Detailed review of MC HELIOS-81H 2/50 (aka ARSAT H 50mm 1: 2)

MC Helios-81H 2/50

MC Helios-81H 2/50 lens on the camera Nikon AF N8008s. Enlarge Image.

In short

MC Helios-81H 2/50 (or MC Helios-81H 2/50, or Arsat H 50mm 1: 2) - is one of the best standard lenses of Helios family... This lens is most often called a 'fifty-kopeck piece' because of the focal length of 50mm. On full-frame cameras (film and digital cameras with a frame size of 36 x 24 mm) it is standard (in terms of focal lengths and angle of view) and is suitable for everyday use for a wide range of tasks. Helios-81 can also be used as a portrait and creative lens on modern cropped cameras.

In my opinion, Helios-81 earned its popularity due to its compatibility with Nikon digital SLR cameras with Nikon F mount. The bulk of the lenses of the Helios-81 family do not require any adapters and work similarly to the original manual Nikon Nikkor AI / PRE-AI lenses. ...

Also, the popularity of the lens is associated with a special twist of the background, inherent in many lenses of the Helios family, as well as good optical capabilities at a fairly low cost. On average, Helios-81N can be found for $ 30.

Critical: there are many different variants of the lenses of the Helios-81 H / M / AUTOMAT family. If the latest versions are indeed some of the best stock lenses from Helios family, then early versions are the worst... Early versions are easily distinguished by their wide focusing ring and serial number near the front lens. These options have many mechanical problems. Later and better versions have a serial number in small print on the side of the aperture control ring. Here is such a paradox - from the best to the worst is just a step. I strongly advise against messing with these early versions (shown, for example, in the 'Appearance # 3' section). And also by no means do not purchase lenses marked 'AUTOMATIC'... Lenses series Helios-81N AUTOMATIC have a different mount, for which there are no adapters for any cameras (the appearance of lenses HELIOS-81 2/50/53 AUTOMATIC shown here). If something is not very clear, or if you want to be 100% sure that the future purchased lens will please you - ask here in the comments, or contact me according to my personal contacts.

It is difficult to overestimate the creative potential of such fifty dollars. Photo enthusiasts often use it as a portrait lens. Many people just want a fast prime, especially in addition to their stock / kit lens. Aperture F / 2 approx. three steps wider aperture of f / 5.6, which is used in 'dark' kit lenses at the long end. In numerical terms, this means that Helios-81 is approximately 8 times brighterthan, for example, whale Nikon DX VR AF-P Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6Gwhich use a maximum relative aperture of only 50: 1 over a 5.6 mm focal length. The calculation of the difference in the relative aperture (count the aperture) is performed elementarily: (5.6 * 5.6) / (2 * 2) = 7.84, which is rounded to the value '8'.

History

Helios-81 is a descendant of the Helios-65 (HELIOS 65 AUTOMATIC 2/50), which, in turn, is a shortened descendant of the lenses family Helios-44.

The Helios-81 lens family includes many models and their modifications. In general, the development of the line proceeded as follows: Helios-81 AUTOMAT -> Helios-81 M or N -> MC Helios-81 M or N -> MC Helios-81 N -> Arsat H. Each of the modifications has several subversions.

For practical use, the latest versions of MC Helios-81 H (aka 'MC HELIOS 81 H') and Arsat are best suited for which the serial number is indicated in small print on the lens barrel, and not near the front lens.

Appearance # 1

Lens shown below MS HELIOS-81H 2/50 with serial number 9227112, presumably produced in 1992. The front and rear lenses of the objective have cyan, blue, lilac, violet and red anti-reflective shades.

Appearance # 2

Lens shown below MC HELIOS-81H 2/50 with serial number 9315003, presumably produced in 1993. The front lens of the objective has green, purple and red shades of enlightenment.

Appearance # 3

Lens shown below MS HELIOS-81M 2/53 with serial number 8204223, presumably produced in 1982. Filter diameter 49 mm. The front lens of the objective has blue, lilac, violet, red and yellow anti-reflective shades. The petals of the diaphragm are shiny, yellowish-orange (copper-colored). The focus ring rotates 315 degrees (7/8 of a full turn). Three intermediate clicks between F / 2 and F / 2.8 and two intermediate clicks between the other pairs of f-numbers (rare). Does not sit on without alteration Nikon D70, D70s, D80, D90... Nikon is installed on the rest of the CZK without problems. No protrusion for the diaphragm rheostat, with a long 'skirt' of the diaphragm control ring (but the skirt does not rest against the diaphragm rheostat). Nikon F mount, letter 'M' stands for 'M' blinking aperture.

