I was trying to add my review of the Helios 44-3 lens, but I could not find it in the lens review forum. I found couple of short discussion, but not worth resuscitating. So, I am creating my formal review of this lens with the purpose of making Pentaxians aware that I found this lens to be the BEST of the Helios 44-Series. I got all of them with exception of the Zenith 44-6, and most of them broke while in use, or the quality of the image was not really worth keeping. I kept the Helios 44-3 because i do believe it is a great lens, comparable to the Takumar 55/2, and sharp wide open, while the bokeh reminds me that of the Sonnars.
The construction looks sturdy, it is a big lens relative to the other 44-series lenses. There may be several models out there, but the one I have, which I like, was not designed to fit Pentax, but another camera. So, the focus ring, which is closest to the camera protrudes about 2mm and does not allow the screw mount to get into the camera. This is a small piece of cake to fix by someone curious and with mechanic ideas. You can unscrew the focus ring (4 easy screws), remove it and mill the approximately 2mm protuberance from the ring to make sure it flushes with the mount. I do not have a milling machine, so, I sanded off and filed off the best I could, and since I am used to do that with wood, the sanding came just perfectly fitting on my K5, and now on my K3. The result is just great, this lens is worth getting it.
I will not comment on the color, IQ, sharpness wide open, etc, because I will post photos, and remember: one image is worth 1,000 words.
 Helios44-3-58-2@f2-ChristmasRedDecor-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Helios44-3-58-2@f2-ChristmasRedDecor2-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Helios44-3-58-2@f2-OliveOil-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Helios44-3-58-2@f2-Cafe-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Helios44-3-58-2@f2-Tea-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Helios44-3-58-2@f2-beats-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Helios44-3-58-2@f2-Mandarinass-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Helios44-3-58-2@f4-Mandarinass-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Helios44-3-58-2@f2-Lemons-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Helios44-3-58-2@f4-Lemons-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Helios44-3-58-2@f2-TheMirror-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Helios44-3-58-2@f2-TheMirror2 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Helios44-3-58-2@f2-Mandarinas-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Helios44-3-58-2@f4-Mandarinas-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Helios44-3-58-2@f2-Mchi-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
---------- Post added 01-03-15 at 08:01 PM ----------
Here is the process I used to fix the lens, just check the photos. I will show the original lens, then step-by-step process on how to fix it. You will also see the couple of tools you will need:
 00112OriginalHelios44-3 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 00111OriginalHelios44-3 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 STEP 1 - Fixing a Helios-44-3-58-2-to fit Pentax cameras by Palenquero, on Flickr
 STEP 2 - Fixing a Helios-44-3-58-2-to fit Pentax cameras by Palenquero, on Flickr
 STEP 3 - Fixing a Helios-44-3-58-2-to fit Pentax cameras by Palenquero, on Flickr
 STEP 4 - Fixing a Helios-44-3-58-2-to fit Pentax cameras by Palenquero, on Flickr
 STEP 5 - Fixing a Helios-44-3-58-2-to fit Pentax cameras by Palenquero, on Flickr
 STEP 6 - Fixing a Helios-44-3-58-2-to fit Pentax cameras by Palenquero, on Flickr
 STEP 7 - Fixing a Helios-44-3-58-2-to fit Pentax cameras by Palenquero, on Flickr
 STEP 8 - Fixing a Helios-44-3-58-2-to fit Pentax cameras by Palenquero, on Flickr
 STEP 9 - Fixing a Helios-44-3-58-2-to fit Pentax cameras by Palenquero, on Flickr
 STEP 10 - Fixing a Helios-44-3-58-2-to fit Pentax cameras by Palenquero, on Flickr
 STEP 11 - Fixing a Helios-44-3-58-2-to fit Pentax cameras by Palenquero, on Flickr
 STEP 12 - Fixing a Helios-44-3-58-2-to fit Pentax cameras by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Helios-44-3-58-2-Adjusting4Pentax-00015-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 STEP 13 - Fixing a Helios-44-3-58-2-to fit Pentax cameras by Palenquero, on Flickr
 STEP 14 - Fixing a Helios-44-3-58-2-to fit Pentax cameras by Palenquero, on Flickr
 STEP 15 - Fixing a Helios-44-3-58-2-to fit Pentax cameras by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Step 16 -Helios-44-3-58-2-@f2-Grapes-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Step 17 - Helios-44-3-58-2-@f2.8-Grapes-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Step 18 - Helios-44-3-58-2-@f5.6-Infinity-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Step 20 - Helios-44-3-58-2-@f2-GrapeLeaves-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Step 21 - Helios-44-3-58-2-@f2.8-GrapeLeaves-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Step 22- Helios-44-3-58-2-Flower-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Step 24 - Helios-44-3-58-2-miscelaneous2-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Helios-44-3-58mmf2@f2-Flowers-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Helios-44-3-58mmf2@f2-Flowers2-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
 Helios-44-3-58mmf2@f2-Flowers3-1 by Palenquero, on Flickr
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