View Full Version : Accessorised! (UK) Helios finder bargain?
Just a heads up. I saw the Helios finder (35,85,135mm), advertised in AP from MrCad. http://www.beginlaunch.com/shop/product.php?productid=5560&cat=484&page=1
I ordered a couple at the discounted price of £6 ea + P&P. Now received, wow, it is just the accessory for my FED/Zorki/Kiev.
My Kiev fit Jupiter 12 is winging its way from the Ukraine so I will have to wait to get some proper use from it.
JoshRoot
01-18-2006, 13:27
I see 20GBP as the price, am I missing something?
yup...I confirm...GBP 20 - EUR 30
was the discount a one off or was there any special code...?
Yes, the web price is not as their advert in Amateur Photographer of this week.
Phone them and quote "AP" and get for £6.
back alley
01-18-2006, 13:39
my luck, no 28 finder
zuikologist
01-18-2006, 13:45
I can confirm £6 each. I bought 4.
2 will go on offer to RFF members at cost plus postage when they arrive, if anyone is interested.
zuikologist
01-18-2006, 13:48
my luck, no 28 finder
Joe - you can probably use the area outside the framelines to approximate 28mm FOV.
I don't know if it is of use, but the 35mm frame sits inside a larger area which doesn't have frame lines, you can see it in the photo.
Zuikologist, sending PM...
traveller
01-18-2006, 13:54
Sending PM
zuikologist
01-18-2006, 13:59
Traveller - sorry both spoken for.
Is anyone else interested? We can put in another bulk order. They come to about £7 with p+p from Mr Cad. Postage from here to anyone's location depends in your location I guess, but should be pretty low.
fotosniper
01-18-2006, 14:00
Fidget..how you get em at 6 squid each?..i just looked via your link and it says's 20 for two..you mentioned AP.. was it a promo in the mag?..by the way..I'm a Northerner too!
fotosniper
01-18-2006, 14:02
ahh you got 4..didn't read that!..I'll be interested if any Uk memebers wanna get a order together.
Here's another sending a PM.
darkkavenger
01-18-2006, 14:11
ack... I shouldn't have been out drinking... seems there'll be no need to send pm as it's too late...
JoshRoot
01-18-2006, 14:25
Looks like I will have to order a couple of them.
Are they three different VF's Or a 35mm one and a 85/135 one?
I'll give em a call tomorrow.
zuikologist
01-18-2006, 14:43
Order for 5 more will go in tomorrow regardless of demand here. All those who sent a PM - I'll let you know when they arrive. Hopefully they'll have some in stock.
darkkavenger
01-18-2006, 14:45
If any of you is getting one extra, send me a PM i'm very interested!
zuikologist
01-18-2006, 14:51
Darkavenger - I'll put you down for one.
Todd.Hanz
01-18-2006, 14:52
It looks identical to the finder that come with the Yashica GSN tele/wide aux lenses, must be made from the same manufacturer.
"Now received, wow, it is just the accessory for my FED/Zorki/Kiev..."Details? plastic? metal? glass? makes coffee? curious minds want to know... :rolleyes:
They are v nice glass with a gold reflecting surface inside, giving the internal conditions for the albada framings (which you can see on the image of the finder on the first post). This has three concentric frame sets with markings 35, 85 & 135. The circular housing is of metal with a black plastic shoe. The look is of a gold lens (if you are shameful enough to worry about how cool you look, and what could be cooler than an FSU which works....er sorry, I mean a well sorted FSU outfit)
I just ordered a couple via phone today. I'll let you know what I think when they arrive.
Talisker
01-19-2006, 05:29
I've had a second-hand one for some time - useful if you don't want to carry lots of extra finders, or you have a camera without any brightlines in the finder but its not very bright and low on contract. Maybe the new ones are a bit better?
Thanks fidget and Talikser. Certainly sounds interesting and definately sounds worth the $.
Arrggghh, exactly what I need. What's the phone # please??
If anyone really wants one, I'll sell one of mine when they turn up, thats wh I ordered a couple. Add the postage cost.
Without wishing to rain on the parade - has anyone yet tried to use one of these outside in daylight?
I bought one from Mr Cad in the mid 80s and sold it as a collector's item a couple of weeks ago. The finder is well made and looks very neat. But... I found it absolutely useless. The framelines vanished in good light. Mr Cad have been trying to get rid of these for the last 20 years - they haven't sold for a very good reason!
. Mr Cad have been trying to get rid of these for the last 20 years - they haven't sold for a very good reason!