Appearance # 4

Lens shown below ARSAT H 50mm 1: 2 with serial number 9417121, presumably produced in 1994. The front lens of the objective has green, purple and blue shades of enlightenment.

Appearance # 5

Lens shown below HELIOS-81N 2/53 with serial number 8309805, presumably produced in 1983. Filter diameter 49 mm. The front lens of the objective has bluish and ash shades of enlightenment. The diaphragm blades are shiny, silvery. The focus ring rotates 315 degrees (7/8 of a full turn). Three intermediate clicks between F / 2 and F / 2.8 and two intermediate clicks between the other pairs of f-numbers (rare). Does not sit on without alteration Nikon D70, D70s, D80, D90... Nikon is installed on the rest of the CZK without problems. No protrusion for the diaphragm rheostat, with a long 'skirt' of the diaphragm control ring (but the skirt does not rest against the diaphragm rheostat). Nikon F. mount.

Main technical specifications MC Helios-81H 2/50

The name of the instance from the review (as it is written on the lens itself) MC Helios-81H 2/50 with the logo of the Arsenal factory (there are a lot of other ways to write the name of the lens)
Basic properties
  • Н - H mount, similar to Nikon F, AI or PRE AI compatible
  • manual focus only.
  • aperture control ring, as well as semi-automatic control of the diaphragm using the aperture ring and the diaphragm pusher of the cameras in which it is available.
  • MS - multi-layer optical coating.
  • the lens is suitable for full-frame cameras (an analogue of modern Nikon FX cameras)
  • metal case
  • lanthanum glass in the optical circuit
Front Filter Diameter 52 mm (there are options for 49 mm)
Focal length 50 mm (according to some sources - 52 or 53 mm), EGF for cameras with an APS-C type sensor is approximately 75 mm
Zoom ratio 1 x
Designed by for film cameras with a frame size of 36 mm X 24 mm
Number of aperture blades 6 petals. Petals form a hexagon of approximately the correct shape. Petals are dull metal, not blackened.
Tags
  • focusing distance only in meters
  • DOF scale for F / 4, 8, 16 (explicitly indicated) and F / 11, 5.6, 2.8 (stripes only)
  • scale with aperture values ​​for f / 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16
  • bayonet attachment mark (red dot, applied directly to the metal part of the bayonet)
Diaphragm From F / 2 to F / 16.0, it is regulated by the aperture ring, there is no diaphragm operation method switch on the lens. The ring has one intermediate fixed value between the indicated pairs of numbers (between F / 11 and F / 16 there is no intermediate value).
MDF (minimum focusing distance) 0.5 m, maximum magnification ratio is 1: 7 (approximately)
The weight 214 grams measured without caps (lens itself only)
Optical design 6 elements in 4 groups, ('Planar' type scheme)

Optical design of the lens Helios 81n

Lens hood screwed into the front filter, the original lens hood markings were not found. Any analogs are suitable, according to type of such
Manufacturer country USSR, Arsenal plant (later the lens was produced under the 'Arsat' brand in Ukraine).
Period Several years, the exact period of production is unknown.

Lens modifications

Please note that there are many modifications of the lens and many spellings of its name. The main ones are:

'AUTOMATIC' versions

  • Helios-81 2/50 Automatic - you can see an overview of this modification here
  • Helios-81 2/53 Automatic - you can see an overview of this modification here
  • Helios 81 2/50 Automatic (no dash between 'Helios' and '81')

Versions 'М 2/53'

  1. Helios-81М 2/53 with H-mount, metal silvery unblacked petals, you can see an overview of this modification here
  2. Helios-81М 2/53 H-mount, copper colored metal petals not blackened
  3. MS Helios-81M 2 /53 H-mount, copper-colored, unblacked metal petals (appearance # 3 from this review)

Versions 'H'

