There is a very large number of lenses known under the general name 'Helios-81'. After the collapse of the USSR, the Arsenal plant (on the territory of Ukraine) continued to produce “Soviet” lenses, but changed their designation to ARSAT. Thus, many Soviet lenses have two names.
Arsat H 1: 2 50mm or MS Helios-81H 2/50
They say that Arsat H 1: 2 50mm - this is just another name for the legendary lens MS Helios-81H 2/50. In practice, this is not entirely true.
Different names
Here are the lens differences:
1. Arsat H 1: 2 50mm has a rubberized focus ring, MS Helios-81H 2/50 has a metal focus ring
Focus ring
2. Arsat H 1: 2 50mm is an AI lens for Nikon cameras. MS Helios-81H 2/50 is something remotely reminiscent of an AI lens. My MS Helios-81H 2/50 has the ability to transfer the aperture value to the camera through the aperture rheostat, but with its skirt rests on the lever EE cameras Nikon D100, D50, D70, D70s, D80, D90... This means that Arsat H 1: 2 50mm can be installed on any Nikon CZK, and MC Helios-81H 2/50 cannot be installed on 6 cameras, without first “filing” the skirt at the point of contact with the EE lever. For details about the diaphragm rheostat and the EE lever, see the section AI-S. I want to note that the protrusion Arsat H 1: 2 50mm doesn't reach the EE lever on my camera Nikon D80.
Different diaphragm ring. The Arsat ring has a shoulder for the EE lever and a different diaphragm ring design.
3. The lenses have different diaphragm blacking. At Arsat H 1: 2 50mm aperture blades are blackened much better than MS Helios-81H 2/50. Diaphragm blackening affects the reflection of light when shooting on closed diaphragms.
Lens aperture blades
4. Different years of release. Logical that the lenses Arsat H 1: 2 50mm newer, which increases the chances of their normal preservation.
Year of construction
Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.
Conclusions:
When I compared the lenses, I did not notice the difference in image quality between the two lenses. But Arsat H 1: 2 50mm outperforms MS Helios-81H 2/50 rubberized focus ring, the ability to mount on all Nikon cameras and the best blackening of the aperture blades.
According provided by Arsat H 1: 2 50mm lens huge thanks Alex de Kairoy.
Familiarity with the Soviet Helios brand lenses I recommend starting with an inexpensive and common lens Helios-44-2 2/58 (aka HELIOS-44-2 2/58). The following links can look at modern lenses Zenitar и HELIOS.
Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram
A small addition:
1) arsats and helios of different years and parties differ in the color of enlightenment (I have 3 out of XNUMX, all were different)
2) When buying, look not at the year of production, but at the condition itself
3) There is helios-81n of earlier years of production with a front thread of 49mm and according to my observations it is sharper than new ones.
In the review https://radojuva.com.ua/2011/02/obzor-gelios-81-n-test/ I have indicated at least 10 versions of the G-81 lenses.
I know by heart))) just reminded me ...
I have a MC Helios 81H, model year 94, but with a rubber focus ring.
Arkady, tell me, I just did not understand, does this lens mount on Nikon without an adapter or with it?
Sorry, I'm talking about Arsat H ...
On Nikon 3100 ..
sits without an adapter
still I have just 49 threads of the filter.
I also have one Helios-81N old without MS, with a 49 mm thread, I also noticed that it is much sharper than the new ones in the center.
I have Helios-81, 1989 but with a front thread of 49 mm. Is he early or late?
look at the number. the year is indicated there
Photographic equipment of the "Arsenal" plant (fresh material from Wikipedia - the free encyclopedia): "Kiev-19" (1985-1991), "Kiev-19M" (1991 -?) ... A question mark is bashfully put! The production of 35 mm equipment and optics died in the early 90s. So the music didn't play for long after the collapse of the USSR. In the "stagnant" years, starting from the 70s, the quality of products steadily declined (when I bought Kiev-19 for a friend in the early 80s, I went through several cameras until I found one that matched the focusing on the matte surface and on the microraster). After the start of perestroika, the state acceptance improved the quality for some time. Well, then a full skiff came. So "Arsaty" is hardly better than "Helios-81" 1986-1991 years of release.
From my practice - the early Arsenals with much worse diaphragm control mechanics, Arsat, are more reliable. In general, Arsat-N 2/50 is a wonderful lens both on film and digital. Shore. And I gave the early 81H with 49 thread without hesitation.
Thanks for the review!
For the skirt and ledge just now I saw the difference.
Thanks for the review. Sorry for the few comparisons.
