Helios 44-2 old version lens - radioactive?

xpress · 11-13-2009, 02:19 PM

hi there, i am curious, can anyone confirm if the helios 44-2 old version lens is radioactive with thorium in/on the glass? if not can anyone get their geiger counter out and test theirs? many thanks!

MattGunn · 11-14-2009, 03:29 AM

I have a helios 44-2. It does not show the signs of thoriated glass (no yellowing) and I cannot detect any radioactivity using my geigercounter. During background research into the use of thorium oxide in optical glass I have never come across any mention of this material being used in any of the Helios lenses.

KungPOW · 11-14-2009, 10:32 AM

I somehow doubt they used exotic glass in a helios. The optical design is very old.

11-13-2009, 02:19 PM	#1
xpress Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 1	Helios 44-2 old version lens - radioactive? hi there, i am curious, can anyone confirm if the helios 44-2 old version lens is radioactive with thorium in/on the glass? if not can anyone get their geiger counter out and test theirs? many thanks!

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11-14-2009, 03:29 AM	#2
MattGunn Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Wales Photos: Gallery Posts: 347	I have a helios 44-2. It does not show the signs of thoriated glass (no yellowing) and I cannot detect any radioactivity using my geigercounter. During background research into the use of thorium oxide in optical glass I have never come across any mention of this material being used in any of the Helios lenses.

11-14-2009, 10:32 AM	#3
KungPOW Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Vancouver, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,699	I somehow doubt they used exotic glass in a helios. The optical design is very old.