  1. MS Helios-81H 2/50 (with serial number near the front lens, long skirt of the aperture control ring, wide focusing ring)
  2. MS Helios-81N 2/50 (serial number from the bayonet side, short skirt of the diaphragm control ring, lilac enlightenment, one of the most common and classic options)
  3. MS Helios-81N 2/50 (serial number from the bayonet side, short skirt of the diaphragm control ring, green enlightenment, one of the most common and classic options)
  4. MS Helios-81N 2 /53 (appearance # 5 from this review)
  5. Helios-81Н 2/53 (analogue of Helios-81M 2/53)
  6. ARSAT H 1: 2 50mm - an almost complete copy of MC Helios-81N 2/50, the differences are described here
  7. MC Helios-81h 2/50 - full copy of MS Helios-81H 2/50, export version, this version looks like like this.
  8. MC Helios-81 2/50 - full copy of MC Helios-81N 2/50, export version

Other versions

  1. Helios-81 2/50
  2. Helios-81 2/52 (diaphragm ring on the front of the lens)
  3. Helios-81 (GK-81)
  4. GOI << HELIOS-81 >> 2 / 52,4 (silver metal case)
Different names

Just different names: ARSAT 1: 2 50mm МС ГЕЛИОС-81Н 2/50

Optically, they are the same lens. The difference between lenses with different names lies in different mounting threads or mounts, body rims, enlightenment and age. Many new lenses MS Helios-81Nreleased in Ukraine (after the collapse of the Union) are called Arsat. This review discusses one of the most popular lenses, namely MS Helios-81H 2/50.

View of the Helios-81N MS lens on a Canon camera

View of the Helios-81N MS lens on a Canon EOS camera 350D Digital The lens is mounted using a cheap adapter Nikon mount F - Canon EOS.

As usual, the first thing you feel and pay attention when using the old lens is its weight, the lens is small, very short, it resembles a pancake. The weight of this “pancake” is quite large. The build quality is usual - a lot of metal and glass. The lens has no backlash.

Example photo on MS Helios-81N 2/50

Example photo on MS Helios-81N 2/50

Interesting: 81-H is read not as 81-'ash ', but as 81-'en'. Easy to remember 81-Nikon, as 'H' mount is Nikon F mount (Nikon F mount)

MS Helios 81-N produced at the Arsenal plants in Kiev or Uman in Ukraine. The lens used special lanthanum glasses - super-heavy crowns with high resolution, this allows you to partially get rid of chromatic aberrations.

So there are two versions of the Helios 81 lens

So there are two versions of the Helios 81 lens

How to use with modern cameras

Nikon F-mount DSLRs

To use the Nikon MS Helios-81H 2/50 lens on Nikon DSLR cameras just install the lens without any adapters and shoot for your own pleasure without any tangible limitations. Possibility focusing on infinity, as well as semi-automatic iris control... This is due to the fact that MC Helios-81H 2/50 uses the same bayonet mount (mount type) as the native Nikon lenses. All lenses from cameras Kiev-17, Kiev-17m, Kiev-18, Kiev-19 and Kiev-19m, Kiev-20 use the Nikon F mount, the same as that of modern Nikon DSLRs. Some cameras will even have automatic metering exposure. Exact list of cameras that support metering exposure with manual lenses (such as this one) you can see here or here. For more information on how to use manual lenses, see my article. Soviet optics.

Important: although the lenses MC Helios-81N 2/50 have a protrusion for transmitting the aperture value to the camera through the aperture rheostat (copy AI Nikkor Lenses), while the diaphragm skirt may be too long (like PRE-AI Nikkor Lenses) because some Lenses Helios-81 2/50 without additional modification cannot be installed on modern Nikon DSLR cameras. Some can only be installed on a specific list of cameras. To treat such a disease can be very simple - just cut off part of the diaphragm control ring, as shown in the figure by Sergei Elizarov here.

It's important: if you come across a lens that does not sit on your camera and you don’t want to cut it, you can still easily use the lens on any Nikon DSLR with macro rings... MC Helios-81N 2/50 can be easily installed on any Nikon F cameras via Any extension tube for Nikon F-mount cameras... However, this loses the ability to focus to infinity and medium focusing distances.

Important: to immediately find a variant of MC Helios-81H 2/50, which can work on any Nikon F-mount SLR camera, you need to look for lens options with the name MC Helios-81H 2/50 (or MC HELIOS-81H 2/50) and without a serial numbers near the front lens, as well as any lens variants with the modern name ARSAT.

