[cyberjunkie]

I have just read a post in russian (using Google Translate).
The poster is/was an employee of the KMZ (Krasnagorsk) plant.
He reported that the quality of the glass of most (all?) lenses changed over time, and that every time the technicians did complicated calculation to adapt the old project to the new glass.
After the plant restarted the production of non-military stuff after 2012 the new computers allowed to do the same calculation in a very short time.
Equipments for the military and "special' lenses (like those with all the zeroes in front of the serial) were assembled/tested with special care.
People going for these collectibles may have a point
Sub-models with a long life, like some of the Helioses, could have seen improvements/recalculations that weren't actually reflected in a change of name.
There might have been differences between examples coming from different plants. KMZ ones are believed to be better...
I'm kind of doubtful that most of these differences/adjustments can actually make a discernible difference, if the vintage is more or less the same.

[Cabessius]

... "special' lenses (like those with all the zeroes in front of the serial) were assembled/tested with special care.

This is interesting, since there is no agreement whether these lenses with many zeroes were somehow "special" (prototypes or gifts for VIPs) or not.
I made a thread about two of them and their differences not long ago.

Helios 44 SN#0000xxx slight differences with SN#000xxxx - PentaxForums.com

[pepperberry farm]

[TerryL]

Really nice. I have that lens ordered.
Terry

[pepperberry farm]

Really nice. I have that lens ordered.
Terry

thank you


I know - you've mentioned it coming to you; it inspired me to bring mine out for some shots....

[pepperberry farm]

while I thoroughly enjoy my Helios, I also know that the lens' coatings are not near current lenses:



while I know that this shot would have tested any lenses' ability to manage light and flare, I kept this one because it reminded me of my first Instamatic, decades ago....

[TerryL]

thank you


I know - you've mentioned it coming to you; it inspired me to bring mine out for some shots....

Hello,
I want to try the 44-2 also. What is the absolute best adapter to use on my K-1? Thank you very much.
Terry

[pepperberry farm]

Hello,
I want to try the 44-2 also. What is the absolute best adapter to use on my K-1? Thank you very much.
Terry

the Pentax OEM adapter - people grouse about its cost but it is also the one least likely to cause any problems...

[edom31]

Hello,
I want to try the 44-2 also. What is the absolute best adapter to use on my K-1? Thank you very much.
Terry

the Pentax OEM adapter - people grouse about its cost but it is also the one least likely to cause any problems..

^
This response is correct and it is the best advise on the topic.

But, if you decide to venture into buying an aftermarket one - take the screw and lever off the adapter before using it on your camera as thuis is what usually gets stuck on K bodies. Screw the adapter sans screw and lever onto the lens itself and then into the camera.

To get the adapter off the lens = get creative, sure you'll find a way (this is what I'm doing, haven't had any issues - disclosure = I do not own a K-1, but a K-50)

[TerryL]

the Pentax OEM adapter - people grouse about its cost but it is also the one least likely to cause any problems...

Thank you very much. I'm trying to find one now on eBay, but no luck.
Terry

---------- Post added 09-19-18 at 11:45 AM ----------

^
This response is correct and it is the best advise on the topic.

But, if you decide to venture into buying an aftermarket one - take the screw and lever off the adapter before using it on your camera as thuis is what usually gets stuck on K bodies. Screw the adapter sans screw and lever onto the lens itself and then into the camera.

To get the adapter off the lens = get creative, sure you'll find a way (this is what I'm doing, haven't had any issues - disclosure = I do not own a K-1, but a K-50)

Well, I did that. It had pentax written on it, so I thought that was it. I wasted $9, but so be it. It's going right in the trash. Thank you.
Terry

[kernos]

The sprocket is particularly good.

[pepperberry farm]

Thank you very much. I'm trying to find one now on eBay, but no luck.
Terry

try here on the Marketplace or a 'wanted' ad - I would imagine there are more than a few gathering dust out there...

[TerryL]

the Pentax OEM adapter - people grouse about its cost but it is also the one least likely to cause any problems...

Does $79 sound right for the OEM adapter? I found it at BH Photo.
Terry

---------- Post added 09-19-18 at 12:44 PM ----------

^
This response is correct and it is the best advise on the topic.

But, if you decide to venture into buying an aftermarket one - take the screw and lever off the adapter before using it on your camera as thuis is what usually gets stuck on K bodies. Screw the adapter sans screw and lever onto the lens itself and then into the camera.

To get the adapter off the lens = get creative, sure you'll find a way (this is what I'm doing, haven't had any issues - disclosure = I do not own a K-1, but a K-50)

Is there a pin that I need to remove on the lens? In reading through this thread, It was mentioned, but I didn't quite understand. Thank you very much.
Terry

[edom31]

Is there a pin that I need to remove on the lens

The Ricoh/M42 pin... do not remove it, but must engage it if your lens does not have an A/M switch... One way is to cut a piece of hollow plastic from a cotton swab/q-tip or electrical cable and insert that over the pin inside the lens so that it remains engaged.

[TerryL]

The Ricoh/M42 pin... do not remove it, but must engage it if your lens does not have an A/M switch... One way is to cut a piece of hollow plastic from a cotton swab/q-tip or electrical cable and insert that over the pin inside the lens so that it remains engaged.

Thank you very much.
Terry