TTArtisan 75mm f1.5. A new king of bokeh, reviewed and compared with a Helios 40.

[@Simonsutak]

Time links to the different parts of the video: 00:00 Introduction 00:32 Specs and optical design 05:02 Test results indoors 07:24 Performance wide open outdoors 10:48 Performance stopped down 11:46 CA and flares 13:26 Portrait photography 15:35 Conclusions

[@stuartriley4976]

Glad to see that TTArtisans is continuing to produce knock-offs of vintage lenses. It's a niche that has a solid market for those of us who like the vintage look but don't want to pay a ton to get it. I'm also pleased to see that the lens itself has an adjustable rotation. My biggest complaint about the 100mm f2.8 was that the lens ends up in the wrong orientation when using it with a speed booster.

[@KNURKonesur]

Just ordered my copy yesterday. For the price I'll take the "risk", as I've wanted a Biotar 75/1.5 for years but could never justify the price. I love that TTartisan put a picture of the lens adapted to a GFX on their website, so I'm going with that combo and might get rid of some cinema projection lenses I've adapted a while ago.

[@AAJJ007]

If you want even more swirl, this lens covers the GFX's sensor perfectly! I suspect this will be a favorite of GFX shooters.

[@photocraigo9474]

Near the back of the lens there are 3 small screws that you can loosen and rotate the lens mount for the markings to line up completely depending on your camera, adapter etc. * from a review.

[@Cleverconveyence]

Love that shit. Good on them.

[@LukeWorrall-k6w]

I bought one. The workmanship is very exquisite, the appearance is very beautiful. It feels heavy in the hand and gives a great sense of satisfaction. With the aperture fully open, the center sharpness is very good. Considering the price of $289, it is worth more than its price.

[@colinfeilen988]

Thank you Simon for this comprehensive and superbly entertaining review , I am waiting for my TTARTISAN 75 mm f2 to arrive from Pergear and when funds allow the f1.5 will follow ! 😊

[@michaelherskovitz4203]

Thank you for a very well done review. This looks to be a very nice lens overall at a price point which is quite compelling for the types of looks that it renders. The comparison to the Helios was well presented. I like the fact that the lens comes in the M42 mount as it fits well with how other vintage lenses are adapted to mirrorless cameras.

[@shirakawanaoya]

One of the best videos I have seen on this lens. Thank you!

[@robertbirnbach2312]

As always, Simons's video is a great summary. I got my copy today and compared it to my 2 versions of the Helios 40. My results are very similar; SOCC, the new lens, is sharper and more contrasty and a lot cooler color balanced. Both of my Helios 40s had less CA; however, when edited to almost match and not pixel peeping, the bokeh balls on the 40 are slightly more defined and a little busier, but I prefer them. The lenses are so close it really takes pixel-peeping to see the difference, even regarding sharpness.

[@Simonsutak]

Interesting! Many thanks for posting this feedback on your comparisons. TTArtisan did a good job recreating the "look" of those lenses.

[@aag24]

Excellent review, sir. Reminds me why I miss living in London!

[@sclogse1]

Having used Photoshop in a Custom lab for 14 years and after for whatever occurs to me, I have no problem shooting wide open and then stopping down for the same shot and combining the shots in post. It takes about fifteen minutes.

[@robertbirnbach2312]

I ordered mine yesterday. I have 2 Helios 40's they are such an important part of my style that I was afraid if one of mine had issues, I would need a backup. This being a lot smaller will be an advantage , my 2 helios 40 copies are very different and one is pretty soft. I think having a slightly sharper version will be nice too have.

[@Skipsul]

I wonder how the Meyer Optik 75mm 1.5 Biotar released last year (at a substantial cost premium) compares to this.

[@the_black_douglas9041]

I love what Mr Li at TTArtisans is doing. I bought the 11mm f/2.8 for my Lumix S bodies. It is great if it’s used as it’s supposed to be used, and very reasonably priced! The use of M42 mounts on this one is genius. An adapter costs peanuts and you get a brand new lens for half the price of the lens it’s emulating.

