Helios 44-2: How to PROPERLY make reversed front element mod

[@RetroFotoHouse]

Available in my store www.ebay.com/itm/324636003903

[@fernandonascimento213]

Thank you. You are the only one who EXPLAINS witch model can't do the front reverse. Now I now WHY my copy couldn't.😓

[@bradmiller9993]

Same problem here. Oh well.

[@XxpurexrussianxX]

super insightful and concise, thanks for the quality video brother. definitely going to order a second helios to do this

[@bransoncarlton4939]

Thank you so much for explaining the variance. I was tearing my hair out from trying to invert the model that doesn’t have enough threads!

[@RetroFotoHouse]

Glad it helped!

[@tbrown2892]

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]

Tony Brown when elements are touching, nothing bad happens

[@tbrown2892]

@@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.

[@ArtexandreFuzaro]

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

[@escarabajo_o]

Hi, did you mean the 44m-6 model, or the type 6 model according to this video author's classification?

[@ArtexandreFuzaro]

@@escarabajo_o model 👍

[@brysimm404]

Wow, fantastic instructional tutorial! Thanks Roman! It's also great to be hearing you better with your louder microphone volume now :D

[@RetroFotoHouse]

Glad it was helpful! :D

[@dopeseed6369]

i just did it with a 8er lens. you have a little bit of thread, maybe 180 degrees but its enought for holding the lens in place

[@A___-naut]

Added to my list photography-master-list

[@gudmortelevision]

It worked perfectly fine with my Helios 44-2 type 8 lens.

[@NelsonZornitta]

Thanks, very good to know the types suited for this modification.

[@RetroFotoHouse]

Glad to help

[@bradmiller9993]

Thanks for the explanation; I bought a 44-2 in order to reverse the front element but it is a type 8; now I know why I couldn't complete the project!

[@xBoCTkOTaCObaKato4karu]

Если у вас не хватает резьбы для того чтобы закрутить перевёрнутую линзу, просто переверните это стопорное кольцо и всё закрутится

[@kottik1]

@@xBoCTkOTaCObaKato4karu классная идея, только за что его там зацепить, чтобы закрутить? напилить на нем с другой стороны пазы?

[@xBoCTkOTaCObaKato4karu]

@@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.

[@kottik1]

@@xBoCTkOTaCObaKato4karu Спасибо . Так по идее можно любой объектив, если он с кольцом спереди, модифицировать.

[@DionysusGodOfWine]

Thank you . Very informative. Heading over to your store now.

[@SergioCiobanFilho]

Does that would work on a 44m?

[@RetroFotoHouse]

Yes, it does. It is much simplier than in case of helios 44-2, as in general rule there is enough thread to keep the ring on its place

[@SergioCiobanFilho]

@@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.

[@tunaelbas3441]

@@SergioCiobanFilho hey did it work?

[@SergioCiobanFilho]

@@tunaelbas3441 yes the effect was very cool indeed.

[@johnwest7228]

@@RetroFotoHouse glad to know this, I have several 44M lenses so can't wait to give it a try

[@jpcalamaro961]

An excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@westyavro]

Have you ever tried this with a Helios 44-3? It is a beautiful lens.

[@ChasWG]

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?

[@RetroFotoHouse]

no any issues, you can reverse it anytime you wish

[@kainbre]

i have accidentally reversed back element and got great results! ( on hellios 44m)

[@MartR80]

kainbre - Is there a place where we can all see some sample shots please?

[@kainbre]

@@MartR80 i will uplod some examples

[@kainbre]

It is great for video as well

[@Arcaged]

Yes, i did it too on my old 44m4 and it stayed somewhat sharp, but the bokeh became like soap bubble

[@etei4120]

God bless you sir!! You saved me so much time

[@princeharbinger]

Great tutorial. I wonder if this would also work with the Helios 40-2 85mm. Has anyone tried it? How were the results if so?

[@RetroFotoHouse]

Frankly speaking i do not know, never made such mod

[@fotoamgamgfoto3695]

if you want to mod lens you need a 3D printer, I modded/converted a lot and designed printed lots of parts

[@princeharbinger]

Awesome! Do you know if this will work with the early 44 8 aperture blades by KMZ?

[@RetroFotoHouse]

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.

[@Vadinaka]

Hello, Would like to know if I can buy one reversed from you? Thanks

[@DixonLu]

Me too. Love your stuff.

