There is a plane of focus in there somewhere!
Small Magnolia - the last of the spring flowering for me.
8 element sup tak 50mm 1.4 wide open

I love the softness of the image

Almost stepped on this little mushroom hiding in the lawn

th1952 · 10-13-2016, 02:15 PM - **8 Likes**

K5IIs with Sigma 17-70 f 4.5

a5m · 10-13-2016, 03:34 PM - **6 Likes**

K-5 IIs + Vivitar Series 1 70-210 F2.8-4 Version 3 (Komine)

**Riggomatic** · 10-13-2016, 04:49 PM - **5 Likes**

Few more flowers, before the freeze.

SMC-K 55 f1.8

Clematis, another late season bloom

10-11-2016, 04:28 PM	#7367
a5m Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 576	Originally posted by Audi 5 cyl Oh, I like it too, I would not be using it otherwise. It is an asymmetric double-Gauss lens. There are no differences in sharpness and bokeh rendering between Helios and Biotar, it's a same design anyway, the only real difference is in flaring but Helios has so many iterations that flare differently so I can not absolutely claim even that. I prefer the flare of Biotar vs Helios 44-2 and 44M-4, because those are the lenses that I own. That being said, Helios is a lot more pleasant to use as the focusing is smoother, there are no scratches (depends on the example) or bubbles and similar age related issues. It is more simple to disassemble, modify and clean, etc. When I got my Biotar, it was a part of a lot, came almost for free, but it was a brick. It had plenty of dust and sediment, helicoid was stuck, it felt loose. It took me 3 hours of cleaning to get everything in order and ready to assemble again. Even now, focusing is not sufficiently smooth for my taste but I am still searching for that special, "thin" helicoid grease to come my way. Helios or Biotar, I like them equally, great lenses that deserve respect. It's a pity they are rarely being used stopped down. Excellent performers and sharp enough, even by today's standards. This is good information to know, thanks for sharing. If that's the case then I will just look for a Helios since they can be had for cheap. Apparently the last number in the model e.g. 44-'2' or 44-'7' means how good they are optically; the higher the better. I just ordered a M42 adapter so I will probably start looking to pick one up. I really like that nervous psychedelic looking bokeh. Originally posted by Riggomatic The clematis is blooming again. We planted three roses back in July that are doing the same thing. Glad to know they're not the only weirdos :P. Last edited by a5m; 10-11-2016 at 04:35 PM.

10-11-2016, 07:34 PM - 2 Likes	#7368
pepperberry farm amateur dirt farmer Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: probably out in a field somewhere... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 41,660	K-3 with DA 35mm f2.4 AL

10-13-2016, 02:40 AM - 3 Likes	#7375
GUB Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wanganui Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,760	There is a plane of focus in there somewhere! Small Magnolia - the last of the spring flowering for me. 8 element sup tak 50mm 1.4 wide open Attached Images

10-13-2016, 07:34 AM - 4 Likes	#7376
kernos Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 456	Rose, bokina wide open Minimal processing in LR, K5 iis, Tokina at-s 90mm macro, f2.5 the exif shows 85mm because this is the PK version

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10-11-2016, 04:12 PM - 5 Likes	#7366
Riggomatic Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Auburn, Indiana Photos: Albums Posts: 3,885	The clematis is blooming again. SMC-K 55 at f4

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10-12-2016, 07:46 AM - 3 Likes	#7372
paulh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: DFW Texas/Ventura County, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 33,262	Spring greenery - Super Tak 28/3.5

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Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076	K-5 + a Werra rangefinder lens - a Carl Zeiss Jena Cardinar 100/4 mounted in an M42 extension tube set (about 20mm) ...

10-12-2016, 11:33 AM - 11 Likes	#7374
th1952 Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Berea, Ohio Posts: 446	Mid 70's today in Northeastern Ohio. K5IIs with Sigma 17-70

10-13-2016, 01:24 PM - 7 Likes	#7377
taks Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Seattle Posts: 2,778	Originally posted by GUB There is a plane of focus in there somewhere! Small Magnolia - the last of the spring flowering for me. 8 element sup tak 50mm 1.4 wide open I love the softness of the image Almost stepped on this little mushroom hiding in the lawn

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a5m Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 576	K-5 IIs + Vivitar Series 1 70-210 F2.8-4 Version 3 (Komine)

10-13-2016, 04:49 PM - 5 Likes	#7380
Riggomatic Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Auburn, Indiana Photos: Albums Posts: 3,885	Few more flowers, before the freeze. SMC-K 55 f1.8 Clematis, another late season bloom