Helios-44-2 2/58 Lens Overview (HELIOS-44-2 2/58)

Please note that there are many different versions of the lens named HELIOS-44-2 (or HELIOS-44-2). The lenses were produced in different bodies, at different factories and had many options even among the same version. You can find a general list of them in the section 'A Thousand and One Nights with HELIOS-44'.

As for this review, it shows a lens named HELIOS-44-2 2/58 and serial number 83052779 produced by the Jupiter Optical and Mechanical Plant, Valdai. Judging by the number, the lens was released in 1983. Different versions of HELIOS-44-2 lenses do not differ in principle. In general, HELIOS-44-2 is a common modification / revision of the previous version - HELIOS-44 2 / 58 (names are similar: 44 and 44-2, do not be confused).

Гелиос-44-2 (HELIOS-44-2 2/58)

Гелиос-44-2 (HELIOS-44-2 2/58)

HELIOS-44-2 2/58 looks like this:

HELIOS-44-2 2/58 has a ring presets aperture. With it, you can select one of the fixed values: F / 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16. Unlike the preset ring, the aperture ring rotates smoothly and with it you can set any intermediate value. The smooth running of the aperture ring is useful when shooting video. The diaphragm consists of 8 petals that form a hole in the form of regular polyhedrons. Unfortunately, the diaphragm blades are poorly blackened.

The focus ring rotates 270 degrees (!), The progress of the ring is smooth. Manual focus is quite convenient. During focusing, the front lens does not rotate, only the frame rim lengthens. HELIOS-44-2 2/58 has a focus distance scale (only in meters) and a depth of field scale for F / 2, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16.

The lens uses simple chemical enlightenment and poorly tolerates side and back light. Also, HELIOS-44-2 2/58 does not have blackened chamfers of lenses, which can adversely affect the contrast of the final image.

Image quality and sample photos

In the center of the image, the lens is sharp enough even at F / 2.0. On covered diaphragms, the edges and corners of the image return to normal. HELIOS-44-2 2/58 is a little yellow. Like other lenses of the HELIOS-44 family, version 44-2 twists the background (legendary 'twisted bokeh' of helios). Such a lens can be a great find for the amateur photographer :).

Source files can download from this link (26 photos in the '.ARW' format, 623 Mb). On camera Sony a7 I used HELIOS-44-2 2/58 with no problem adapter M42-NEX.

UPDATE 1

Examples of photos on Helios-44-2 2/58 and cameras Nikon D5100, D5300 photographer shared with readers of Radozhiva Vladlena Lapshina:

UPDATE 2

Examples of photos on Helios-44-2 2/58 and a camera Canon EOS 60D photographer shared with readers of Radozhiva Andreeva Elena:

UPDATE 3

Examples of photos on Helios-44-2 2/58 and cameras Canon EOS 60D / Canon EOS 5D Makr II a photographer shared with readers of Radozhiva Dmitry Gusalov:

UPDATE 4

Examples of photos on Helios-44-2 2/58 and cameras Nikon D5100 / Nikon D750 photographer shared with readers of Radozhiva Lilia Nemykina:

UPDATE 5

Examples of photos on Helios-44-2 2/58 and a Sony Alpha 7s II camera with readers of Radozhiva shared photographer Ksenia Orlova:

I have been using about 10 lenses HELIOS-44-2 2/58 different manufacturers, the specimens did not differ in any way from each other. For some reason it so happened that this review, which you are reading now, is the most popular of all reviews of the old Soviet optics. This is most likely due to the mass and availability of this lens at flea markets. If you come across a normal Helios-44-2, then it will not be any worse than other lenses in the HELIOS-44 line, which use simple (not 'MC') enlightenment.

Supplement: video review of such a lens - Helios-44 2/58 (KMZ, 8 petals, metal case)can see on my channel here.

Helios-44-2 2/58 (HELIOS-44-2 2/58) on the Sony a7 camera

Helios-44-2 2/58 (HELIOS-44-2 2/58). Lens shown on camera Sony a7. Attaching the lens to the camera using adapter M42-SONY E NEX.

How to use with modern cameras?

Lenses with mounting thread M42 (M42 X 1 / 45.5), such as the lens from this review, are very easy to use on almost any modern digital camera (both SLR and mirrorless), for this it is enough to choose the right adapter (adapter). You do not need to carry out any additional steps to modify the lens.

The cheapest adapters can be found at Aliexpress.com... There are adapters (adapters) with a chip that provide more convenience during shooting, usually chips are used to confirm focus and / or metering exposure, and form the correct EXIF. The chip does not affect the image quality in any way.

For some SLR cameras (for example, with the Nikon F-mount), you need to use adapters with a corrective lens, which allows you to focus correctly at all focusing distances. For any mirrorless cameras, such a lens is not needed, and the adapter is a simple decorated hollow metal tube with an appropriate mount.

For SLR cameras

  1. Canon: For cameras Canon EOS with bayonet mount EF / EF-S need an M42-Canon EOS adapter, such an adapter with a chip can be found herewithout chip here.
  2. NIKON: For cameras Nikon DX / FXas well as for cameras Fujifilm и Kodak with a Nikon F mount, you need an M42-Nikon F adapter, you can buy such an adapter without a lens and a chip here, with a lens without a chip herewith chip without lens here, with lens and chip here. Why a lens? Why chip?
  3. PENTAX: For Pentax cameras with K mount, you need an M42-Pentax K adapter, you can buy such an adapter here.
  4. SONY/MINOLTA: For cameras with a Sony / Minolta A mount, you need the M42-Sony A adapter, you can find such an adapter without a chip at this linkwith a chip at this link.
  5. OLYMPUS/PANASONIC/LEICA: For cameras with a 4/3 bayonet mount (not to be confused with Micro 4/3!) You need an M42-4 / 3 adapter, you can buy such an adapter here.

For mirrorless cameras

  1. SONY: For cameras with 'E'/'FE' mount series SonyNEX и Sony Alpha you need an adapter M42-Sony E (aka M42-Sony Nex), you can find it at this link. An autofocus adapter is also available for these cameras. Techart PRO Leica M - Sony E Autofocus Adapterwhich can be found at this link.
  2. OLYMPUS / PANASONIC / KODAK / XIAOMI: For cameras with a bayonet mount Micro 4/3 (Micro 4:3) you need an adapter M42-Micro 4/3, you can find it at this link.
  3. CANON M: For cameras with Canon EF-M mount need adapter M42-Canon M, it can be found at this link.
  4. CANON R and RF-S: For cameras with Canon RF mount need adapter M42-Canon R, it can be found at this link.
  5. Nikon 1: For cameras Nikon 1 Series need adapter M42-Nikon 1, you can find it at this link.
  6. Nikon Z: For cameras Nikon Z series (FX/DX) need an adapter M42-Nikon Z, it can be found at this link.
  7. FUJIFILM X: For cameras with mount X need an M42-Fuji X adapter, you can find it at this link.
  8. FUJIFILM GFX: For medium format cameras G-mount need M42-Fuji GFX adapter, you can find it at this link.
  9. SAMSUNG: For cameras with NX mount, you need an M42-Samsung NX adapter, you can find it at this link. There are no adapters for the NX mini camera yet.
  10. PENTAX: For Q-mount cameras, you need an M42-Pentax Q adapter, you can find it at this link.
  11. SIGMA / PANASONIC / LEICA: For cameras with L mount you need an M42-Leica L adapter, you can find it at this link.
  12. LEICA: For cameras with a bayonet mount Leica M need adapter M42-L / M, you can find it at this link.

If you have any questions on compatibility and adapters - ask in the comments (comments do not require any registration at all).

Reviews for the Helios-44 2/58 lenses:

  1. Helios-44 2/58 [KMZ, 13 petals, M39, silver, No. 0220423]
  2. Helios-44 2/58 [KMZ, 8 petals, M39, silver]
  3. Helios-44 1: 2 F = 5,8 cm П [KMZ with replaced lenses, No. 0007220, review of the lens from the reader Radozhiva]
  4. HELIOS-44M 2/58 [KMZ, 8 petals, serial number 7843528]
  5. HELIOS-44M 2/58 [Jupiter plant, Valdai, 8 petals, serial number 8027170]
  6. HELIOS-44-2 2/58 [plant 'Jupiter', Valdai, 8 petals, serial number 83052779] + autofocus review
  7. MS Helios 44-3 2/58 [MMZ, 8 petals, 8619437, 9167912]
  8. MC Helios-44M-4 2/58
  9. Helios-44K-4 58mm 1:2 [KMZ, 6 petals, Pentax K]
  10. MC Helios-44M-4 58mm 1: 2 [plant 'Jupiter', Valdai, 6 petals] + autofocus review
  11. MC Helios-44M-5 58mm 1: 2 [Jupiter plant, Valdai, 6 petals]
  12. MC Helios-44M-6 58mm 1: 2 [plant 'Jupiter', Valdai, 6 petals]
  13. MC Helios-44M-7 58mm 1: 2 [plant 'Jupiter', Valdai, 6 petals]
  14. An article about most of the major modifications of the Helios-44 series
  15. Gallery of pictures on MC Helios-44M-4
  16. Look at modern the lenses 'Helios' can at this link
  17. A lot of Helios of all varieties can be found on ebay this link

Original 'Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 2/58 ':

  1. Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 1: 2 f = 5,8cm T [17 diaphragm blades, M42]
  2. Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 2 / 58 T [12 diaphragm blades, M42]
  3. A lot of Biotars of all varieties can be found on ebay this link

Look at modern the lenses 'Zenitar' и 'Helios' can at this link.

Results

HELIOS-44-2 2/58 (aka Helios-44-2 2/58) - one of the most common lenses of the Helios-44 series. The mass production of such lenses did not benefit the image quality. The lens can and should be used for any creative ideas. On cropped cameras, it can serve good portrait lens.

Share the review on social networks. If you have any questions about the lens or about compatibility and adapters, ask in the comments (comments do not require any registration at all).

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

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Comments: 853, on the topic: Helios-44-2 2/58 lens overview (HELIOS-44-2 2/58)

  • I’m now experimenting with my old Helios using a lensless adapter. Infinity is sorely lacking. Can you tell me how high-quality adapters with a lens are, does this lens spoil picture quality?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      They spoil, but not always as scary as they write about it. As soon as the hands reach, I will make an article with test shots.

  • Igorsam

    Thanks for the reviews. Regarding infinity, it’s not at all a problem. It is done very simply. For starters, you can see http://community.livejournal.com/ru_d70/2035612.html
    If you want to redo it better. Instead of the wire, select the adjustment ring.
    I was pleased with the lens

    • Arkady Shapoval

      And thank you for the link. I do not redo the lenses because they are not mine, but taken simply for review.

      • anonym

        Hello, tell me please! and helios 44-2 or 44-3 go up to NIKON d 3100 ??
        with adapter only ??

        • anonym

          Everything is suitable for NIKON d 3100. The question must be asked after having studied the past answers.

    • Lysyi71

      ... thanks. It was useful. It turned out ...

  • I read the article with pleasure, you know, I am also fond of Soviet lenses. On my site I collect collections of photographs from Soviet lenses, there are collections from the series Helios 44M и Helios 44M-4.
    I myself photograph on Helios 44, just in case I bought a canon 50mm, due to autofocus. In manual mode, it is not convenient to work with it. You can see the photos on the site, if interested, and of course use the photos for reviews, if useful!

  • R'RёS,R ° F "RёR№

    Good evening!
    There is a man in Kiev who is remodeling the M42 assets under Nikon. Quickly makes infinity on lenses Helios 44th industrial 50-2 and so on. who are interested, write to me on soap. Dame his phone;)

    • Arkady Shapoval

      I can answer that, I see your e-mail, but site users most likely do not know who to write.

      • R'RёS,R ° F "RёR№

        It’s clear, then I’ll leave the master’s soap in the subject. vagus@ukr.net Vadim, engaged in the repair and alteration of lenses. I personally made industrial 50-2 and Helios 44 (white) I am satisfied with the quality of work, so I recommend it! ;)

        • Arkady Shapoval

          Thank you, I think users will be very useful, since many who want to get infinity with the Helios-44M-X series

  • Elena

    Good afternoon, tell me which adapter to use to install on the Pentax k-7?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Adapter M42-Pentax PK, you can find the name adapter M42-K

  • Elena

    Thanks so much for the quick reply. =)

  • PERETS

    please tell me ... on my street all the pictures seem to be in a haze ... is it optics or an adapter lens ... and how to deal with it ... ??

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Most likely, the lens simply does not hold lateral light. There can be many reasons.

  • PERETS

    I understand .. thanks ...

  • Basil

    Please tell me what is the difference between Helios-44 with the letter M from Helios-44 without this letter? I understand that the first one is multi-coated. Is there a difference in the picture if the copies are equally successful? Or does the letter “M” promise the best resistance to backlash?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      M has better enlightenment. With equally successful copies, the difference in the picture will be imperceptible. Also, version M has a M42 fit thread, and version without M has a M39 fit thread. Well, the difference in the number of aperture blades.