[@Carlos1180]

For anyone using Micro Four Thirds, the lens works perfectly and produces all of the amazing effects except at 150mm. A speed booster adapter would reduce the focal length but I'm happy with it as is

[@classic.cameras]

Helios 40-2c for me. Got it for about $200 USD off ebay slightly used and its beautiful. However if I see this lens listed used in my area I will be very very tempted. Thanks for another amazing review Simon!

[@christianpetersen1782]

Hello Simon, This looks a fun lens esp. given the price. Have you ever tested the Voightlander 75mm f1.5? Users report that this is great for portraits and bokeh too.

[@ChasWG]

Another great lens review Simon! Thank you!

[@thecaveofthedead]

Apart from anything it's really nice to see one of the newer Chinese lens makers making an inexpensive, fun lens that can be mounted on single-lens reflex cameras. I recently sourced a Spotmatic for my father - for which he only has a couple of old lenses - and the idea that this could be used with that, adapted to my Pentax MX, and used on his Nikon Zf too, makes it an intriguing proposition for the price.

[@lattesweden]

Nice! If they also could make a new version of the Pancolar 55/1.4 with the special bokeh intact but without the radioactive component, that would make my day.

[@donaldmfalls]

Yes!

[@JHurrenPhotography]

Jumpling jiminy! I just discovered the original biotar a month ago and have been drooling for it. Nice to know i don't need to save up pennies. I'm odering this right away. In the meantime I've been contenting myself with ny Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 in prominent mount adapted to my Canon R camera. The results are fabulous. I also slapped on a Canon 35mm f/2.0 LTM lens that's been in a droor for years. Hello busy beautiful bokeh! Also gorgeous flair Thanks for another great video Simon!

[@natrix]

Bummer about what I'd consider boring flares, but what can I expect for the price? Thank you for this review, it seems to be a good performer optically.

[@NanoBeast]

great video & comparison between the lenses

[@Minotauros5]

Oh wow, I kind of wish I didn't already purchase a Helios 40. My copy is a newer black version but still, a Biotar copy would have been epic to have.

[@simonmackenzie4227]

What a fabulous review. And what a lens geek. Don't take offence, that's just me being jealous. Keep up the great work.

[@Booclap]

Hi Simon, Great video! What camera(s) did you use with the TTArtisan 75mm f1.5 to take the images in this video?

[@shred3005]

I wonder how this would go on a Spotmatic. It's got the right aesthetic. I have an M42 adapter for my Pentax K-1 also for my Takumars. Might be fun to try

[@Simonsutak]

I looks good! I took a photo of the lens on a black Spotmatic. I'll have to post it on Flickr. TTArtisan themselves have a snap of the lens with a Pentax SL on their website. ttartisan.store/?ref=jbc74t3x

[@robbykidman]

Very detailed review Thanks

[@joystickmusic]

The blur/ghosting of the index on info bord outdoors, is likely a result of a curved field of focus.

[@Photovintageguy]

Nope other reviews show it's actually just soft in the corners, you can't refocus to make the corners sharp. It's meant for the center to be sharp only. It does kinda add to the 3D effect.

[@bergerniklas6647]

Now I just need to know what camera setting to choose for wide down mode like @ 15:16

[@Simonsutak]

Hahaha Whoops! A special setting where my wife really doesn't want her photo taken again! Sadly, we can't correct videos once posted.

[@waynecox5138]

I have the other two TTArtisan M42 lenses. I like the approach and adapt to EF on classic canon bodies as well as to MfT. I ordered one of these. Now for the long wait for it to ship from China.

[@JHurrenPhotography]

Same, could be until the end of the month- terrible 😅 just shoot as much as possible and it will be there as soon as you know it

[@waynecox5138]

@@JHurrenPhotography I’m probably two weeks out. I do have the other M42 lenses to play with but I’ve primarily been focused on macro and insects.