I fully support Valentin (both Arsat and Helios were in use, I shot / I shoot both in Kiev and Nikon), now there are two: 1. 88 years old, 52 mm filter, the name “MC Helios”; 2. 94 years old, 49 mm filter, name “MC Helios”. I don't see the difference optically, but I like the build quality of the former better. Both took new ones more than 10 years ago directly at the Arsenal plant. By the way, there is still a megazinchik at the plant (Kiev, Moskovskaya street, metro station “Arsenalnaya”), where you can find every little thing.
Hello
and there are lenses
Lenses can be ordered on the Arsenal factory website, brand new warehouse storage.
It is still not clear when the front thread was made 81 mm on Helios-49, they speak of the early ones, although I have 1989, d.martyn 1994….
It was at 94 onwards. 49mm (checked before posting a comment). Probably there were a lot of different parts in the warehouses, so they put them at different times. In fact, the filter diameter does not affect the configuration and dimensions of the optical elements. But once I did not succeed in changing the front blocks (with a thread for a filter) from 49 to 52 - they are attached to the main casing in different ways.
I have MS Helios-81 M 2/53 No. 8205440. If the first two digits are year, then it turns out 1982. Thread M49. The bayonet, apparently, was converted to Nikon F. My D5100 Nikon is no problem. It does not have a significant flight for infinity. Knowing this feature, you can shoot, but the viewfinder is complicated, you need good vision. But everything is clearly visible on the screen. Interestingly, is it just mine that has a flight, or is it a mass phenomenon? Who faced this?
I went to the page on my lens and it turns out that M is not a thread, but a designation for a “blinking” aperture! And these lenses came from the factory with an H mount! And then I thought that my lens was in the hands of the craftsmen for the alteration! It's strange how I haven't read this before?
that is why I separately did a review on Helios-81M.
Arsenal lenses, of which many have passed through my hands, often had either flights or shortages to infinity. It is easy to treat. There are three screws on the focus ring. Or on a ribbed surface if the ring is not rubberized. Or under an elastic band. Helios-81 has them slightly lower - where the distance scale is applied. Bet on infinity. Loosen these three screws. Turn the weakened ring to the right or left (depending on overrun or underrun) a few mm. Tighten the screws and that's it. Millimeters are selected by the viewfinder until the green dot lights up.
Helios-81, as these cogs close as the focus ring rotates, you need to unscrew the two completely, and loosen the one that is near the infinity icon. After adjustment, return the twisted ones to their place.
And so can the front, back focus be treated?
The terms "front focus" and "back focus" refer to autofocus optics.
How is that for the G81N MC, model year 94, the diameter of the filter is 49mm ??? I have 94 years, but at 52mm. and what is written on it is not ARSAT, but MS Helios 81N. Oh, these conscientious lenses, they will confuse anyone
I tried Helios-81n, put it on my D50. I got up normally. The lever EE has stepped aside and does not interfere.
Excuse me, for a teapot, what is “EE Lever”?
Thank you in advance.
The article also has a link to the description:
https://radojuva.com.ua/2012/06/nikon-ai-s-old-lens-about/
thank you
After helios-81n, I tried to put kaleinar-50n on the D5. In early issues of kaleinars, the lower part of the focusing ring is the same as in Helios-81. Kaleinar-5 also got up normally. Since the lower part of the focusing ring is thin (about 1 mm.) On these lenses, it pushes the lever EE, which has a slight free movement and does not prevent the lenses from standing on the carcass.
I don’t know how Nikkors are non-ai, but that couple definitely gets up. Have you tried to put Arkady yourself, or retold something read somewhere?
I try everything myself. Due to the fact that there are very, very many different modifications and the fact that Helios is still not a complete copy of AI - there may be real problems with the installation. In the review of Helios-81N it is written about this
On my first digital apparatus - D-50, - Kalainar 5N got up without any problems; but under the D-90 it was necessary to carefully cut down the so-called “skirt” almost along the entire perimeter, flush with the bayonet ring, otherwise it would not have been possible to put it. This did not affect the quality of the shooting.
“When I compared lenses, I didn’t notice a difference in image quality between the two lenses. But Arsat H 1: 2 50mm outperforms MC Helios-81H 2/50 with a rubberized focusing ring, the ability to be installed on all Nikon cameras and better blackening of the aperture blades. "
The Kaleinar-5N (ARSAT-N 100 mm f / 2.8) is exactly the same.
I came across Helios-81N 2/50 92g. release. Build quality is very good, the aperture is smooth (although sometimes with f 2.0 it flies over the focus point). In sharpness, 2.0 is even better than my Tamron 90 / 2.8 macro at 2.8. I installed a Lushnikov dandelion on it - now there are no problems with exposure (taking into account expocorrection). I have 4 more lenses, but this is my favorite, although it is manual.