That could explain why they where £20 and now £6 :rolleyes: Though I suppose at £6 + postage if it turns out to be pap it can go on Eb*y as a L@@k,R@RE item :D
That could explain why they where £20 and now £6 :rolleyes: Though I suppose at £6 + postage if it turns out to be pap it can go on Eb*y as a L@@k,R@RE item :D
If it's any comfort, I bought mine for £17.00 - at that time the price of a Lomo! :mad:
I never forgave myself, especially as a few months later Mr Cad were already offering them for £6.00! :bang: The really sad thing was that I only had a 50mm lens! It was what they call an "aspirational purchase"! :D
Never mind - I hope mine was a dud and everyone else has better luck - perhaps wearing glasses didn't help. In their defence, the framelines were accurate. Just usually invisible :D
It was what they call an "aspirational purchase"! :D
I've not heard that one before. Great phrase!
Gene
I've not heard that one before. Great phrase!
Gene
Would you like your money back Gene? The guilt is eating me up....!
Would you like your money back Gene? The guilt is eating me up....!
Naw. The price was good for 2 VFs and I got a great book with it! LOL
Gene
Here's a VERY similar one on my FED3 from the gallery (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=22373&nocache=1). Mine isn't labelled Helios but just 'Tele-Wide Finder Japan'.
On viewing there is a blueish tint and the labelled bright line frames (tele & wide) appear yellow/gold in the viewer.
Note the foot of the shoe is a hard plastic. Closer up attached.
Not the brightest but for six quid ......
Well mine turned up this morning and as mentioned above not overly bright but for the price a decent bit of kit in my opinion , Interestingly they where imported and distributed originally by TOE (Technical and Optical Equipment) who used to import Russian camera,s etc into the UK .
btw Its described as a Multifinder mk2 but with out being able to compare it I dont know if its any better than Jocko,s old helios viewfinder.
Hallo Screwy - "Mk II" sounds very promising!
As far as I know these finders were imported in the mid-80s, when TOE were still selling accessories for Soviet RFs, although imports of cameras had ended - to the grief of some in the company.
I had a talk with TOE's marketing director in 1991, not long before they closed. He believed their was real promise in developing niche markets for RF cameras, the Lomo compact, the Horizont etc, but having contacted FED to discuss the possibility of an "export quality" LTM camera, the idea was stamped on by his Soviet bosses, themselves soon history.
The poor man must be spitting, given the great Lomography scam and the RF revival.
zuikologist
01-21-2006, 04:40
Mine arrived today. Not bad at all. Build quality is good. I have tried one viewing against the (few minutes) of sunlight we had this morning - there is some flare but the framelines are still visible. Interesingly, it is made in Japan not FSU. Todd Hanz's comment earlier in the thread may be correct - it might have come from the same factory as the Yashica finder.
just ordered mine - thanks for the reference. This will encourage me to get the Jupiter 9 for my Kiev 2 out again. it probably is a good idea to buy in bulk, as they told me the postage to London would be £3. i didn't complain. How could you??
just ordered mine - thanks for the reference. This will encourage me to get the Jupiter 9 for my Kiev 2 out again. it probably is a good idea to buy in bulk, as they told me the postage to London would be £3. i didn't complain. How could you??
If my experiance is anything to go by they will positively push you to bulk buy :) I wanted two and the guy on the phone instantly suggested buying more to save on postage . I dont know how many they have in stock but they are making a concerted effort to shift them so anyone thinking of getting one should probably act now .
I ordered three, so I have 2 to sell at cost to our friends across the pond should they be interested.
It is definitey not an high quality viewfinder, and the framelimes are very faint in bright light (almost invisible sometimes) but it is usable, and can't be beaten for the price.
traveller
01-22-2006, 02:03
Just tried to send you a PM to confirm your Email. Your PM-Box is full
John
Order for 5 more will go in tomorrow regardless of demand here. All those who sent a PM - I'll let you know when they arrive. Hopefully they'll have some in stock.
zuikologist
01-22-2006, 05:25
Cleared now - sorry.
Just received mine, the neighbour had it as I was out when it was delivered.
The (Japanese) finder is not the brightest view but far from critically dim either. It's no M7 though. The framelines do fade depending on the light direction but so far I've not made them invisable. With glasses I can just see the 35 frame, with contacts a lot easier. It does not have the 50 lines but it's easy to guess these between the 35 and 85.
I think its worth the six pounds easy. Just need to keep an eye out for a IIIc or a IIIF now. I ordered a couple so I have a spare, if anyone wants one for the same cost + postage drop me a PM. Oh and they have there own case as well.
Suddenly a Bessa T seems attactive again. Time to start saving.
SteveM(PA)
02-01-2006, 07:32
Wonder if anyone still has an extra they would like to part with? I am having no luck getting a multifinder that is NOT a collectible for under $50.
Likewise if anyone has a spare or two to let go please PM me. I'm in the USA.