[@PhantomRC1959]

I just received my copy today and it looks amazing. My intention is to use it on my Nikon Zf using a Urth adapter. But I do have a question on the settings for “Non-CPU lens data” in the Zf setup menu. 75mm and f1.5 are not present in the menu so I choose 80mm and f1.4 … Is that OK? Thank you in advance.

[@Simonsutak]

Yes, that should be fine. Enjoy your new lens!

[@PhantomRC1959]

@@Simonsutak thank you 🙂

[@sesoriksez9291]

Вы забыли сравнить Новый современный Гелиос 40-2, который сейчас выпускает Красногорский завод Зенит. Он идет под байонеты Canon Nikon m42. На официалтном сайте цена в рублях 30 000 (319doll)

[@mjkl614]

What adapter should I get to convert to Nikon z mount?

[@tomghzel]

I always tought 50 to 85mm is a big step. It's nice to have a 75mm, I would love more 75mm lenses.

[@JHurrenPhotography]

Agreed!

[@webcastdude]

With the 58mm filter size, how tall of a lens hood would you use to avoid flares? Ideally; a hood just small enough to avoid vignetting 😁 Thanks!

[@Simonsutak]

The hood I used is 20mm tall, and straight sided. No significant flares from side of / across lens, nor vignetting.

[@webcastdude]

@@Simonsutak Thank you!

[@SMGJohn]

Toneh looking very good on this, I need it, SO BADLY.

[@ohsloppyjoe]

would you say that this kind of lens is still usable on APSC cameras?

[@asllsa58]

I enjoy seeing a Pentax K-1 😄

[@pomphotothailand]

Good review...Thanks from Thailand

[@JayJayYUP]

Thanks for the review Simon. Do you have any recommendation on the best M42 adapters for Sony full frame cameras? Some adapters I've used in the past are painted black where the mount contacts, and leave residue from the black paint on the silver mount itself. While other talk about certain adapters scratching their mount disastrously because they're made of badly finished metals even if it's not painted. Likewise, any recomendations on good lens hoods? Something with good tolerances, and matte-black inner surface to kill any light scattering?

[@hazard3020]

K&F make quality metal adapters with none of the issues you mention. Check them out but i have 4 for my Sony A7R3 and all are great. Obviously others exist too - in Germany Urth might be slightly cheaper or more widely available in Shops if you going for that option.

[@JayJayYUP]

@@hazard3020 Thank you for the suggestion K&F seems good since I'm in the states.

[@steveember8972]

Hello Simon and thank you for another thoughtful review. Actually the real gem I found in the review transcended the various lens types and landed on an issue that has frustrated me in adapting a wide range of M42 mount lenses to my Canon EF mount film and digital cameras. Indeed my Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58/2 ends up with its focusing scale either at the 9 o'clock (not quite so irksome when composing vertically) or 6 o'clock position (extremely irksome!), depending on whose adaptor I use. Thus the Laina unit you show at 1:28 with its adjustable inner ring seems like a very well thought out product. However, I've had no success in finding one online. I wonder if you might be able to share a link or two for an M42 to Canon EF model. Many thanks from an appreciative subscriber!

[@Simonsutak]

Hi, it's not easy to find Laina adapters for sale in the West! My adapter was sent to me from China by TTArtisan with a M42 mount TTArtisan 100mm lens. I'm not a Canon camera user, but I've had a look for M42 to Canon EF adapters and none seem to have the adjustable ring. There are adapters for M42 to Canon RF that appear to have the adjustable ring - for example: www.wexphotovideo.com/urth-lens-adapter-m42-lens-to-canon-rf-mount-3156859/?sv_campaign_id=982195&sv_tax1=affiliate&sv_tax3=ShopForward+Bing%2FMicrosoft+Shopping&sv_tax4=0&sv_affiliate_id=982195&awc=2298_1729183523_b6e8b4bd03b4f060ede37058bc6addd7& ...and this one for Canon EF-M www.parkcameras.com/shop/urth-lens-mount-adapter-m42-lens-to-canon-ef-m-camera_9022292u?of_tid=MFRWG5B5GM3TMJTGMVSWISLEHUZCM4DSN5SESZB5G42DKNJU&adGroupId=1279832832980178&device=c&msclkid=d455c1d1cc741c426a9ba6c08c9efc25&Backorder%2020%25%20-%20Onefeed%20Bing%20Shopping%202023&Backorder%2020%25%20-%20Onefeed%20Bing%20Shopping%202023 I think it's best to ask the retailer if the M42 ring can be adjusted for these adapters. Good luck! Simon

[@JackyDang-tb9no]

May I ask can this FF lens to be used on APS-C Fujifilm camera?

[@Simonsutak]

Yes, it will work normally on APS-C. You'll need a M42 mount adapter, of course. If you want to see a lot of swirls (in the right light/composition), you need to step back a little - a foot or so - from your subject in focus; so more of the background is in the frame.

[@JackyDang-tb9no]

@@Simonsutak thank you

[@carlosandreviana9448]

If you get a M42 speed booster you get the whole frame and the swirl effect

[@JackyDang-tb9no]

@@carlosandreviana9448 thank you for advice. Any particular brand you can recommend as I am newbie to MF lenses

[@carlosandreviana9448]

@@JackyDang-tb9no Zhongyi Lens Turbo II

[@blotafton]

I want one but I'll wait and study more samples first.

[@strwtchr]

Having just switched from the Fuji crop to full frame A7CII, I'm looking for some portrait lens. Already replaced my Lydith 30 with a 7artisans 35 1.4, not sure about exchanging my Takumar 50 1.4 for anything, but my Orestor 100 2.8 feels like it might be replaced with something more contemporary. This lens may be the successor, the only thing that worries me, though, is its size, and weight. Orestor looks tiny next to it, and it's quite lightweight too.

[@SomeDudeSomewhere]

No APS-C test? 😞

[@philmtx3fr]

Probably good lens but it s a pity to have it only in m42 mount. This needs a long adapter making it narrow on the adapter and then very large after on the lens itself. It would have been better to have it on Sony E mount or Nikon z mount or Leica L mount to give it a better look. Then the fact of being Manuel for a portrait lens is not so interesting because autofocus with eye recognition is a real plus. But for less than 300$ if you accept all these cons it s a very good lens and TTartisan manual focus lens are very well built. I get the 50mm f0.95 in M mount witch is very interesting. Thx a lot Simon for this discovery.

[@carlosandreviana9448]

this is clearly not a lens for you or any other manual lens

[@philmtx3fr]

@@carlosandreviana9448 hum determining what lens is for me or not for me (you said any other manual lens ) is perhaps a little presumptuous, is but it ? :)

[@thebitterfig9903]

It might not be particularly easy to release shorter versions. A lot of designs like the Trioplan and Biotar that TTArtisan has been releasing were originally designed for SLRs, where the register is rather long. You can’t just move it closer and have the same kind of optical effects. TTArtisan actually did just release an autofocus 75mm f/2 autofocus lens for E and Z, and it’s smaller and cheaper than this. But the AF 75mm is a 10 element, 7 group lens, with rendering that’s more modern. Some of the sample images looked nice to me, with reasonable character, but nothing as extreme as this. This m42 75mm is 6 elements in 4 groups, and again, specifically based on a vintage SLR lens design, and there’s also a huge amount of glass to move-just look at how wide the lens is. Would I love an autofocus Biotar? Sure! But more likely it would have to be something like an f2 Biotar, and probably with the focal length and image circle reduced to APS-C levels. Scale down a 58mm Biotar to 40mm, and that might reduce the size and register to the point where it would feel appropriate on a modern mirrorless camera.