Important: if something is not clear, or there is a desire to clarify - write in the comments under this review, I and other readers will try to suggest.

Nikon 1 mirrorless cameras

To use the lens on a series of mirrorless cameras Nikon 1 (Nikon 1S1, Nikon 1S2, Nikon 1 V1, Nikon 1 V2, Nikon 1 V3, Nikon 1 J1, Nikon 1 J2, Nikon 1 J3Nikon 1 J4Nikon 1 J5, Nikon 1 AW1) use the adapter Nikon F - Nikon 1. The cheapest adapters can be found aliexpress.com. For example, such an adapter can be easily purchased. here.

Important: there are no problems with any versions of Helios-81 for Nikon F mount (Nikon 'N') and any corresponding adapters.

Nikon Z mirrorless cameras

To use the lens on a series of mirrorless cameras Nikon Z use an original Nikon FTZ adapter.

You can use any inexpensive Chinese analogue, for example, such an adapter Nikon AI -> Nikon Z.

Important: there are no problems with any versions of Helios-81 for Nikon F mount (Nikon 'N') and any corresponding adapters.

Canon (EF, M, RF)

In order to install MC Helios-81N 2/50 on any modern digital SLR camera Canon EOS, you will need to use the adapter Nikon mount F - Canon EOS. Possibility focusing on infinity saved. The cheapest adapters can be found aliexpress.com. For example, adapter Nikon mount F - Canon EOS EF (aka Nikon AF-> Canon EF) easy to buy here.

It's important: all lenses of the Helios-81H family (with 'H' / 'Nikon F' mount), regardless of the year of manufacture and the features of the mount, can be installed on any camera without any problems Canon EOS using the specified adapter Nikon mount F - Canon EOS EF (aka Nikon AI-> Canon EF).

To use the lens on mirrorless cameras series Canon EOS M use adapter Nikon F - Canon EOS M (aka Nikon AI-Canon M). The cheapest adapters can be found aliexpress.com. For example, such an adapter can be easily purchased. here.

To use the lens on mirrorless cameras Canon EOS R series, use an adapter Nikon F - Canon EOS R (aka Nikon AI-> Canon RF). The cheapest adapters can be found aliexpress.com. For example, such an adapter can be easily purchased. here.

Sony (A, E)

Using the lens with SLR cameras Sony (DSLRs as well as SLT cameras with a translucent mirror) is difficult. For use, an adapter with a corrective lens should be used, which may negatively affect the image quality. If you still want to use MC Helios-81N 2/50 on cameras Sony / Minolta with A-mount, use the adapter Nikon F - Sony A. The cheapest adapters can be found aliexpress.com. For example, such an adapter can be easily purchased. here.

To use the lens on mirrorless cameras Sony NEX, Sony ILCE, Sony ALPHA with Sony E mount or Sony FEjust use an inexpensive adapter Nikon F - Sony E. The cheapest adapters can be found aliexpress.com. For example, such an adapter can be easily purchased. here... Also available for these cameras autofocus adapter Techart PRO Leica M - Sony E Autofocus Adapterwhich can be found at this link.

FUJIFILM (X, GFX)

X-mount mirrorless cameras require an adapter Nikon F -> Fuji X (aka AI-> X). The cheapest adapters can be found aliexpress.com. For example, such an adapter can be easily purchased. here.

For mirrorless medium format cameras with mount GFX need adapter Nikon F -> Fuji GFX (aka AI-> GFX). The cheapest adapters can be found aliexpress.com. For example, such an adapter can be easily purchased. here.

SIGMA / PANASONIC / LEICA (L, M)

An adapter is required for mirrorless cameras with Leica L mount (T, TL, SL) Nikon F -> Leica L (aka AI-> L). The cheapest adapters can be found aliexpress.com. For example, such an adapter can be easily purchased. here. For cameras with a Leica M mount need adapter Nikon F -> Leica M (aka AI-> M).

PENTAX

Using a lens with Pentax SLR cameras is difficult. For use, an adapter with a correction lens should be used, which can adversely affect image quality. If you still want to use Helios-81H 2/50 MC on Pentax cameras with K mount (and its modifications), then you should use the adapter Nikon F - Pentax K. The cheapest adapters can be found aliexpress.com. For example, such an adapter can be easily purchased. here... The same goes for a mirrorless camera. Pentax K-01.

