The nice thing of a DSLR – and also mirrorless system cameras – is, that there are plenty of vintage lenses (“waste glass”) which can easily adapted (“recycled”). The results may vary, sometimes the are better but sometime even much worse than with the kit-lenses. Anyhow it’s fascinating, that you have (and must take) full control over exposure time, aperture and focus. At least this is a reason to deal with this subject.

Number one: Helios-44M (Zenit), Flohmarktfund für 5 EUR.

Helios-44M

Helios-44M

Photos above taken with the Pentacon 2,8/29mm and the Nikon ring flash.

Test Helios-44M Blende 2,0

At full opened aperture not really sharp. I suspect maybe the single coating.

Test Helios-44M Blende 4,0

At f 4 the blurriness almost disappears completely, it renders crispy sharp. What you can’t see in obove pictures is the really nice bokeh. In summary it is a really good lens for portraits. The focal length of 58mm together with the crop factor of 1,6 fits excellent for this. For the 5 Euro a real bargain – even if the newer variants (i.e. Helios 44M-4C) might be even better.

Number two: Pentacon 2,8/29mm, eBucht für knapp 40 EUR.

Pentacon 2,8/29mm

Pentacon 2,8/29mm

Pictures above taken with the Helios-44M

Test Pentacon 2,8/29mm Blende 2,8

At full open aperture this lens is also a little soft.

Test Pentacon 2,8/29mm Blende 5,6

But at f 5,6 crispy sharp up into the corners.

In summary a very useful lens, especially when stopped slightly down. At a crop factor of 1,6 the 29 mm equal normal focal length. I think, I’ll take some more pictures with this lens.

Number three: Universar 3,5/23mm, flea market 10 EUR

Universar 3,5/23mm

Universar 3,5/23mm

Photos above taken with the Pentacon 29mm

Test Universar 3,5/23mm Blende 3,5

A open aperture there seems to be a mist on the whole picture. The corners look disappointing bad.

Test Universar 3,5/23mm Blende 11

Even when stopping down the lens hardly becomes better. I even wouldn’t dare to put it in eBay. But I don’t mind the 10 EUR and a UV filter was also included.

Supplement: By chance I noticed, that the rear lens block has loosened. I was able to unscrew it without force. By this also the diaphragm blades jumped out of their fittings. Why is this always such a fumbling to get them in Place again 🙁 Anyhow, I managed to reassemble the optic again and look:

Auto Universar 3,5/23mm reassembled at f 3,5

At open aperture even almost better as in original condition stopped down.

Auto Universar 3,5/23mm neu bei Blende 8

At f 8 despite of a pronounced fringing and some corner softness quite fair! What a difference. But I’m afraid it won’t become become my favorite lens anyhow.

Number four: Nikon ring flash, flea market, 25 EUR.
I used this flash to take the pictures of the lenses above..

Nikon ring flash SR-2 with inverter LD-1

Nikon ring flash SR-2 with inverter LD-1

BTW, taken with the Pentacon 29mm, s.o.