Before you discount this russian beauty, keep in mind that it is very easy to adjust the infinity on this lens by about 0.8 mm. (by taking the front ring off and loosening the adjusting screws underneath while adjusting for proper infinity).
This means that it can be used with the flanged ebay m42->pentax adapters while mounting and locking like a normal pentax lens while retaining the ability to focus to infinity. This procedure also makes them work on Nikon bodies with plain m42->F mount adapters.
This is a DIY, and due to the low price of the Helios you can afford to try a few of them before you succeed.
Look at the following link for more info, or google "helios infinity adjust":
Helios 44-2 adapted to Nikon F - No-glass adapter and infinity focus (Page 1) - Maintenance & Repairs - Manual Focus Forum
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to the lenses other members posted, I would recommend the following (rough used prices listed beside):
- Pentax-K 55mm f1.8 ~$75
- Pentax-M 50mm f1.4 ~$120
- Pentax-A 50mm f1.4 ~$180
- Pentax-K 85mm f1.8 ~$400
- Pentax-DA 70mm f2.4 ~$450
Cheers.
Originally posted by ronpyke I am a relatively new Pentax user and I need some advice on which portrait lens is the best in Pentax history...
I am a prime user and I most often have a manual focus lens on the front of my K-5 (M42, M, K...), but, my favourite portrait lens is a Helios 44 (58mm). Unfortunately, this Russian beauty mounts upside down and won't quite make infinity. I am used to using this quirky little devil, but I have a quite important assignment coming up and I was just wondering if there might be a little easier lens in the Pentax world...
I should say that I am an experienced photographer, but way inexperienced with Pentax glass.
Any suggestions?