To use the lens on Pentax mirrorless cameras with Pentax Q mount (Pentax Q, Pentax Q10, Pentax Q7, Pentax Q-s1)just use an inexpensive adapter Nikon F - Pentax Q. The cheapest adapters can be found aliexpress.com. For example, such an adapter can be easily purchased. here.

Samsung (NX)

NX mount mirrorless cameras require an adapter Nikon F -> Samsung NX (aka AI-> NX). The cheapest adapters can be found aliexpress.com. For example, such an adapter can be easily purchased. here. For the camera Nx mini adapters do not exist yet.

OLYMPUS / PANASONIC / KODAK / XIAOMI (mirrorless, MICRO 4/3)

To use the lens on mirrorless cameras OLYMPUS/PANASONIC/KODAK/  XIAOMI (and some others) with a Micro 4/3 mount, it is enough to use an inexpensive adapter Nikon F - MICRO 4/3. The cheapest adapters can be found aliexpress.com. For example, such an adapter can be easily purchased. here.

OLYMPUS / PANASONIC / LEICA (mirrors, 4/3)

For SLR cameras with a 4/3 mount (not to be confused with Micro 4/3!) An adapter is required Nikon F-> 4/3. The cheapest adapters can be found aliexpress.com. For example, such an adapter can be easily purchased. here.

Attention! Lenses of the HELIOS AUTOMAT series

Very important: the lenses Helios-81 2/50 AUTOMATIC и Helios-81 2/53 AUTOMATIC cannot be used with modern cameras. Simply there are no corresponding adapters. Attackers often give out Helios-81 2/50 Automatic (a review of this modification you can see here) и Helios-81 2/53 Automatic (a review of this modification you can see here) for the lens MC Helios-81N 2/50. Be attentive!

Sample photos on Nikon DX (APS-C, crop 1.5X)

Below are my photos for different modifications of the Helios-81 / Arsat H lens:

Jpeg source photos watch and / or download here (200+ photos on Nikon D40).

Sample photos on MC Helios-81H and Nikon FX (full frame, Full Frame)

All photos were taken on a Helios-81N MC and a full-frame camera Nikon D700 FX no processing. Reduced size to 1920 * 1080 pixels and imprinted data from EXIF.

UPDATED

Photographer shared examples of photos on MC Helios-81N 2/50 with readers of Radozhiva Lilia Nemykina:

My experience

I like Helios-81N, with it you can feel the spirit of Soviet lenses, get nice shots and feel like a real manual technician (a photographer who uses manual lenses).

Unfortunately, I must state the fact that in general this fifty kopeck piece loses in many respects to any autofocus similar lens. Helios-81N is very popular, but still, if possible, I recommend using autofocus fifty dollars. Some of them, for example, Nikon 50 / 1.8 AF MKI / II / III (D) (for cameras with a focus motor) or Yongnuo 50 / 1.8 (for any Nikon cameras) are only slightly more expensive than the Helios-81N.

Video review

My video review of the Helios-81 lens family with examples of photos you can see on my Youtube channel, or in the video below:

Results

Latest modifications of Helios 81H - some of the best standard Soviet high-aperture lenses... First of all, Helios 81H is interesting for its twisted bokeh, compact size and low cost. Among the shortcomings, one should single out the difficulty in searching for the “latest” MS modifications and an unblacked diaphragm.

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.


Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment:

 

 

Comments: 1 980, on the topic: Detailed review of MC HELIOS-81H 2/50 (aka ARSAT H 50mm 1: 2)

  • anonimus

    Um .. In the last pictures, some kind of brutal processing. There is only a name from the gelik. One of the eyes of the girl cut out from Satan are worth something. Why do that? It also makes you shudder.
    Probably fashion?

    • Novel

      The sign of the cross to help. You can pour St. water in the system unit of the computer, I assure you, will help.

      • anonimus

        You have strange methods, but in the case of such processing, it may not be a bad option for the one who processed it like that. Aspen stake as an addition may not be superfluous

  • R'RёS,R ° F "RёR№

    Is there somewhere data on the resolution of the Helios-81N optics? And which old manual lens from 50 to 100mm is considered the best in resolution?

    • Rodion

      Well, this helios is on par with the usual old 50 / 1.8 lenses. Better results will be given by lenses that are no longer built on this old scheme, but on something newer.