[@RetroFotoHouse]

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

[@DanielWoj]

With this modification lenses are touching each other. I thought that I've made something wrong, but on your tutorial they're also touching.

[@SnowmansApartment]

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.

[@RetroFotoHouse]

yes, exactly

[@alejandrolopez3923]

What about a biotar mod on the Helios 🤔 I saw some lens which is being sold as a Helios mod biotar bubble. 🤔

[@RetroFotoHouse]

never encountered such. i think it is a scam.

[@marcob8084]

Hello, is it possible to reverse front lens of a 44-M-4 of 1988? Many thanks!

[@RetroFotoHouse]

I've never tried. Please try and tell us here, it is interesting to know!

[@JacoboCastroCristo]

This channel is amazing!

[@RetroFotoHouse]

Glad you think so!

[@jasonmcgibbon9693]

Thank you for video. A question: Is there enough thread on Helios 44M-4 to reverse the front element? Which type?

[@RetroFotoHouse]

this i don't know, as i never tried

[@kottik1]

Спасибо! Modified my Helios 44-2 type 7 (made by Lomo, not Valday thought) rather easily.

[@1605munro]

Hi there! great channel! One question, is this revers hack also possible on the 44-M? Thanks in advance

[@RetroFotoHouse]

i've never tried frankly speaking

[@MartR80]

😘 Thank you very much for sharing! 🙏🏼 Blessings from Amsterdam 🇳🇱

[@antonioestupinian2732]

If you turn the ring on tipe 8 (letters down) you be able to reverse the front element... A salut you!

[@RetroFotoHouse]

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

[@FoundationTraining1]

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.

[@RetroFotoHouse]

just try and you'll see

[@messylaura]

did this on my ziess 35mm zebra flektogon, great results. i have question, are you going to do a full service video on jupiter 11 4/135mm? year 1963

[@RetroFotoHouse]

Will do, but later.

[@messylaura]

@@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,

[@lepetitbaigneur9073]

wow. Just tried it on my helios lens... Amazing results, im just wondering how interesting the bokeh would be on a full frame camera

[@RetroFotoHouse]

even better

[@abbycasanova1380]

Very creative

[@niru7206]

I have one 44M-4 of 1985 model. Can I get such dreamy Bokeh if I reverse the front optical element as you suggested?

[@RetroFotoHouse]

Just try and you will see. The video is about helios 44-2. With helios 44m-4 i did not try to do the same

[@christopherbrown6152]

Can i do this with any lens? Like the sigma 105 f1 4?

[@RetroFotoHouse]

I'm afraid not...

[@roberverytfunny]

I also thought about it nikon z 50mm f1.2 s or Tamron 35mm 1.4

[@pedromattossouza8219]

Thanks, I almost bought a type 8 because the option had better conservation state.

[@escarabajo_o]

Hi, thanks for your videos! Is this mod possible with 44-2 in new body or 44-3? It's Type 6 according your classification.

[@RetroFotoHouse]

Frankly speaking i never tried.

[@Desmond-Hume]

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.

[@lattesweden]

Search for Lens Spanner Wrench or just Lens Repair Tools at Amazon or Ebay.

[@Desmond-Hume]

@@lattesweden Ok, thanks.

[@RetroFotoHouse]

www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=lens+wrench&_sacat=0

[@stephenwall9036]

Thank you!

[@adagiotexas]

What are the camera settings to use this lens. Do you shoot in 4:3 ratio and then squeeze out in post, or just shoot it directly in 16:9 ratio?

[@RetroFotoHouse]

ratio doesn't matter. This is a property of lens, such swirl, not camera.

[@clfurness]

Can the front element of the Helios 44 (M42) be reversed? I've tried but I couldn't get the thread to pickup and I think it's not possible.

[@RetroFotoHouse]

no, it is not possible

[@theothertonydutch]

How is that tool called? I need one desperately!

[@santiagoboselli6519]

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?

[@RetroFotoHouse]

you just need to apply a force. Sometimes, quite rarely, it is tighten so well ,that one can't unscrew it.....

[@irisam6885]

hello, which instrument does he use to open the lens? what's the name? i couldn't find it

[@RetroFotoHouse]

please search for 'lens wrench'

[@asafdie]

Can this conversion be done with the silver 13 blade version? Or is Belomo still better? I have an extra 13 blade is why I’m asking.