[@philmtx3fr]

@@thebitterfig9903 Yes I know the new 75mm af f2. This question of length of the new lenses for hybrids really makes me wonder. For instance I find all the Z Nikon lenses very long and you can even wondering if they don t just take an old SLR design and increase the flange. It s probably not the case but when I see that voigtlander is capable of doing a 40mm f 1.2 so compact I really don’t t understand why Nikon persist in making very long lenses (20mm and 24mm for instance). Sigma made also some progress on it reducing and improving at the same time it’s 85mm f1.4… I suspect the large diameter of new hybrid mount permits some new way of making glasses but this need a lot of study…

[@thebitterfig9903]

@@philmtx3fr The more elements in a lens, the longer it has to be, by and large. The fine details are complicated, but it's not a mystery when looking at the big picture. Look at the difference between the Voigtlander APO-Lanthar 35/2 and the Voigtlander Nokton 35/1.5 or Nokton Classic 35/1.4: the APO-Lanthar has more class for better color correction, and is a lot bigger than faster 35s which accept flaws. Nikon designs lenses with a lot of elements (14 in 11 groups), in order to correct for all sorts of aberrations and create some damn good glass. Compare it to the Nikon 26/2.8 or Canon 16/2.8. Those are tiny, but with a lot more flaws to correct digitally. Lenses for modern hybrid mirrorless cameras are bigger because people expect much more from the lenses than folks did from film lenses from 20-30-40 years ago.

[@eliass0n]

There’s also one modern Russian lens Zenit Helios-40, cost slightly more but could potentially offer better image

[@cyztalzboyz1]

How to buy in london

[@Devdev009]

Do you own a Komura 85mm 1.4? I know they’re very rare and there’s next to nothing about them online

[@monkeybull445]

Because this is an M42 mount lens one could also adapt it to vintage film cameras. I love using my Helios 44-2 on my Canon A-1 with an FD mount adaptor and this lens would be a great addition to my arsenal for a price similar to an FD 85 f/1.8 should I ever decide I want to spend the money on a medium portrait lens for film

[@NullStaticVoid]

Honestly, I can get a lot of M42 lenses for much less. If I'm gonna put up with an M42 to Fuji X adapter I probably rather get a Russian or German lens from 50 years ago. If I buy a new lens, I'm willing to pay a bit more to avoid having to use an adapter and deal with FF to ASPC speedboosters to get the whole effect.

[@carlosandreviana9448]

Be free to get a Biotar or Helios 40 for less 😂

[@NullStaticVoid]

@@carlosandreviana9448 Already have those. My main point isn't even the price. It's that I'm willing to put up with lens adapters to get cheap used glass. Getting new glass and using a lens adapter is just ass-backwards. They already make lenses in a half dozen mounts. Just make this in Fuji X, Canon etc.

[@carlosandreviana9448]

@@NullStaticVoid they would have the same length because of the flange distance. These are lenses based on the old models. Makes perfect sense having the same adapter.

[@campbells0ups]

seems like a faithful Biotar copy with lesser coatings

[@subirthapa8542]

Good Detailed video

[@ricebaron1652]

This lense have good sharpness?

[@carlosandreviana9448]

Did you watch the video??

[@Nuka_Gaming]

Was watching a video, not this one about this lens while at lunch today and when I entered a customer's home (home security tech) I noticed that he had a collection of cameras and lenses. Upon looking I noticed a very distinct looking lens and sure enough it was a Biotar 75mm f/1.5 using the Exakta bayonet mount. Not in the greatest condition, but one that I believe could be cleaned up nicely

[@cameraprepper7938]

I would go for the Voigtländer Nokton 75mm 1.5 Aspherical

[@EmpireMP]

Thank you My Lord

[@seventeendegree]

Great budget option but in my opinion it doesn‘t come close to the new Meyer Optic Biotar.

[@carlosandreviana9448]

here it comes the sharper argument...

[@seventeendegree]

@@carlosandreviana9448 nope. I just think it renders more smoothly, hard to explain, maybe a bit subjective.

