Soviet lens for video

[westr70]

I recently purchased these lens for video work but will also certainly try them for stills as well.

Does anyone have any experience with them in either capacity? The adapters (two sets) are in the mail and I haven't been able to try them yet.

MC Helios 44m-5 2/58mm f2/58 *IN U.S.* m42 screw pentax
CHROME Mir-1 2.8 37 f2.8 37mm m39 m42 screw pen...
EXPORT Industar 61 L/Z 2.8/50mm Soviet Close Focus
Mir Arsat 26B 26V 3.5 45 f3.5 45mm Kiev 88 Screw

Any information would be appreciated.
My camera is a 5dMark III.
Thanks.

 

[iris chrome]

MC Helios 44m-5 2/58mm f2/58 *IN U.S.* m42 screw pentax
CHROME Mir-1 2.8 37 f2.8 37mm m39 m42 screw pen...
EXPORT Industar 61 L/Z 2.8/50mm Soviet Close Focus
Mir Arsat 26B 26V 3.5 45 f3.5 45mm Kiev 88 Screw

In Soviet Russia lens screws you!

Sorry! Couldn't resist! ;D 8)

 

[NormanBates]

Lots of people happily using these and others... They are by far not "perfect" lenses (some would even say "good" lenses), but they have a lot of character.

Check this forum:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/forumdisplay.php?193-Lens-Discussion

And this (incredibly long) thread in particular:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?201760-The-Vintage-Lens-Thread

An also my sharpness and bokeh tests, including the Helios 44-2 and the MIR-20:
http://www.similaar.com/foto/lenstests/lenstestsa.html
http://www.similaar.com/foto/lenstests/lenstestsv.html
http://www.similaar.com/foto/lenstests/bokehtests.html


edit:
when I say they have character, I mean something like what you'll find at the final section of this blog post:
http://timurcivan.blogspot.com.es/2012/07/the-big-changes.html
including:

58mm Helios 44-2 F2.0 - My shining little star. Perfect portrait length, with a stunning vignette, softness while maintaining enough of the good resolution, and the most beautiful yet bizzarre bokeh i've found to date. Looks like a Dream.

Of course, "a stunning vignette", and "softness" as a good thing, are not things you read about very often. But you should trust that guy, he knows what he's doing
(of course, with such "special" lenses, you also need to know what you're doing!! test the hell ouf of those lenses, and learn when they are useful, and when it would be a mistake to put them on your camera)