Test Results: Helios 44-2/Spotmatic combo

**ismaelg** · 07-30-2009, 08:44 PM

Hello,

You may have read elsewhere in this forum about my Spotmatic and the less than mint 1972 vintage Helios 44-2 I just got. ( https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/64612-my-new-spotmatic.html ) ( https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/66732-just-got...os-44-2-a.html )

Well, I just got my first test roll back. These are quick scans (lo res) of the negs done at the lab and I did very minor adjustments in Photoshop, mainly despeckle the horrible automatic machine sharpening. But you can get a good idea of the results.

Spotmatic / Helios 44-2 / Kodak Gold 100

1/60 f8

1/60 f4

DOF test: 1/125 f2.8

DOF test: 1/250 f2 Tripod used. Don't know why but I love this pic

1/60 f8

1/60 f5.6

1/125 f16

1/500 f2 Nice sharpness-softness balance at f2. Of course DOF control not that easy. That's why this is a popular portrait lens. Having this been a studio shot with proper light control, it would have been great.

1/500 f2 I was expecting this to be blown out as I forgot to close the lens back and shot wide open. Surprisingly, the colors came out really nice, but focus is very soft.

1/125 f16 Same shot using sunny 16 rule

1/500 f8 same shot using sunny 16 rule variation

Comments:
- The shutter speeds of the body seem to be fairly accurate, except the slower 2 which got stuck way much longer.
- The light meter in the body still works fairly well.
- Despite the worn look of the lens it seems to be working fine. The tiny air bubble doesn't seem to affect end results.
- Lens decently sharp at f5.6 and above, not bad all the way down to f2.
- Quick lo res scans suck. The prints look much better

- I'm looking for an adapter to try this lens in the DSLR.

Conclusions:
- None. I'm just having fun

I think I'm "advancing" in photography by going backwards.

Thanks,

MJB DIGITAL · 08-01-2009, 08:20 AM

Originally posted by ismaelg

Hello,

Conclusions:
- None. I'm just having fun

I think I'm "advancing" in photography by going backwards.

Thanks,

That is the kind of quote I like to hear from someone before hiring them to come on a wedding from me. True photographer....

Insert business...then collect money.

vinzer · 08-02-2009, 07:41 PM

The lens is an eye-opener. It's pretty sharp for me, just looking at the grass blades.

07-30-2009, 08:44 PM	#1
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,681	Test Results: Helios 44-2/Spotmatic combo Hello, You may have read elsewhere in this forum about my Spotmatic and the less than mint 1972 vintage Helios 44-2 I just got. ( https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-film-slr-discussion/64612-my-new-spotmatic.html ) ( https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/66732-just-got...os-44-2-a.html ) Well, I just got my first test roll back. These are quick scans (lo res) of the negs done at the lab and I did very minor adjustments in Photoshop, mainly despeckle the horrible automatic machine sharpening. But you can get a good idea of the results. Spotmatic / Helios 44-2 / Kodak Gold 100 1/60 f8 1/60 f4 DOF test: 1/125 f2.8 DOF test: 1/250 f2 Tripod used. Don't know why but I love this pic 1/60 f8 1/60 f5.6 1/125 f16 1/500 f2 Nice sharpness-softness balance at f2. Of course DOF control not that easy. That's why this is a popular portrait lens. Having this been a studio shot with proper light control, it would have been great. 1/500 f2 I was expecting this to be blown out as I forgot to close the lens back and shot wide open. Surprisingly, the colors came out really nice, but focus is very soft. 1/125 f16 Same shot using sunny 16 rule 1/500 f8 same shot using sunny 16 rule variation Comments: - The shutter speeds of the body seem to be fairly accurate, except the slower 2 which got stuck way much longer. - The light meter in the body still works fairly well. - Despite the worn look of the lens it seems to be working fine. The tiny air bubble doesn't seem to affect end results. - Lens decently sharp at f5.6 and above, not bad all the way down to f2. - Quick lo res scans suck. The prints look much better - I'm looking for an adapter to try this lens in the DSLR. Conclusions: - None. I'm just having fun I think I'm "advancing" in photography by going backwards. Thanks,

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08-01-2009, 08:20 AM	#2
MJB DIGITAL Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: st. louis Posts: 1,170	Originally posted by ismaelg Hello, Conclusions: - None. I'm just having fun I think I'm "advancing" in photography by going backwards. Thanks, That is the kind of quote I like to hear from someone before hiring them to come on a wedding from me. True photographer.... Insert business...then collect money.

08-02-2009, 07:41 PM	#3
vinzer Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Philippines Posts: 1,399	The lens is an eye-opener. It's pretty sharp for me, just looking at the grass blades.