I am a vintage lens collector from Ukraine. I’ve spent 10 years researching the history and engineering "DNA" of 20th-century optics. Ask Me Anything!

Hi everyone! My name is Viacheslav. I am a father to a 3-year-old daughter, a Ukrainian, and a photo enthusiast and collector. I’ve dedicated myself to studying the history of 20th-century optics and building my own small library on the subject.

Although my background is in Economics and Law, I have been interested in optics for over 10 years, but for the last 3 years, it has become my primary mission and intensive study.

I now spend all free time every day with vintage lenses, researching global history and geopolitics through the glass, researching global history and geopolitics through the glass.

I am a collector and an active member of Ukraine's largest community of collectors, where
I’ve gained significant experience and a solid reputation.

From time to time, I restore lenses and I love adapting old mounts by collaborating with local engineers and craftsmen.

I’ve realized that I need more books and that it’s time for me to 'travel' — even if I cannot physically go far right now.

I believe that if I share something valuable with the world, someone will share something valuable with me in return. That’s why I started my YT, HELICOID PRIME.

My first major work is a 52-minute video on restoring a 13-blade Helios-44, covering everything from geopolitics to CLA and its history in Hollywood.

My goal is to create a wealth of educational content about 20th-century vintage optics.

After seeing 50,000+ views on my Reddit posts, I realized I could fulfill my dream here: creating the HELICOIDPRIME community.

I want to build a 'Heritage Culture' where people learn history and exact sciences, relying on true professionals rather than AI, so that this heritage can be preserved even without me.

A note on my location: I live in a frontline zone in Southern Ukraine.

I would like to avoid political discussions in this photography community; I am happy to discuss such matters in private messages if needed.

I’m here for the passion, the history, and the craft.

I am happy to talk about money, prices, and everything related to vintage lenses, anything that might interest you!

Ask me anything!

i use transleitor .