Author Topic: A forgotten Gem!  (Read 1274 times)

Offline TheRaven

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A forgotten Gem!
« on: 24 March 2013, 20:29 »
Someone gave me this some time ago and I never thought I would use it, until I had the desire to shoot film.


Zenit 3M With Helios 44 M39 Lens by Raven Photography by Jenna Goodwin, on Flickr

Then after a little Google I realised I can use the M39 lens (which is a 55mm f2) on my Sony Alpha, like I have been my Chinon 55mm f1.7 M42 lens.


Zenit 3M With Helios 44 M39 Lens by Raven Photography by Jenna Goodwin, on Flickr

It cannot focus to infinity because you have two adapters, an M39 to M42, then M42 to Sony Alpha, and it only works in manual, which is amazing! However, I do have with the camera extension tubes!

So for the pricey sum of £4 for the adapter, I now have a fantastic macro lens! :)

Has anyone else ever used any of these lens/cameras?

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Offline DubFan

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Re: A forgotten Gem!
« Reply #1 on: 24 March 2013, 22:27 »
Nice.
Looks like it needs a bit of a clean up.

You will have to use that light meter though because in-camera TTL (through the lens) metering only came about in the 1960s.
Those Helios lenses are meant to be quite good. I believe Horney has one.

With a camera that old, the light seals about the film compartment may have decayed, in which case you'll get light leakage and ruined film. But you'll probably only know that once you've put a film through.

I was looking at buying a fully manual film SLR recently, I might still do it for fun.

Have fun with your Zenit.


Offline TheRaven

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Re: A forgotten Gem!
« Reply #2 on: 25 March 2013, 08:57 »
Cheers, got to figure out how to use the light meter yet!  :nerd:

I've ordered the adapter for my Sony Alpha so will make sure the lens works first, then I might just dive in and get a film in it, B&W for retro's sake!  :smug:
Professional Freelance Equestrian Photographer

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Offline DubFan

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Re: A forgotten Gem!
« Reply #3 on: 25 March 2013, 09:40 »
Cheers, got to figure out how to use the light meter yet!  :nerd:

Going from what I remember of using light meters:
Usually select your film speed (ISO used to known as ASA), then hold up the light meter. This will give you a reading on the dial (that 0-16 scale). The if you have a light value of 12, that will give you the shutter speed and aperture setting on the dial.

Quote

I've ordered the adapter for my Sony Alpha so will make sure the lens works first, then I might just dive in and get a film in it, B&W for retro's sake!  :smug:
Are you using an adapter with a lens confirmation chip or just a plain adapter with no electrical contacts?


Offline TheRaven

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Re: A forgotten Gem!
« Reply #4 on: 25 March 2013, 11:36 »
A good old plain £3 adapter, fully manual! :)

The light meter on my Alpha works even in manual though which helps! Everything else, aperture, ISO, ss, focus is all manual :)
Professional Freelance Equestrian Photographer

www.ravenphotography.co.uk
www.ravenphotography.uk