Thanks!
Joseph
zuikologist
02-01-2006, 08:30
I have one (also a turret finder if it of interest)
SteveM(PA)
02-01-2006, 08:48
ooops, zuikologist, your pm box is full...
Bump!
Langdon has first dibs on zuikologist offer since he revived this thread, anyone else have a couple of extras?
Thanks!
Joseph
zuikologist
02-01-2006, 09:01
Sorry - clear now
SteveM(PA)
02-01-2006, 09:03
awesome...pm sent!
I still have a spare. Send PM if interested.
flashover
02-01-2006, 11:34
Fred and Fred's owner I sent you a PM thanks
I still have a spare. Send PM if interested.
Just sent you a PM!
PMs received from flashover and will get back wih postal costs. Looking at ordering another for je2a3 as I've got some other stuff I need to order from Mr Cad also.
I know I'm getting in well late here but are there any of these finders still up for grabs? (would take two if someone is making another order) If yes are you willing to post to Australia? PM me :)
yauyaursk
02-08-2006, 09:02
Sorry - clear now
I am late...... :bang:
This kind of finder really hard to found at my homeland.
I need keep remain using a turret finder which seem didn't match my zorki 3.
I have 2 for grabs, PM me if interested!
flashover
02-08-2006, 10:28
I recived mine from Tony (Fred's man servant) today. Thanks Tony. Very nice item and a bargain for the price. Compared it to my Yashica and I will let you be the judge The Yashica has silver bands and only two frame lines wide and tele.
I also received mine from Paul [screwy], thanks!!! I've been using the tele-wide version as posted by flashover and it is very much the same build but having "more exact" 35 and 85 framelines + 135 is a nice option when I want to travel light without a camera bag.
Joseph
Just a wild guess...I'm way too late to be in on this right? :(
Just trying my luck. Anyone still has a spare Helios Multifinder to sell? :)
Thought of getting this very affordable piece to try as well.
If not, let me know if there's another round of bulk order.
Thanks!
Berk Sirman
05-09-2006, 08:30
I do. I got it for my Jupiter 12, but then ended up selling the lens. It's been on and off the camera a few times, other than that it is unused. PM me if you are interested.
Just trying my luck. Anyone still has a spare Helios Multifinder to sell? :)
Thought of getting this very affordable piece to try as well.
If not, let me know if there's another round of bulk order.
Thanks!
comp_wiz101
05-09-2006, 10:29
Maybe a bulk purchase for all of us poor North Americans over here would be a good idea...
Brad Bireley
05-09-2006, 14:01
I would be interested in one maybe 2!
clarence
05-09-2006, 14:18
Perhaps we should just look for the source and make a wholesale purchase.
Clarence
rpinchbeck
05-09-2006, 15:01
I'd certainly be interested in joining in on a group purchase.
Russ Pinchbeck
I do. I got it for my Jupiter 12, but then ended up selling the lens. It's been on and off the camera a few times, other than that it is unused. PM me if you are interested.
Thanks. PM sent!
comp_wiz101
05-09-2006, 22:17
Da, me too! I'm just waiting for my J12, and I'd like an inexpensive finder for it.
comp_wiz101
05-18-2006, 09:40
fgianni - PM sent
arothaus
05-18-2006, 11:41
I'd be interested, too
Andreas
comp_wiz101
05-18-2006, 20:04
Yes, I would like one (I recieved my Jupiter 12 a little while back)
Brad Bireley
05-19-2006, 04:59
Where can you buy these at?
clarence
05-19-2006, 05:23
Apparently, Mr CAD in the UK offers Helios finders at very good rates. It has been some time since anyone on RFF bought them, though.
Clarence
Justin Low
05-19-2006, 10:58
Daniel, if the third isn't taken, could I get it?
comp_wiz101
05-19-2006, 11:10
Already sent a PM, waiting for responce....
Daniel, I believe I've just sent an email to you using this forum. I'm also looking for one of these finders.
Eduard.
clarence
06-04-2006, 06:34
I thought of getting the Helios finder, but I would prefer getting a dedicated 85mm finder, since I don't use the 35mm focal length. If anyone's interested in getting a Helios, reply to this thread and there is enough response, I'll buy some and see if I like it or not.
I have a turret finder up for trade in the classifieds as well.
Clarence
they currently stand at 2 for £25, or £20 each on the site if anyone else was considering getting one.
clarence
06-04-2006, 08:18
I believe it's cheaper if you call them. It was covered in this thread. If you want one, Ash, I'll wait till I get them before putting one in the mail with your Zorki 4k case, if you like.
Clarence
Ah I wasnt sure if the AP code was still appropriate, as it will have been a while ago now.
