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Please note: This item is pre-owned and not brand new.

Helios 123H 50mm f/1.4 – Rare Soviet Prototype Lens

The Helios 123H was produced in Soviet Ukraine at the Arsenal factory in Kyiv in 1990. While initially planned for the Kiev 181 camera, unofficial sources suggest it was actually designed for Nikon cameras, fully compatible with the mount, in an effort to compete with Japanese brands and boost sales. Interestingly, the “H” in its designation stands for “НИКОН” in Russian.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Helios brand passed to the KMZ factory in Moscow, and production of this lens continued under the Arsat name, as part of Arsenal’s post-Soviet lineup. While Arsat 50mm lenses were produced in small batches totaling around 1,500 units over ten years, only about 30 Helios 123H lenses were ever made. The highest known serial number is Helios 123H 9000012. Lenses labeled Helios 123H without a serial number are likely later reproductions or Arsat copies.

This listing is for an original Helios 123H with a verified serial number, a rare collector’s item and a piece of late Soviet optical history. Owning this lens is not just owning a photographic tool - it is holding a tangible artifact connecting the legendary Helios craftsmanship with the early post-Soviet Arsat era and the bold attempt of Soviet optics to compete with global brands.

Full works
Lens - clean
Aperture blades - works good
Glasses - no scratch or cleaning marks, light scuffs (purely cosmetic, no impact on images)
Focus - smooth
Suitable for Nikon F

Please look carefully at the pictures, as they are parts of the description. You will always get the items shown on the photo. Actual images of item are shown in the listing. Any defects not mentioned but visible in the pictures will be considered as described.

Shipping Information:

Worldwide shipping (except Bulgaria)
Shipping cost includes postal and wrapping material costs.
We dispatch all items from Republik Österreich - Austria with care and prompt handling. International shipping is available, and we ensure secure packaging to protect your item during transit. Expect reliable, efficient shipping with tracking provided for peace of mind.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.

Shipping is carried out by postal and courier services at our discretion, depending on the destination country. We take into account the performance of different logistics providers in your region and strive to choose the most reliable carrier based on our experience.

Pickup in Vienna (Austria) is possible by prior arrangement.
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The final delivery time depends on the performance of the postal service and any customs delays.
While we always aim to provide fast and safe delivery, we are not a postal service and cannot influence its speed or customs procedures.

Return Info: In accordance with EU Directive 2011/83/EU and Austrian Distance Sales Act (FAGG), you have the right to withdraw from your purchase within 14 calendar days of receiving the item without giving any reason.

Return Conditions: The item is must be returned in the same condition as received — undamaged, and in its original packaging.

The buyer must notify us in writing of the intention to return the item within 14 days — via eBay.
Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer, unless the item is proven to be defective or not as described.
We do not accept parcels sent with cash on delivery (COD).
If the return is initiated due to a claimed defect or "not as described", we will conduct a technical inspection of the item.
If the reported issue is not confirmed, the return will be treated as a standard withdrawal, and the buyer remains responsible for return shipping. If the item is returned damaged or with signs of excessive use, we reserve the right to deduct a reasonable amount from the refund in accordance with Article 15 of EU Directive 2011/83/EU.
We do not reimburse customs duties, taxes, or additional charges related to the return.
Refunds will be issued within 14 days of receiving and inspecting the returned item, using the original payment method.
We refund: the full item price; the original shipping cost (if paid).

Customs Info: We always declare the full value of the item and do not mark it as a gift, as this is not allowed by eBay. Thank you for your understanding! Any customs or import fees are the buyer’s responsibility, which is standard practice worldwide.

VAT Information: This item is sold under the EU small business exemption (EU-Kleinunternehmerregelung) according to Council Directive (EU) 2020/285, effective from 1 January 2025. No VAT is charged or shown on the invoice. AT55673545-EX

USt.-Hinweis: Der Verkauf erfolgt im Rahmen der EU-Kleinunternehmerregelung gemäß Richtlinie (EU) 2020/285. Keine Umsatzsteuer wird ausgewiesen oder verrechnet. AT55673545-EX

Für Österreichische Käufer erfolgt der Verkauf gemäß der Kleinunternehmerregelung (§ 6 Abs. 1 Z 27 UStG). Es wird keine Umsatzsteuer ausgewiesen (0 % USt).

(For customers in Bulgaria only) - Важно съобщение за клиенти от България: Поради данъчни ограничения и липса на административна яснота с българските данъчни органи, в момента не можем да извършваме търговска дейност с клиенти от България. Искрено се извиняваме за причиненото неудобство — всеки клиент е важен за нас и се надяваме на Вашето разбиране.

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