I recently purchased a Kowa 16-H. The lens is in remarkable condition, though I am experiencing some difficulties. I have my Kowa mounted to a flange-adjusted Helios 44-2 and Nikon D750 with a custom clamp for the time being.
Issues:
Little to no flaring at all (from the Kowa)
Unable to focus.
Picture only focusable at f16, at which point everything seems to be in focus and moving the focus rings changes almost nothing.
Lens is aligned, yet the bokeh is at about 60° to the right.
This may just be a result of my inexperience, or something about my setup, but if it something wrong with the lens its self, I need to know as soon as possible so I can return it to the seller.
Sample footage [All Un-stretched]
Flare Test: The Helios does the halo flare unless I stop it down just a tad. That is expected. I do not see any flare coming from the anamorphic lens its self, there notably a lack in long flaring.
Focusing becomes pointless at f16
Adjusting the focus: