Helios 103 Trade

[tedwhite]

I have a beautiful (looks new) Helios 103 in Kiev/Contax mount that I would like to trade for a Helios 103 in Leica Thread Mount - assuming they make such a lens.

[erikhaugsby]

They don't come in LTM off the shelf, though Brian Sweeney might have made one once upon a time.

[tedwhite]

Thanks, Eric. I had a similar sneaking suspicion. The reason I wanted to trade was that I already have a couple, plus a Jupiter 8, all in Kiev/Contax mount.

I probably have more Kiev/Contax mount lenses (and perhaps the only ones) in Cochise County than anyone else, and Cochise County is - or so I've heard - larger than Connecticut and Rhode Island combined.

But then there's a slight disparity in population....

[Creagerj]

Well if your looking to sell off any of your collection let me know, I've just gone contax mount with a nikon s.

[raid]

I just got a Contax IIIa, and I may need a lens.

Raid

[Creagerj]

Hey I was here first! Just kidding. But really though, I want to go for the full FSU Monty, a J8, J9, and a J12.

[steamer]

The J12 is OK on an S but I believe there would be focusing problems on the others.

[Creagerj]

darn, from what I read on camera quest it seems to be an acceptable option. The J12 to me seems to be the one to be most concerned about because of there very large and protruding rear element. Does anyone else have experience with FSU on S bodies?

[steamer]

The J12 is ok with the s, on mine is way clear of the shutter. If you look around RFF, the focusing issue has been discussed at different times, Brian Sweeney is the expert on this.

[Xmas]

The Helious for the Leicia is called a type IV summicron, there are those that say the Ru ripped of the type IV design.

Noel

[darkkavenger]

A J-12 will NOT mount on a Contax IIa/IIIa. However, it will work without troubles on pre-war models. The rest of FSU glass will mate perfectly otherwise.

[Spyderman]

A J-12 will NOT mount on a Contax IIa/IIIa. However, it will work without troubles on pre-war models. The rest of FSU glass will mate perfectly otherwise.

Max probably meant they will mount on Nikon, but because of the famous incompatibility issue (CLICK) (http://www.dantestella.com/technical/compat.html) the 50 and longer lenses for Contax / Kiev will not focus correctly on Nikons.

[darkkavenger]

Max probably meant they will mount on Nikon, but because of the famous incompatibility issue (CLICK) (http://www.dantestella.com/technical/compat.html) the 50 and longer lenses for Contax / Kiev will not focus correctly on Nikons.

Nope Ondrej, I really meant that physically a Jupiter-12 will not mount on Contax IIa/IIIa (postwar) models. It would damage the metallic shutter curtain. As for Nikons, I don't know how it mates, but certainly above 35mm there will be focus inconsistencies. :)

Heh of course I was speaking of Contaxes ... my knowledge of Nikons is scarce... but I will probably be enlightened, GAS helping...

[tedwhite]

Joe:

I would sell the Helios 103, a Jupiter 8, and a beautiful Kiev 4AM for $65. The clutch on the Kiev's take-up spool is slipping and needs to be cleaned. According to Noel that should solve the problem, and he can provide instructions for so doing. The rest of the camera works perfectly, no light leaks, etc. You get about 16-17 excellent pictures out of a 24 exposure roll before the clutch starts slipping.

Here is a pic:

[Xmas]

ted

Cleaning might cure the problem, but Mr Bodger may have got there 1st and you might have to retension the spring, or replacing missing bits, or supply additional spacers, cleaning is the 1st step, and it is not difficult.
Has it worked ok in the past?
It is not difficult to get the spacing so so and most Contax (and Kiev) only do so so spacing, - even from new.
The J12 glass surface would contact the IIa (or IIIa) shutter surround, damage to both J12 and camera all too likely.

Noel

[tedwhite]

Noel:

It did work OK in the past, although, as you point out, spacing is a bit iffy on these cameras, but none of the frames ever overlapped.

[Xmas]

Well a clean should be enough then, I only bother when I have ripped sprocket holes. 65.0US$ may be high, wish you luck.

Noel

[tedwhite]

Noel:

I think I'll just send it off to Oleg for a complete CLA as I rather like the camera.

[NIKON KIU]

$65.00 FOR TWO LENSES AND A GOOD LOOKING CAMERA IS TOO HIGH?

KIU

[Xmas]

If you want a quick sell yes, as 4am or 4m are slugs, to sell. If you want offer $70...

I use a 4am

Noel