[@dosmdosi7046]

​@@seventeendegree a side by side comparison is important. anyway, bokeh is a subjective matter.

[@ramspencer5492]

I like it!

[@hansch-n1h]

Wish they copied the second version in silver

[@AI3Dorinte]

great price for what you're getting!

[@pixelkay2004]

thanks!!

[@Photovintageguy]

Has anyone tried this on a M42 film camera?

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for the review. The lens looks like a winner. However, it does not dethrone my Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 auto focus.

[@carlosandreviana9448]

Completely different lenses

[@Narsuitus]

@@carlosandreviana9448 In this video, the TTArtisan’s 75mm f/1.5 lens is compared to the Carl Zeiss Jena 75mm f/1.5, the Helios 85mm f/1.5, and other “King of Bokeh” lenses that are all completely different lenses.

[@carlosandreviana9448]

@@Narsuitus of course they aren't different . All are based on the Biotar

[@Narsuitus]

@@carlosandreviana9448 Before the TTArtisan’s 75mm f/1.5 lens can be crowned the “King of Bokeh,” I felt it only appropriate that it be compared to the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 which had earned the reputation of being the “cream machine.” I did not consider the Nikkor’s design linage to be of importance.

[@carlosandreviana9448]

@@Narsuitus I had the nikon. It was... Good... I think you are insisting because you own one. Again, completely different lenses

[@cecilsharps]

I pulled out my jupiter 9 from 1959 last week. that old commie glass really does have a really warm render

[@MysterDaftGame]

It's a great lens if you want the looks of it but are not enough of a dedicated collector that you need the name !

[@elysiumcore]

I really wish it came with E mount for Sony 👀 a while back I bought their 35mm manual Cine lens - awesome construction build 🔥

[@RE7Hazuki]

It’s m42 manual so you just need a cheap adaptor and you’re good to go.

[@NorCal-yeti]

It would be a waste of money if it came in a Sony mount. Get the M42 to Sony E with the m42 close focus adapter and It opens up a lot of possibilities

[@sesoriksez9291]

Объектив не подходит для байонета Nikon FE, не будет давать бесконечность.

[@valdikolli]

Hyacinth Bokeh that is :)

[@sarundayo]

My wallet would have to say yes! Hail the King 🤴

[@lelandfitz1762]

What does "fast" mean?

[@thebitterfig9903]

Fast typically refers to wider apertures (lower f-numbers). F/2.8 is usually not fast; it lets in less light and needs more time for any particular exposure. F/1.5 or f/1.4 is fast, and if shot wide open, it can take an exposure at 1/4th the time as an f/2.8 can. I couldn’t exactly place where the dividing line is, and it depends on focal length and film format.

[@KNURKonesur]

Btw. there is only one "king of bokeh" and it's called Kodak Aero Ektar 178/2.5, but kids using 135 format cameras will never know as you need a Pentax 67 or a 4x5" camera to make the lens really shine :P

[@RafaelOrtizPhotography]

seems like it cant be mounted to a Nikon F. oh well

[@ellgerferguson1631]

76770 Robel Walk

[@williamcurwen7428]

I thought I was done buying lenses, but …

[@donaldmfalls]

This lens will come to Daddy

[@prOkrEAt]

As owner of dozens of Helios 44m(many versions), 40, Jupiter 9s(many years) and this lens. It's not the king. Just another player in the game. It's well built, it's got nice contrast, good price. Well worth addition to my swirly arsenal. But king? Nah. I have a super old Jupiter 9 13 blade that runs circles around it. Several 44m (og/2/4) that all are killer. But I wouldn't not recommend this lens. Makes me happy.

[@ml.2770]

Everyone knows the king of Bokeh is a reflector lens. Everyone loves donuts.

[@marcbeebe]

Good thing all my cameras were destroyed in the house fire; gives me a good excuse to not buy this - or any other new lens. I'm saving money! Whee!