    • Ilya

      Center: 52, edge: 27. Actually here is the sign:

  • R'RёS,R ° F "RёR№

    And if you choose between this and the U37A?

    • Oleg

      Between so different focal points, you need to choose not only in quality, but in ease of use. Here it is already difficult to focus on other people's impressions, only on your own.

    • Boris Alexandrovich, 77 years old

      Try Jupiter 8, a pure portrait lens. You should like it.

      • B. R. P.

        If you put on the bzk, then yes.

  • Sergei

    Hello, I got Helios 44m-4. I like the picture. I'm thinking about 81H, tell me, is there any point in changing it? Attracted by Nikon's bayonet. Will there be the same bokeh torsion on 81H as on 44m-4 on a d7000 crop?

    • B. R. P.

      The twist will be less and of a slightly different character. But there will be a tip from mdf to ∞. It is possible not to change, but to supplement the collection.

  • R'RёS,R ° F "RёR№

    Is there a big difference with Helios 44m? Should I specifically buy 81? Applied to Canon.

    • Novel

      With regard to Canon, you can have ANY manual fifty dollars to play with and put on the shelf and a standard autofocus 50 / 1.8 STM (50 / 1.4) for full shooting.

      • Aleksey68

        why put it on the shelf? with a good manual, you can shoot almost as easily as with AF glass. in any case, my percentage of accurate focus on the manual is higher than 50 1.4, which is fine-tuned and hits exactly, but only in laboratory conditions.

        • Andrii

          Well, okay, just like that, simple and accurate. Maybe even faster, so that everything was up to the heap?

          • Aleksey68

            and what is surprising? good glass, with minimal SA, the correction in the EMF chip is matched. and if in LV, then ML helps to shoot just as easily as in any UPC.

            • Novel

              No thanks. I understand that a Soviet engineer can do a lot with cancer, sideways and oversubbing, but when shooting, the last thing I want to think about is LiveView, did I get into focus, cover this fucking diaphragm with my hands. Why ignore thirty years of photography?

              • Aleksey68

                to whom what. I repeat, I have no problems getting a high-quality frame on manual glasses. because the same haste is not always needed, as when catching fleas)), however, the quality of the image formed by the old Germans and Japanese is very high.

                and for the reportage there is a “unit” and a third mark and a certain amount of AF optics.

                (I do not urge to shoot ONLY on manuals, not at all, I just replied that they are more than suitable for shooting than for collecting dust on the shelves)

              • Novel

                Yes, you can, of course, they were filming for almost a hundred years before the invention of autofocus, and they are still filming. It's just that I can recall the cases where Helios' drawing was successfully used on my fingers. A pseudo-macro with snails and mushrooms, where twisting gave this feeling of magic, and the locals immediately started howling about post-processing and Photoshop. And there are many portraits shot for fifty dollars, where, by and large, the drawing did not solve anything, and the use of manual was a show of the photographer. In most typical scenarios, the MF creates much more inconvenience.

                However, given the dull nature of the subject, the blurriness of the image often matches the subject well.

              • Valery

                1. You just compare the cost of high-quality glass manual and car.
                2. With proper skill, and even more so if there is a Lushnikov chip and not for sports photography, the pictures are excellent with very low marriage.
                3. When you think through each frame parameter (exactly how you want to see it) and achieve the desired result (which was only in your head), you additionally get the WOW effect for yourself.
                For example, I shot against the sun, which covers the model with the background of the sea at sunset, for half an hour I tried to get the color of the CHOCOLATE sea and a clear contour of the model with the effect of the crown around the model and a visible sunset path SO MANY STILL DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THERE IS NO PHOTO SHOP. And so I could achieve all this only in a fully manual mode, even sharpness, since the lens, but the cutoff, did not want to focus in such conditions.

            • Andrii

              Reading nothing surprises you.

        • Victor

          The devil, as usual, is in the details - in this very “almost”, almost, but not so simple)) For some, this “almost” is enough to just put the manual on the shelf and take the autofocus glass, especially if you shoot something moving ...

          • Aleksey68

            I shoot the dynamics on one unit and AF glass, statics - on manual glasses.

            • Andrei

              Fundamentally)))). With a tripod?

              • Aleksey68

                on FR 50mm and shorter - from hands, on longer focal length - from a tripod.

