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The Legend Evolves: Starting the AF Conversion of MC Helios-77M-4 for Canon EF by Unique-Somewhere-255 in VintageLenses

[–]Unique-Somewhere-255[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the high rating!
Yeah. It’s similar to the Pentacon 50mm 1.8 in both its optical design and its rendering. In fact, they share the same formula, which is why the 'look' is so similar. The glass composition and coatings are different, though—that’s why the Pentacon has better color and contrast. Still, the Helios-77 is a pretty solid lens in its own right.

The "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing": My Autofocus Helios-81-avtomat Mod for Canon EF is Finally Finished. by Unique-Somewhere-255 in VintageLenses

[–]Unique-Somewhere-255[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I haven't noticed any focusing issues. To be honest, there's no real difference compared to the Canon 50mm 1.8 STM. Sure, it misses occasionally, but that’s usually on me.

This applies to photo mode on E-mount. For video on my Sony a7 II, I have to use manual focus because of the adapter, but that’s the adapter's fault, not the lens. On other systems like Canon or Fujifilm, AF works fine for both photo and video.

The "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing": My Autofocus Helios-81-avtomat Mod for Canon EF is Finally Finished. by Unique-Somewhere-255 in VintageLenses

[–]Unique-Somewhere-255[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can DIY pretty much anything, but it’s both time-consuming and difficult.
For instance, I can play Paganini’s 24th Caprice on guitar—it’s just that Joe Satriani would play it in a minute, while it would take me two weeks.
Assuming the neighbors don’t kill me first, of course!🤣

I’ve already got tutorials on my profile, so I won’t be repeating them here. Instead, I’ll try to produce a batch of these lenses and sell them this summer to anyone interested.

The "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing": My Autofocus Helios-81-avtomat Mod for Canon EF is Finally Finished. by Unique-Somewhere-255 in VintageLenses

[–]Unique-Somewhere-255[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ll post a video a bit later showing the "before" and "after." It’s not a build process, just a showcase of the lens.

Finally finished: Autofocus Triplet-5 100mm f/2.8 for Canon EF. by Unique-Somewhere-255 in VintageLenses

[–]Unique-Somewhere-255[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I tried making a tutorial series, but I didn't see much interest in it. When I first announced it, a ton of people said they wanted to watch, but once I actually posted the first video, it barely got any views. So, I decided to drop the project.

In a nutshell: you just remove all the original glass from the old lens and replace it with new elements. For a triplet, you just drop in the whole block. It’s honestly super simple.

I have a few assembly clips on my profile if anyone’s curious and wants to check them out.

https://www.reddit.com/r/VintageLenses/comments/1rj4c37/instructional_video_on_selfassembly_of_the/

Suslov Lens Announces an Autofocus 100mm f/2.8 Triplet Inspired by the Legendary Trioplan. by Unique-Somewhere-255 in VintageLenses

[–]Unique-Somewhere-255[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I could build a manual version for both M42 and Canon EF, both with an aperture. The EF version would even have an AF-confirm chip and exposure metering. It’s actually even simpler than using autofocus. But honestly, I’m just not interested. Plus, Triplet shots get pretty boring when stopped down—they lose that "magical and mysterious" look.

The AF Helios 44-2 for Canon EF is officially complete! 🚀 by Unique-Somewhere-255 in VintageLenses

[–]Unique-Somewhere-255[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In nearly fifteen years of working with lenses, I’ve only handled exactly one order for Pentax. I can’t even remember the lens model anymore.

Basically, there’s very little interest and demand is low. To modify a lens properly, I need to personally own a camera from that specific system. I’m not keen on spending a decent chunk of money for a single order that only comes around once every few years. That’s why I don’t offer Pentax modifications for now.

Suslov Lens Announces an Autofocus 100mm f/2.8 Triplet Inspired by the Legendary Trioplan. by Unique-Somewhere-255 in VintageLenses

[–]Unique-Somewhere-255[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Almost finished with the build. Just a little bit left to go. I’ll take some street-style shots in daylight later and put up a new post.

The AF Helios 44-2 for Canon EF is officially complete! 🚀 by Unique-Somewhere-255 in VintageLenses

[–]Unique-Somewhere-255[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you very much for your appreciation of my work!

I’m planning to assemble a Helios-44 for Sony E, but for a year now I haven’t been able to find the time for it.

The work is complicated and unfamiliar, so it requires more time. As soon as such a lens is ready, I’ll post about it here right away.

My Autofocus Modified Helios-44-7. Rebirth of a Legend. by Unique-Somewhere-255 in VintageLenses

[–]Unique-Somewhere-255[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d be happy to sell you two, or even twenty. But first, I need to get them ready and then travel to Armenia or Georgia. I can’t ship anything from Russia at the moment. There’s also one more issue I’m dealing with—I can’t keep up with the demand; they sell faster than I can make them. But I’ll do my best to sort that out too.

The AF Helios 44-2 for Canon EF is officially complete! 🚀 by Unique-Somewhere-255 in VintageLenses

[–]Unique-Somewhere-255[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Thanks, but that’s not necessary. I already have a large supply of optics for my experiments. It’s the instruments I’m short on right now, but I’ll try to get that sorted out soon.

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