I did this to my 44-6, it worked! The front element is really cracked, but it's doesn't interfere THAT much after this mod, only adding to the dreamy feel
Great video. I've just made this modification on my old Helios 44...there is plenty of thread. But when the front element is reversed, it touches the main glass element...even with the spacer ring in place. In fact the spacer ring rattles, because the two lenses are touching. I will make a very thin shim to add next to the spacer to prevent the lenses from touching.
@@RetroFotoHouse I agree...I just didn’t like the spacer rattling 😊 Anyway, I found a 30mm x 1.5mm rubber o’ring, which fits neatly on the spacer and this is just enough to stop the elements touching. Great swirly images! Thanks.
@@kottik1 я без пазов закрутил, сильное усилие не требуется. Пальцами в хлопчато-бумажных перчатках аккуратно закрутил и этого хватило. А ещё недавно провёл эксперимент с переворачиванием линзы на объективе Гелиос 44 М, который мне достался вместе с фотоаппаратом практика. Так вот на нём прекрасно всё прошло. Даже мудрить с переворачиванием кольца стопора не пришлось.
Hey Roman, I know you posted this video a while back, but is there any detrimental effects to the lens long term? I have a type 5 BeLOMO and its a really great lens. Its super sharp and colorful as it is normally. I want to do this to try it out, but I don't want to ruin an already great lens. if I do this modification and then return the element to the correct way around, will there be any issues because I did this?
Yes, of course Please buy it here www.ebay.com/itm/324276151065 And just leave me a message at checkout that you need a reversed element and i'll do it for you in exemplary fashion
@@RetroFotoHouse Great, thanks for replying. While I'm waiting my Helios 44-2 to arrive I'll try this on my Helios 44M. Also, thanks for your videos, they very informative and helpful.
Yes, i know, BUT you will hide ring grooves so you'll not be able to tighten it properly for a safe lens use. Additionally ring without marking has an ugly look, so i would not recommend this method for large public use. In my point of view a much better solution is to get a proper helios lens with a long thread and make it correctly. Thank you for your input, though
looks like the glass is resting on another glass element when reversed. Do not tighten the ring too much, otherwise i am sure it will damage the glass. A spacer would be best in this case.
I do not know. But in general rule you need to check up if a front ring thread is long enough to be able to keep reversed element, as it takes by far more space in thickness.
@@RetroFotoHouse had the front two elements out of the jupiter 11, interesting design, the second element appears to be a big section of glass with a lens ground into it at either end, or two substantial lenses glued together. as the 1st and second elements are so close you cant flip the front element, i did manage it by putting the retaining ring in first then the front lens then held it in with an extra outer ring (uv filter) but the closeness of the two didn't lend itself as well as other lenses for swirl with ts long minimum distance Dorr extension tubes for canon M mount bring it down to a good close up distance,
Great video and very useful information. I have a Belomo from 1989 which is a Type 6. Would it be possible to reverse the front element on this lens? I would appreciate your feedback. Thanks.
What's the actual name of this instrument, (the wrench)? Wanna buy it, but dont know how it called, it pops up a lot of different instruments. А на русском название узнать, еще лучше было бы, спасибо.
Hi, thanks for all the amazing Helios content. Today, please I need your wisdom. I've already restored a couple of type 2 but recently I got a type 8 and I cannot by any means separate the front block as you usually do by unscrewing. I know the main difference that everyone warns about is as seen on the back with the fixed outer ring, but I haven't found a single video online of anyone actually disassembling a type 8, it's usually a 7 or some other. Could you show the full build differences and disassembly? or point me to where I can find it?
Good morning. I am italian, so excuse me for my english grammar...I would like tu buy one Helios 44-2 reversed front element for my Canon Eos 6 D mark 2 to have extremely swily boken. Can you choose teh better model to modify and send me the link as I can to buy? Can you sell me one Helios 44 just reversed for my camera ? Thanks in advance
More swirly bokeh, sharp almost only in the center, more blurry. The modified version is just "wrong" (from the optical point of view) but has an interesting dreamy result .
@@subirthapa8542 It is really hard to say. Especially if your point is about sharpness. In my opinion it is sharp in the center but with some haze/fog that some people can say that it is not so sharp. I would try to search for examples on the internet.
Anyone watching this video, be advised that some type 7 Valdais do not have additional threading at all. Valdais manufactured in the 70s(serial number starts with 7) may have additional threading. Valdais manufactured in the 80s(serial number starts with 8) will not have any additional threading.