              • Andrei

                That I already understood that the sruk, it was necessary not to answer.

        • Serge

          I never learned how to work with autofocus, so for everyone, including modern ones, only manual focusing.

          • Andrei

            Well, yes, autofocus is very difficult to learn how to use. Available only photo guru 60 lvl, not lower.

        • Spudik

          You are a strange photographer. Set 50mm stm to level 50 1.4…. These are completely different lenses (in terms of picture). Either you didn’t have them, or ... .. Stm gives an excellent picture even without processing. And perfect for those who need a ready-made jeep. 1.4 is a more creative option. In the office and side illumination, it immediately loses everything in the world and gives a veil and glare. Also, color rendition and contrast require editing in the editor.
          And they actually work from the same aperture value - 1.8. For 1.4 on the open soft (on the hands of 2 pieces and both behave the same).

      • Victor aka @victor_vvo

        What's on the shelf ... right in the trash ....

    • B. R. P.

      The 81st is sharper in the open, a little wider than 44m, the color rendition is slightly different. With regard to Kenon, the advantages of a skipping rope working on Nikon are lost.

    • Oleg

      At 81 there is no background swirl. In any case, as obvious as on 44. But in terms of picture quality, 81 is better. It depends on what priorities to set.

      • Oleg Shevchenko

        There is a swirl of the background, not always of course, but there is. And even on the crop it is noticeable.

  • Dmitriy

    The text says that the filter thread for the 52 mm lens, on my 87 copy is 49, in order to put filters on 52 and even have to buy a raising ring for the hood.

  • Я

    My copy 8602964 has a 49mm filter.

  • Arkady Shapoval

    Added a video review on Geliki-81 https://youtu.be/yHKohr0n3Rk

  • Natalie

    Hello everyone, I came across a very good copy, I’m shooting a subject from it, the customers are very satisfied, sharp and tenacious, although the manual sharpens quickly and smoothly. I shot the last time a week ago, with Nikon 7100. I threw the photo not in the original onto my phone😁😁 who is interested in looking at the equal, no question.

  • Paul

    Good day. Can you tell me if these halos are normal?

  • Azake

    all the same, you can clarify on the Nikon D80 whether the HELIOS-81H 2/50 (aka ARSAT H 50mm 1: 2) will work to the fullest, except for autofocus? I mean exposure metering and working out the aperture to the desired value.

    • Azake

      judging by the lack of contacts on the lens, there is no automatic aperture and the camera will not understand the aperture value.

    • BB

      If it rises normally, the aperture will work out, but the exposure metering will not work - only the “M” mode

  • Matthew

    I don’t know about the lens, but the photos presented here are gorgeous. I wish I could shoot like that

  • Stanislas

    I put mine up for sale a couple of days ago. I have a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, but changed my mind today))

  • Stanislas

    Here's another. Canon EOS 10D and some Lightroom. Sharpness +24.
    I caught glare on purpose :)

  • Wab

    I don’t know if they have already written here or not, but, apparently, due to the fact that the lens was created in the Soviet / post-Soviet space, it is well made, but through f * ny. Namely, if you put it on Nikon FA and some other models (which I won’t say for sure), then you have every chance to remove it only with a grinder. And all because the lens definition pin (#16 in the picture) safely hits just the recessed bolt on the lens. In short, before putting it on, fill this bolt with some kind of epoxy, otherwise it will be bad.

    • B. R. P.

      Wrote repeatedly. There are the same chances with some czk.

      • Wab

        OK then. In general, once again I am convinced that a good set of tools and a larger file should be attached to a good Soviet anything)

    • Alexander

      Yes, I came across an F-301 to which the Gelik stuck, as the owner said, tightly, although he had already cut his skirt. I took it off in 5 minutes, having worked a little with a thin screwdriver, slightly pressing the lens from the mount

  • Anton

    What is the problem of using with Sony DSLRs? What is a corrective lens for? I have A58. Thanks for the answer

    • B. R. P.

      Mismatch of working segments.

      • Rodion

        It's not about the segments, but the fact that the bayonets are approximately equal in diameter, so the adapter cannot be made thin enough. In this regard, the Canon EF system with the largest mount in diameter among the mirror bypasses everyone.