[@AllCarsUnited]

Everyone knows the king of Bokeh is the sigma 105 1.4

[@carlosandreviana9448]

and a boring clinical look like all Sigmas

[@JayJayYUP]

@@carlosandreviana9448 It's a DSLR lens, they're not clinical, lenses made in the last five years (take for example any Sony G Master lens) make that Sigma look like an old film era lens. The new 85mm Gmaster II for instance at wide open is sharper than the Sigma 105 at any aperture. If you think the Sigma 105 is boring clinical, your newest lenses must be everything before the advent of digital.

[@jeremykeller211]

Bokeh = defective lens. Bokeh indicates deficient resolving power. Those who ended up with this shoddy material got help from the marketers who have tried with some success to make the ignorant think that bokeh is a positive attribute.

[@GVNKyo]

king of bokeh ? nah

[@glencoe1266]

yeah nah

[@dpixvid]

That is crazy...Jena knockoff

[@raze3297]

And the Jena is a knockoff of Alvan Clark's earlier double Gauss lenses, almost as if nothing is truly original in optics so it's not a problem.

[@KSergey1970]

The bokeh is certainly disgusting, but it can be easily fixed with Photoshop tools.

[@mrt_zg]

The more easy fix is - don't buy it if you don't like it. And do not comment something that definitely is not for you :p

[@KSergey1970]

@@mrt_zg :)))

[@thenexthobby]

Imagine buying a pair of pants in a style you hate, so that you can "fix" it later with needle and thread. That's the comment you left here.

[@michelemarcolin2548]

Rather than the lens design... the whole lens is the reverse engineering and shameless copy of the original Zeis Biotar 75/1.5 'fat' version. Possibly 3D scanned, after dismantling one, and reworking it for modern production. The only thing that is not identical, is the lens design (from the graphic they provide): glass is different (not Zeiss glass) and the shapes of the elements are not exactly the same. This lens gives me the impression of a subtle fuzziness being present (also in these images). Anyway you should compare it with the Biotar not the Helios. Helios is not same focal length and has a character of its own, despite being a Biotar clone too.

[@JoenelDragos]

Simon, lovely review but please you need to understand that old lenses have a different built quality and your comparison with the TTArtisan and Helios is purely useless. Ok, your copy is not that sharp but that doesn't mean that the helios can be softer than the Artisan 75mm. You can make people to change decisions based on your review. It's just not fair. I had like 5 different Helios 85mm lenses and only one I found to be very sharp. A friend of mine has a 75mm Biotar and is much softer wide open than all of my Helios 85mm that I had. Same with other lenses, they just have different quality control back then, or lack of and is a gamble with these old chunk of glass and metal. Every lens has his own unique charm, even if it's the same brand. Thanks for your efort by doing this video for us and have a great week! Cheers!

[@JoenelDragos]

⁠@@jan-martinulvag1962After you read, learn to process too. Have a great day!

[@JoenelDragos]

@@georgb.920 I had it on my hands, trust me is just a bad copy. I had 2 Fleks in consecutive serial number and one (I still own it) is extremely sharp and the other not so and I just sold it.

[@JoenelDragos]

@@jan-martinulvag1962 Exactly Jan, I can't but I can make people understand that same branded lenses can have different outcome. I don't need to make myself clear for you, I am just a random who said his sincere opinion based on years of experience in vintage lenses (I shoot 90% of my time only on vintage glass) and I shoot people, not flowers. Cheers!

[@larsltj]

True, sample variation are much more common with classic lenses, but also wear and tear. Simon also tested the Trioplan against the Ttartisan 100mm, and his outcome was quite different from my own findings when testing them against eachother. It is interesting to see the comparisons, but I always take the outcome with a spoon of salt.

[@JayJayYUP]

Umm, you do realize even if all lenses were identical, all it takes is one batch to be shipped on some awful road, with some awful driver, and then dropping the lenses off de-centering them... This is a possibility with every single lens under the Sun. People can't keep making these disclaimers every single time they do a review.