Helios 44m4 58mm F2 on a Spotmatic F?

Jetsam1 · 09-14-2010, 04:12 AM

Hi, have another Spotmatic F on the way as a "everyday" version of my good set up. Want a 50 - 58mm lens for it as I want to keep my Super Takumar safe and nice!

Spotted a Helios lens for a cheap price but have heard there can be an issue with the Spotmatic F where the aperture lever on the lens can get stuck in one of the holes used for metering?

Bit confused about this really!

Can't really afford another Super Tak as they seem to be getting rather expensive these days, esp the 1.8's......

Tom in Delaware · 09-14-2010, 05:23 AM

Don't know about the Helios, but why don't you buy a Super Tak 50 f2? This is really the same lens as the f1.8 with an aperture limiter. They're cheap.

**boriscleto** · 09-14-2010, 06:12 AM

That would be the Super Tak 55 F2. Asahi didn't make a 50 F2 until the M series. And if you're going to get the 55 it might as well be the SMC. The 55s are all cheap as dirt compared to the 50 1.4s.

stevebrot · 09-14-2010, 10:47 AM

Originally posted by Jetsam1

...Spotted a Helios lens for a cheap price but have heard there can be an issue with the Spotmatic F where the aperture lever on the lens can get stuck in one of the holes used for metering?...

The Helios has a standard M42 mount with auto-aperture pin and should mate to the body in the same manner as a Super Takumar. Both lenses "look" the same to the body. That being said, it my understanding that there are some M42 lenses that may not be compatible due to extra pins/levers built into the mount. The Mamiya SX lenses come to mind.

Steve

fish4570 · 09-14-2010, 07:33 PM

Go with the Tak 55/2, unless you can bag a Meyer-Optik Oreston 50/1.8 for a Tak 55/2 price. I LOVE my Oreston. Close focusing, incredible bokeh, scalpel sharp.
I had a Helios 44-2 preset that I used on my SP1000. worked like a top, but I sold it to an acquaintance because I did not like having to remember to stop down before the shot. I understand the later 44-2 lenses with auto stopdown pin work just fine on Spotties.
You can ask that question at www.mflenses.com. Super manual focus lens site. Tell 'em fish sent you ...

Tom in Delaware · 09-14-2010, 07:34 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

That would be the Super Tak 55 F2. Asahi didn't make a 50 F2 until the M series. And if you're going to get the 55 it might as well be the SMC. The 55s are all cheap as dirt compared to the 50 1.4s.

Yep, that would be the 55 f2. I had a senior moment, there.

John nich · 09-15-2010, 08:00 PM

It works =) I can testify. It's also a very nice lens.

Jetsam1 · 09-17-2010, 04:07 AM

Thanks guys!

I have the new to me Spotmatic and for £12 it is in really good condition. My other Spotmatic was my Grandfathers and has some sentimental value attached but I love using it so I wanted another that I can take out and use in more interesting without that added pressure of worry!

(Am about to pull the trigger on a SMC 55mm f2.......... Well, it is always worth buying quality once than poorer thrice!)

09-14-2010, 04:12 AM	#1
Jetsam1 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 67	Helios 44m4 58mm F2 on a Spotmatic F? Hi, have another Spotmatic F on the way as a "everyday" version of my good set up. Want a 50 - 58mm lens for it as I want to keep my Super Takumar safe and nice! Spotted a Helios lens for a cheap price but have heard there can be an issue with the Spotmatic F where the aperture lever on the lens can get stuck in one of the holes used for metering? Bit confused about this really! Can't really afford another Super Tak as they seem to be getting rather expensive these days, esp the 1.8's......

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09-14-2010, 05:23 AM	#2
Tom in Delaware Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Delaware Posts: 177	Don't know about the Helios, but why don't you buy a Super Tak 50 f2? This is really the same lens as the f1.8 with an aperture limiter. They're cheap.

09-14-2010, 06:12 AM	#3
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,477	That would be the Super Tak 55 F2. Asahi didn't make a 50 F2 until the M series. And if you're going to get the 55 it might as well be the SMC. The 55s are all cheap as dirt compared to the 50 1.4s.

09-14-2010, 10:47 AM	#4
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Jetsam1 ...Spotted a Helios lens for a cheap price but have heard there can be an issue with the Spotmatic F where the aperture lever on the lens can get stuck in one of the holes used for metering?... The Helios has a standard M42 mount with auto-aperture pin and should mate to the body in the same manner as a Super Takumar. Both lenses "look" the same to the body. That being said, it my understanding that there are some M42 lenses that may not be compatible due to extra pins/levers built into the mount. The Mamiya SX lenses come to mind. Steve

09-14-2010, 07:33 PM	#5
fish4570 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: On the Warrior River, Aabama Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 122	Go with the Tak 55/2, unless you can bag a Meyer-Optik Oreston 50/1.8 for a Tak 55/2 price. I LOVE my Oreston. Close focusing, incredible bokeh, scalpel sharp. I had a Helios 44-2 preset that I used on my SP1000. worked like a top, but I sold it to an acquaintance because I did not like having to remember to stop down before the shot. I understand the later 44-2 lenses with auto stopdown pin work just fine on Spotties. You can ask that question at www.mflenses.com. Super manual focus lens site. Tell 'em fish sent you ...

09-14-2010, 07:34 PM	#6
Tom in Delaware Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Delaware Posts: 177	Originally posted by boriscleto That would be the Super Tak 55 F2. Asahi didn't make a 50 F2 until the M series. And if you're going to get the 55 it might as well be the SMC. The 55s are all cheap as dirt compared to the 50 1.4s. Yep, that would be the 55 f2. I had a senior moment, there.

09-15-2010, 08:00 PM	#7
John nich Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 19	It works =) I can testify. It's also a very nice lens.

09-17-2010, 04:07 AM	#8
Jetsam1 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 67 Original Poster	Thanks guys! I have the new to me Spotmatic and for £12 it is in really good condition. My other Spotmatic was my Grandfathers and has some sentimental value attached but I love using it so I wanted another that I can take out and use in more interesting without that added pressure of worry! (Am about to pull the trigger on a SMC 55mm f2.......... Well, it is always worth buying quality once than poorer thrice!)