I am the happy owner of Arsat! The lens is gorgeous, sharpness is high, bokeh is also super. Happy as an elephant! I also want Helios-123n and Zenitar-M 1.7 / 50. Do you think it's worth it if you already have this?
not worth it.
Hello, I have such a problem, and maybe not a problem, maybe it should be so, I want to clarify the situation I have an arsat lens 1: 2 50 mm 1994 and a Nikon D 5200 camera, I read all the reviews, and it’s written everywhere, that this lens should mount on such a camera without problems, but it feels like the lens doesn’t reach, a click that says fixing does not occur, and with any careless movement of the diaphragm ring, the lens will fall off
from the camera, of course, you can probably use force and try to tighten the lens, but in this case it becomes scary for the camera, what is the reason for such a problem and how to solve it?
most likely you just do not twist to the end point - i.e. the aperture and distance marks on the objective should be exactly on top, with a full "twist". if they are somewhere on the side, then you are not twisting it.
effort sometimes is needed more than for setting a whale lens.
..........
Tell me, will the front cover fit from Helios 81n to Arsat?
Hello! Is it worth trying the Arsat on the Canon 60d through an adapter? if not, please advise the best in your opinion domestic fifty kopecks, thank you in advance.
Arkady, hello. Does it make sense to buy an Arsat 2/50 in a new state if you already have a Nikon 50mm f / 1.8 AF Nikkor MKII, plus the G-44M and G-44-2 (Helios without infinity) to the Nikon D3100? The question of the presence of infinity is not critical. I’m just guessing, arsat with delivery will cost ~ 4000 rubles. Is it justified?
The other day I became the owner of the Helios-81 N 2 / 50mm MC, I am very pleased with the lens, the Fotik Nikon D3100. There is one But! The diaphragm works only as open as possible and is not adjustable to lower values. Is this due to the aperture adjustment lever on the lens, do I need to file it? Since on the rest of my modern lenses this lever is 1-2mm shorter. Thank you in advance!
Vadim .. I don’t want to be smart, but the diaphragm becomes in the working position only when the shutter is triggered (the so-called jump rope), you have to check if the diaphragm closes (to the working position) when you press the lever, then set it on the carcass to look into the lens when you release does it close, if not, the lens is not working properly ...
Alexander, thank you very much for your advice! I did it on your recommendation, everything works, everything is fine. Having installed the lens on the carcass, twisted the ring, changed the aperture value and pressed the shutter button - the shutter worked, everything was fine! Thanks for the help!
Hello.
I am faced with a choice - either take this Arsat for the d3200 or something from Nikon (I have not decided to buy 35 or 50 mm yet, I tend to 35). The dilemma is that I would like to be able to adjust manually and not using the electronic menu, although I would like to be able to automatically shoot (I am studying, not a professional). Plus the difference in price. Now the actual question: the quality of the pictures (considering my level as a photographer) will be so much higher that I can buy Nikon's lens, or is it still not so critical and I can stop at a Soviet lens.
Hello! Please tell me which manual to choose for Nikon D7000 - what would it be without alterations and filings? Now I have Helios 44m7 without infinity. I look closely at Arsat, Helios 81n and Nikoe E series. I don’t want an autofocus fifty-kopeck piece, maybe I’ll take 85 and 28mm. Please advise which of the three above is preferable? Do you need a working jump rope?
“My MC Helios-81N 2/50 has the ability to transmit the aperture value to the camera through the diaphragm rheostat, but it rests against the EE lever with its skirt” - to lay down on the helios release. Having tried 81N of the 90th rock vipusku - fit in (Nikon D50), export 81N of the 92nd rock became normal, not to fit
Was it really hard to add a couple of crops from one camera of one table, from the same distance, with the same exposure parameters ???? The sense was more than three times the given review. And so you have to be content with what you have. And your reviews were good, instead of 20 random photos, to spread the same resolution table at open aperture and a couple of photos from boke. So it would be possible to compare both venieting and distortion and HA and sharpness, and maybe even contrast ... and if you spread the luminosity + color rendition without processing ...
I do not do table tests, I am not interested. Look for other resources.
Does the canon 600d need an adapter for this lens or not?
Needed. Adapter Nikon F - Canon EOS.
Arkady good afternoon. Tell me, I bought an arsat 2/50 year of manufacture 90, but it has a metal focusing ring and “light” aperture blades. But there is a protrusion for the EE lever. Have you met such a modification, a hybrid of “Helios and Arsat”)) or was this allowed for such a year of release?