Clarence, if you're going to order a few then yes please I'll have one, and I can have it waiting for when I get my other lenses. Let me know the price beforehand, as it really depends on their price.
Thanks
comp_wiz101
06-12-2006, 21:54
I'd really like one of these multifinders (Hear that Clarence?)
Spyderman
06-13-2006, 05:54
Hello guys,
I also want one. I already mailed "MrCad", but I can only pay by bank transfer, and they said it isn't worth the bank fees. Anyone here willing to accept bank transfer or western union payment for the finder? :rolleyes:
Do some of you still have an extra Helios finder set you could give up for me? My location is Slovakia, (EU) so perhaps someone from the old continent? Please... :angel:
PS: my mail is: spyderman (at) zoznam.sk
comp_wiz101
06-28-2006, 12:30
So, any ideas on a bulk purchase?
Just a heads-up that they're still at £6 on the site, and they say they're down to their last few.
Id like a 35 mm finder for my j12. anyone willing to take paypal and mail to australia?
comp_wiz101
07-25-2006, 08:57
Id like a 35 mm finder for my j12. anyone willing to take paypal and mail to australia?
Anyone willing to do the same for Canada?
Id like a 35 mm finder for my j12. anyone willing to take paypal and mail to australia?
Anyone willing to do the same for Canada?
Yeah, I've only ever used PayPal for buying, but I'll give it a go - email me your details.
I have ordered one from Spain for £6 +£5 for shipping (£5 worldwide).
Here (http://www.mrcad.co.uk/shop/cart.php)
flashover
11-09-2006, 06:24
Anyone willing to do the same for Canada?
I just ordered 2 of them, No problems and they appear to still be in stock.
jorisbens
11-09-2006, 09:02
Does anyone know how these fit a fed-2 with the low accesory shoe?
flashover
11-09-2006, 09:08
I had one before. They are small and don't overhang the mount. They should fit most cameras. Here is on mounted on my Leica IIIc
SCOTFORTHLAD
11-09-2006, 11:25
Does anyone know how these fit a fed-2 with the low accesory shoe?
Mine fits on a FED2 with the low accessory shoe without any problems.
Brian.
vanyagor
11-09-2006, 12:22
MrCad site lists shipping to US £22. That's a bit too much, isn't it? I'm wondering how do US people buy it.
I would be interested in 1 if not the £22 shipping. Or is it really just £5 ?
Ordered two this morning - Still in stock.. the 135mm lines will match up with the CV90 on the R-D1 and the 35mm ones for the CV35 on the Zorki :) . Thanks Folks
dazedgonebye
11-10-2006, 06:11
MrCad site lists shipping to US £22. That's a bit too much, isn't it? I'm wondering how do US people buy it.
I would be interested in 1 if not the £22 shipping. Or is it really just £5 ?
I contacted MrCad regarding shipping...this is their response:
Thank you for your email enquiry. There is no problem sending this to you in the USA. Shipping is charged to you at cost price once we have posted the item to you. How many would you be requiring?
Frankly, £5 should get it to the US, so I'd have a hard time swallowing a whole lot more than that.
flashover
11-14-2006, 09:15
I ordered two on 11-09-2006 total cost including shipping to Canada 17 pounds. They arrived in todays mail. Registered no less. That's fast service if you ask me. Shipping was quite resonable also. John
dazedgonebye
11-14-2006, 09:41
I ordered two on 11-09-2006 total cost including shipping to Canada 17 pounds. They arrived in todays mail. Registered no less. That's fast service if you ask me. Shipping was quite resonable also. John
Sorry, it's hard to see 17 pounds as reasonable. I've shipped a TLR camera to the UK for that much.
I think that was the total cost. ie 2 x finders, plus shipping ;)
Sorry, it's hard to see 17 pounds as reasonable. I've shipped a TLR camera to the UK for that much.
MartinP is right, the shipping is 5 pounds (+12 pounds for 2 finders).
My finder arrived in 3 days to Spain. It works well with my zorki 3M.
http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/6701/heliosahx0.jpg
http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/6238/heliosbez5.jpg
wolves3012
11-14-2006, 11:13
I notice Helios finders are appearing one at a time on eBay - and selling for ~£20 - I wonder if this is the source!
I notice Helios finders are appearing one at a time on eBay - and selling for ~£20 - I wonder if this is the source!
More than likely .
I've been sorely tempted to buy a dozen from Mr CAD and do just that , but I have zero luck selling on ebay and would probably just be inundated with messages telling me you can buy them from Mr CAD :rolleyes:
:D :D
Paul
flashover
11-14-2006, 11:30
yes the 17 was total cost for 2 finders and the shipping. It came in a registered.
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