M42 Helios 44M-4 2/58. Worth getting a Canon adapter for my 30D?

ZoneV

ZoneV

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I have an old Zenit 12XP with near-mint Helios 44M-4 2/58 lens and have just discovered that the lens can be used with my new 30D if I buy a fairly inexpensive adapter ring to convert the M42 lens to EF mount. I'm considering giving it a go.

What's the general opinion on doing this? I appreciate it will be manual focus but Is it worthwhile or should I hold-off and buy a "proper" 50 instead?

Also, I see some of the adapter ring adverts imply that other "inferior" adapters don't work with all M42 lenses due to their design. Is there any truth in this?
 
I've got the Helios 44/2 2/58 which I believe is a different version of the same lens. It's really nice and sharp - colours seem a little faded to me though. Great for B+W

I'm using it with a cheap adaptor on my GF1 and I really enjoy using it.

LancasterMarch8th2010-1040687-1.jpg


LancasterMarch8th2010-1040667-1.jpg


colour version for comparison

LancasterMarch8th2010-1040667.jpg
 
Your results look encouraging, very sharp, as you say. Thanks. (Nice shots by the way, I really like the first one).

Any idea about the differences between the various adapters, or is it sales baloney? Here's a quote from one description:

This is a version with a Push Ring and will work with all M42 lenses, also those which do not have Auto/Manual switch. It allows to keep the infinity focus.
Click to expand...
 
I've used one of the Helios 58mm f/2 lenses on a Canon EOS 50e (film camera, but same lens mount as 30D)... When you focus to infinity the rear element retracts too much and gets in the way of the mirror. Not sure if it would be the same on every Canon...
 
ZoneV said:
Your results look encouraging, very sharp, as you say. Thanks. (Nice shots by the way, I really like the first one).

Thanks :)

Any idea about the differences between the various adapters, or is it sales baloney? Here's a quote from one description:
Click to expand...

Not too sure about adaptors tbh - I'm pretty new to photography. I just bought the cheapest M42 to micro four thirds adaptor off ebay from Hong Kong, think it was about £20. Delivery took aaaaaages but no problems otherwise.

I think the adaptor is basically just something to act as a spacer and give you the correct fitting - Aperture and Focus are obviously manual but that's all part of the enjoyment imo.

I use mine mostly in aperture priority, which works quite neatly.
 
bobiscuit said:
I've used one of the Helios 58mm f/2 lenses on a Canon EOS 50e (film camera, but same lens mount as 30D)... When you focus to infinity the rear element retracts too much and gets in the way of the mirror. Not sure if it would be the same on every Canon...
Click to expand...

It's problems like this I'm afraid of. I obviously don't want to risk damaging my new 30D for the sake of saving a few pounds.

Hmm, I think I'll leave well alone until I can find out exactly what the score is with these adapters and any potential compatibility issues.

Thanks for the advice.
 
I haven't used it extensively but I've never noticed problems with my 450d. there's flickr groups dedicated to m42 lenses with tonnes of people using similar set-ups. Worth asking over there if you've got an account.
 
That's a fancy one! Even has electronics to fool the camera into thinking it's a "proper" EF lens so the camera's focus conformation system works, very clever. Have you found it all to work as it should?
 
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