Helios-44 58mm f2 with M39 SLR screw mount on a D810

[esotericman]

I thought I'd lay hands on a mess around with lens, but sadly didn't think it through so well.  I assume I need to step up from M39 to M44 then to a M44 to Nikon converter? 

My primary question is that I've read in some places that the lens can bump the mirror.  Is there fact to this and or is there a work around?  I did find the wonderful thread on painting with lenses, but could not quite locate this information.  I assume while it's going to be clipped, this will also work on a D7100?

Any help is greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

[tommiejeep]

Hopefully you will hear from one of the members that uses adapters to Nikon.  I use M39 to Sony FE much of the time.   There are many adapters available for M39 to Nikon F on ebay and Amazon. My concern is that I believe there are 2 M39 types (threads).  I would have to do more research.  I have a M39 to Sony FE on a Jupiter 9 and just use a M39 to LM ring and then use one of several LM to FE adapters including Close Focus.
Hopefully someone can recommend a specific adapter since quality and fit varies.
Cheers,

[Hugh_3170]

Some of these Russian lenses were available with Nikon F mounts to suit a Russian film SLR called the Kiev 19, that was equipped with a Nikon F mount.

Link:  http://vintagecameralab.com/kiev-19/

These Russian F-Mount lenses should at least fit current bodies and fit with reduced likelihood of being hit by the mirror.  They should also focus to infinity.

Link to examples on Ebay: http://www.ebay.com/sch/items/?_nkw=Helios-81H&_sacat=625&_ex_kw=&_mPrRngCbx=1&_udlo=&_udhi=&_sop=12&_fpos=&_fspt=1&_sadis=&LH_CAds=&LH_PrefLoc=2&rmvSB=true

The M42 lenses with an adapter would not be expected to  be able to be focussed to infinity.  Not so bad if you only wish to do close up work, but not so good for general purpose use.

[BW]

I have uses that lens (two different copies) many times the last few days with the Df. I have adjusted the rear element to try to achieve infinity focus but I dont think its possible. With the screw on adapter you can try to compare with other lenses if you think it might interfere with the mirror. I havent had any problems.

[John Geerts]

I assume I need to step up from M39 to M44 then to a M44 to Nikon converter? 

There are adapters directly from M39 to Nikon F.

[Erik Lund]

A faily safe way to test any new camera lens combination for mirror clearance is to activate 'mirror up' before mounting the lens, the realease the aperture and listen if the mirror hits the lens on the return travel.

Or have a spare mirror box from a trashed camera to test on.

[esotericman]

Locking the mirror up is a great idea, one that hadn't crossed my mind.  Thank you!

I did know about the issues with infinity focusing as well, but thanks for the reminders on that.  I'll get after a converter soon and give it a go. 

[Erik Lund]

There are adapters directly from M39 to Nikon F.

This is the way to go