[@RetroFotoHouse]

i never tried. would you mind to try and than share your experience?

[@lucilleeidse9407]

I would like to purchase a Helios 44 that will work to reverse the front lens element- do you have one available?

[@RetroFotoHouse]

Yes, i do, in my ebay store. Please contact me there. Link to my store in comments below this video. Thank you!

[@aabc4852]

After Diy the lens can focus on infinity ？

[@RetroFotoHouse]

yes, but no use for infinity, as it produces blur image

[@jeancaceres7670]

Just realised I have the worst Helios lens. I was so proud over it.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

Should still be. There are no bad ones.

[@SteCosi]

Hi, is possible to do this mod on the Helios MC 44k 4? Thanks!

[@RetroFotoHouse]

i don't think so

[@nickbjones]

is there usually enough thread to do this wit the 44M-4?

[@ValleyRC]

Yes

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

@@ValleyRC Are you positive? You've done it?

[@samadkohi9166]

Do you have good 44-2 to sell? I Want to be able to reverse the front element

[@RetroFotoHouse]

yes, i do www.ebay.com/itm/324276151065

[@alexantonyp.g5125]

Can you make a video FD 55 1.2 S.S.C fungus cleaning..🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏please

[@RetroFotoHouse]

i did not have a chance to get this lens in my hands

[@emperorofrats]

very helpfull video , thanks a lot!

[@RetroFotoHouse]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ostomiacerebral]

Is it possible to make it with helios 44m-4?

[@RetroFotoHouse]

in general rule yes

[@arturobernucci7867]

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

[@RetroFotoHouse]

Please contact me via my FB page: www.fb.com/RetroFotoHouse

[@martas7422]

Does it work on Helios 44-2 type 3 and 4 ?

[@RetroFotoHouse]

Normally yes, but few exceptions of the common rule can occur

[@minibuns5397]

Can this work with g master lens

[@RetroFotoHouse]

I'm afraid not

[@მიშაბიბილეიშვილი]

Imagine doing this on helios 40-2 (85/1,5) that bokeh'll come out and eat you..

[@subirthapa8542]

What's the difference between normal Helios 44-2 and Petzval Modified Helios 44-2 ? Anyone

[@DanielWoj]

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]

Ok Thanks , Do you think the Modified version on the center is kinda usable for portraits since My Non Modified version is Ok Sharp @@DanielWoj

[@DanielWoj]

@@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.

[@kottik1]

@@subirthapa8542 it's sharp if you take time to focus, but the haze/halo effect washes pretty much all contrast out of those sharp areas.

[@markrobinson8254]

"Extremely silly" bokeh. very funny... they thought that of George Seurat with his stipple paintings that hang in the Musée d’Orsay, Paris.

[@RetroFotoHouse]

it seems that people love it

[@Rose-u5w4h]

Что можно сделать , если листочки медленно работают

[@RetroFotoHouse]

почистить их от масла

[@Rose-u5w4h]

@@RetroFotoHouse спасибо за ответы , как их почистить , я не смогу сама ..

[@RetroFotoHouse]

Вот мое видео, как их почистить kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmGUf6dsqdFgi7s

[@Rose-u5w4h]

@@RetroFotoHouse спасибо ..

[@8층고양이1]

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.

[@Rose-u5w4h]

Есть у вам ролик на русском?

[@RetroFotoHouse]

Нет к сожалению. У меня канал рассчитан на англоязычную аудиторию

[@galiltvisrael]

Спасибо; Отправил тебе личное сообщение в системе eBay

[@alexshdvideo]

I tried this with Helios 44M-4 and it was marginally different from stock. I guess I’ll have to look into finding a 44-2. :)

[@niru7206]

I have one 44M-4 of 1985 model. As you have tried, is it worth modification of front element? Whether you are getting result like shots shown here?

[@sudoPrivileges]

I have type 8 ((((((((

[@YoFrank-trader]

Honestly, i don't see the point in this modification because the final photos look very ugly but, that's just my opinion. Great video otherwise !

[@RetroFotoHouse]

yes, but it seems that people love such kind of things, because this tutorial is quite popular

[@bottomendbliss]

Good review but thumbs down for clickbait thumbnail.

[@myhgame7005]

ukraine?

[@WintryEternity]

Is it possible with a 44M?