Helios 40 is the most charismatic of the Soviet portrait lenses. The prototype of its optical scheme was Carl Zeiss (Carl Zeiss) «Biotar» (Biotar) 1,5 / 75 1938.  Design of the lens "Helios-40" was made by  D.S. Volosov in 1950. Optical scheme - 6 elements in 4 groups. Aperture has 10 blades with  a complex shape like a circular saw. The true beauty and uniqueness of its portrait images came out when it started to be used with digital SLRs. Its main feature is the nearly three-dimensional image. The resulting images are soft, atmospheric, with calm and aesthetically beautiful tones. 

The lens is in very good working condition. Front glass is as new. No scratch or demage. The rear glass has  one tiny dot-scratch. No oil on aperture blades. All lens rings work very smoothly. There  are some dust particles inside the lens, which I understand can be easily removed by a professional. 

Happy to answer any questions. 

Please note that I am on holiday between the 9/09 until 21/09, so postage shortly upon my return.