Old Glass, New Stories: Using Vintage Russian Lenses on Leica Cameras

There’s something magical about pairing vintage lenses with modern cameras—especially when it’s Soviet-era glass mounted on a Leica. Over the years, I’ve experimented with quite a few lenses, but I always come back to a small collection of characterful vintage pieces—chief among them, the Helios 44 and a couple of Jupiter lenses. These oddballs from the past have earned a permanent spot in my camera bag, right next to my Summilux and Elmarit.

I use them on my Leica M10, but they’ve also seen time on my M6 and even the old reliable M3. The mix of old-world optics and German engineering makes for a photographic experience that is less about perfection—and more about storytelling.

Why I Use Vintage Russian Lenses

Let’s be honest: these lenses are not “better” than modern Leica glass. They flare. They’re soft wide open. Sometimes they vignette like they’re auditioning for a 1970s film.

But that’s the point.

I use them when I want something more raw, more expressive. They bring unpredictability and emotion into the frame. Where a Leica lens might render a scene clinically perfect, a Helios will swirl it into something poetic. It’s like adding a brushstroke to a photograph.

The Helios 44: A Swirly Legend

I currently shoot with the Helios 44-2 58mm f/2, an absolute cult classic known for its distinctive swirly bokeh and dreamy rendering.

It’s not a Leica killer—it’s a Leica complement.

Wide open, it gives portraits a wild, almost Impressionist background. There’s a softness to the corners, a bit of lens flare if you’re backlit (which I love), and a glow that adds a cinematic feel. It’s not tack-sharp—but if sharpness were everything, we’d all be shooting smartphones.

For Leica M-mount, I use an M42 to M-mount adapter—I’ll mention the best ones below. On the M10, it works beautifully with focus peaking or EVF. On the M6 or M3, it’s slower but satisfying, especially if you enjoy focusing by feel.

The Jupiter Lenses: Soviet Sonnars

I also own two Jupiter lenses: the Jupiter-8 (50mm f/2) and the Jupiter-3 (50mm f/1.5). Both are based on pre-war Zeiss Sonnar designs and are surprisingly good, even by today’s standards.

• Jupiter-8 is a sleeper. It’s abundant and cheap, but it punches well above its price. Sharp in the center, with a gentle fall-off and a slight warm tone—perfect for street portraits or soft natural light.
  
• Jupiter-3, on the other hand, is more moody. It flares more. It’s less forgiving. But it sings in the right conditions. If you like low-light photography with character, this one is a gem.
  

They fit beautifully on Leica bodies—especially the M10, where you can take your time and enjoy the focus assist. On film bodies, they’re quirky but rewarding. You’ll want to test for accurate rangefinder coupling, especially with the Jupiter-3.

A Few Old Voigtländers

Alongside my Russian lenses, I also own a couple of old Voigtländer classics—like the Color-Skopar 35mm and the Nokton 50mm. They sit somewhere in between the precision of Leica and the chaos of Helios. Reliable, solid, with just enough soul. But compared to Soviet glass, they feel a bit… tame. Excellent lenses—but not the same wild ride.

Best Adapters for Leica M Mount

If you’re going to adapt these lenses to an M-mount Leica, do not cheap out on adapters. Precision matters. Here’s what I recommend:

• Kipon – Excellent quality, tight fit, no play. My go-to for M42 and LTM to M.
  
• Voigtländer VM adapters – More expensive, but mechanically perfect.
  
• Fotodiox Pro – Affordable, decent for experimenting, but double-check alignment.
  
• 7Artisans M to LTM adapter – If you’re adapting screw-mount (L39) lenses like Jupiter-8 or -3, this one works well.
  

Always check for correct flange distance. A poor adapter will throw off your focus accuracy—especially critical with fast lenses like the Jupiter-3.

Where to Buy These Lenses

Most of mine came from a mix of eBay, Etsy, and the legendary SovietCameraStore.com (based in Ukraine, with well-tested stock). I’ve also found a few gems at flea markets in Eastern Europe.

My rule of thumb: if you’re buying online, always choose sellers who offer clean, CLA’d copies. Look for mentions of haze, fungus, or oil on the aperture blades. Some Jupiter-3 lenses are worth €300+ in good condition, but a Helios 44-2 should cost under €60.

Closing Thoughts: Why I Keep Using Them

These lenses are not tools of convenience. They’re instruments of expression.

Sometimes they’re slow to focus. Sometimes I miss the shot. But when I get it right? The image feels alive. Emotional. Textured. Human. That’s something I strive for in both my personal work and my workshops.

So no, I won’t be replacing my Summilux any time soon. But when the light is low, or the mood is right, I still reach for my Helios or Jupiter—and they still surprise me.

See Them in Action

Want to see what these lenses can really do? I use them regularly during my photography workshops in Venice and Budapest. You’ll find examples in my black-and-white galleries—especially street photography and environmental portraits.

🔗 Explore my galleries here

🔗 Join a private photography workshop

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