Comparison
Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 vs Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8
The Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 is a 85mm f/1.5 M42 lens made 1970s-present, valued at $90 to $350 used. The Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 is a 90mm f/2.8 Leica R lens made 1964-1996, valued at $300 to $800 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 | Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 85 mm | 90 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.5 | f/2.8 |
| Native mount | M42 | Leica R |
| Production years | 1970s-present | 1964-1996 |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 4 groups, Biotar-type Double Gauss | 5 elements / 4 groups, telephoto |
| Typical used value | $170 | $480 |
| Value range | $90 to $350 | $300 to $800 |
| Adapts to | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount | Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount, Fuji X, MFT |
What actually differs
- The Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 is 1.8 stops faster: f/1.5 against f/2.8.
- The Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 is cheaper. Typical used value is $170 against $480, a gap of $310 (roughly 2.8x). Ranges: $90 to $350 versus $300 to $800.
- The Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 is longer at 90mm against 85mm, a 5mm difference that tightens framing slightly and increases background magnification.
- The Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 is the older design; production began around 1964 against 1970 for the Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 (1964-1996 versus 1970s-present).
- They use different mounts, M42 and Leica R, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
- Construction differs: 6 elements in 4 groups for the Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5, 5 elements in 4 groups for the Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8.
Which one to buy
On the catalog data the Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 wins on the 1.8 stops of extra speed and the $310 lower typical price, and the Leica Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8 gives up nothing measurable in return except its own rendering, described below. Condition and variant matter more than the spec sheet at these prices.
Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.