  • Ales

    Thank you

  • Viktorv

    May two lenses one Helios 81M, standard view of F-ta Kiev 17. Another MS HELIOS 81 N, view of Kiev 19. Offended by early releases. The first 81 M on the Nikon D 700 is not familiar. The other 81H still does not transmit information about the diaphragm to the camera. On the object, I set the aperture at 11:22 am, and on the camera more than 3 o'clock. It feels like it’s necessary to drink here,,,. If you are a specialist, please call 5 063 10678 22 063 106 78 or viber.

    • B. R. P.

      Nothing better than “writing a digital camera”, just like the titles “dandelion”. In the article, everything is reportedly written, written down. Read carefully.

  • Alexander

    I think that the Helios-81M version with “copper” aperture blades was after the lens was reworked or repaired. Such petals are placed only on the AUTOMATIC version. I had in my hands a dozen and a half 81st Helios, H and M variations with AI cut and without cut, but there were never red petals.

  • Denis

    I'm thinking of getting one, what do you think? It seems to be rare, judging by the number.

    • B, R, P.

      What is special about this room? If you don’t take it off, but put it on a shelf, why not take it. If for shooting - no matter what number, as long as it works fine.

    • Andrii

      not all lenses have the number 863470.
      Take two, you will know one, and resell the other to collectors, as it is rare.

  • Alexey

    Duck arsat also with lanthanum glass?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      they are all (81s)

    • Rodion

      Yes, I even know the brands of glass.

  • Makunochimaster

    On the D80, my 81H (ser. No. 8809468) does not melt, the diaphragm guide rests on it, if you tighten it with force, then the diaphragm ring does not rotate. On the D3200 this leash has a spring and is hidden in the body.

    • Makunochimaster

      This is MC Helios-81N 2/50, serial number on the aperture ring, company badge as in the first photo of the review.

  • Rustam

    Good afternoon, can you tell me how long this lens should be? I saw 24 mm and 39 mm, will there be vignetting on them?

    • Yuriy

      nikrascha

    • Rustam

      I'm interested in the length of the hood itself (round)

  • Cat

    Greetings to all. Tell me why the soft effect is so pronounced? I don't have this on the M version.
    I took it apart because something inside rattles when the lens shakes. The lenses are all fine, they don’t seem to be skewed. Without lenses, something also rattles, so it’s not their fault. I wiped everything carefully and cleaned it of shit. I put it back together as expected, it’s still soft.
    Picture 1 – Helios 81N, soft.

    • Cat

      Picture 2 – Helios 81M, sharp. Maybe the lenses are still skewed? How can I check this? Plus, the problematic one is not aimed at infinity.

      • Rodion

        If, with slight defocusing, the spots are asymmetrical, in particular the border of the spots in the center of the frame on one side is brighter - this is decentering or skew. If the spots are symmetrical, but there is no sharpness, there may be a violation of the distance between the lenses, and if everything is completely sad, for example, the rear lens is completely upside down (but the latter does not seem to be your case).

        • Cat

          Thank you so much for the answer!

          I assembled it according to the diagram given in this article (although, of course, I couldn’t get it in a fraction of a millimeter, like from the factory, with my hands, of course).
          Today I took it apart again and noticed that the blackening of the third lens from the shank had peeled off. I blackened it again with matte auto enamel, it became better, but not perfect, of course + the enamel was torn off in one place, as it turned out, I had to blacken it again. My Helios-81M is still far, very far away.
          In general, for now, I’ll probably give up trying to disassemble and figure it out, apparently, such a copy was sold to me by a bad reseller from an advertisement site. For now, I am inclined to violate the distance between the lenses - it also does not catch infinity, everything is cloudy.

          • Rodion

            It's very difficult to tell from your photos what's wrong. The production culture at many factories was so-so, for example, in Izyum they made 35KP projectors for many years with 100% defects due to the discrepancy between the gap between the lens frames and the body, which led to critical decentrations. This could easily happen here too - you can try placing pieces of foil into the lens mounting socket so that the lens itself fits tighter without dangling (if it dangles slightly).

Add a comment

Copyright © Radojuva.com. Blog author - Photographer in Kiev Arkady Shapoval. 2009-2023

English-version of this article https://radojuva.com/en/2011/02/obzor-gelios-81-n-test/

Versión en español de este artículo https://radojuva.com/es/2011/02/obzor-gelios-81-n-test/