      • Alex

        “M has the best enlightenment. With equally successful copies, the difference in the picture will not be noticeable. Also, the M version has an M42 landing thread, and the non-M version has an M39 landing thread. Well, the difference is in the number of aperture blades. "
        This is not true. The letter M in the designation of this lens means the presence of a “jumping” diaphragm, and the presence of additional enlightenment in it is additionally indicated by the MS index.

        • Arkady Shapoval

          It goes without saying, but their enlightenment is also different. MS is generally multi-coating, and it is not here at all.

  • Basil

    Can you please tell me where are the discussions on the "transfer" of the Pentacon 2u8 / 135, in particular, to the "cropped" cameras?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      And what about the discussion on the transplant - they chose the system on which to plant, picked up the adapter and everything is ready. Most likely you are interested in a picture on a crop? I can't tell you where they are held.

  • Basil

    Sorry, typo (2.8 / 135)

  • chel

    I have at its zenith gleios 44-2 on aperture 16 it is fully open, and on f2 it is completely closed. Is it a marriage or what is this feature?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      This is a feature. There is also a preset aperture ring.

      • chel

        something I did not quite understand. There is an aperture ring and sharpness. those. is there another third? and how to accurately set the aperture if all values ​​are turned upside down?

        • Arkady Shapoval

          In my copy there are 3 rings, look closely at the first picture of the lens in this review - there are 2 rings in front of the lens. One is preliminary and the other is aperture control ring. It's not hard to figure it out.

          • chel

            Found the 3rd. I completely forgot about him. But it only limits the progress of the diaphragm down to one value. But this does not give me an answer to the question why at 16 the aperture is fully open, and at 2 it is fully clamped and how in this case to know its actual value ??)

            • Arkady Shapoval

              Unfortunately, there is no Helios-44m-2 at hand, I can’t say anything for sure. I think if you twist a little more, then in addition to the 3rd ring you will find the relationship of numbers.

    • Nurhat

      At first, I also did not understand why the pointer is at 2, and the aperture, on the contrary, is closed. In fact, this red dot does not indicate the value of the aperture, but simply when it is turned to the side 2 to the end, it is a completely closed aperture to the value that you have limited. for example, if you limit it to 5,6, then turning this ring all the way to the right (in the direction of 2) will get aperture of 5,6. and at what restriction is the diaphragm a red bar indicates, not a dot.

  • chel

    I think we seem to be talking about different things) or I don't catch up ... by the way, I have Helios-44-2 without any "m". maybe this is also important?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      it is the same.

  • chel

    Hallelujah !!! I figured out how to do it !!! a ring with values ​​that doesn’t go smoothly but switches, I don’t know how it is called, just set the desired aperture in the center of the lens itself, and already the aperture ring on which the red dot (in your photo it’s white like) scrolls to the minimum value to the right. and although it points to 2, it turns out that the aperture is closed to a value that is centered on top. like so!)

    • Arkady Shapoval

      It's good that you figured it out!

  • Slam

    The same trouble as the author above. Helios 44-2 on aperture 16 it is fully open, and on f2 it is completely closed. And the third ring does not help. Lens from Zenith-Et. Twisted, twisted, did not understand anything.

  • Slam

    Everything is OK. Thanks Chel, figured it out !!! An interesting feature of the lens)

    • Arkady Shapoval

      I say, you just need to twist and everything will fall into place. Thanks for the comment.

  • at small diaphragms, it turns everything into a "bokeh mess", it is not very pleasant

  • Ivan

    Hello, I read the following on Wikipedia

    “For the Helios-44-3 lens, the end of the focusing ring extends beyond the mounting plane of the threaded mount. If such a lens is connected to bayonet cameras via an adapter, the focusing ring rests against the end of the adapter and focusing will be difficult. Self-improvement of the lens barrel is required (cutting the focusing ring by 1 mm). ”

    tell me whether this is true. (The lens is planned to be installed on Canon through an adapter. Thanks in advance.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Helios-44-3 did not use. I can not tell. But as far as I know, they come in various modifications, and it is not a fact that such an effect will be present.

      • Ivan

        I took this lens for myself, it works fine, I didn’t have to cut anything.

        • Sergei

          After reading a lot of reviews about MC Helios 44-3 (after I bought it, but was not yet in my hands), walking home, I went to the market to take sandpaper to do a terrible operation to remove 1mm on the focusing ring ... Yes, I forgot to say what I put this is a “miracle of Belarusian engineers” on a canon 550d through an adapter with a “dandelion”. When I came home and opened the box with the lens, it was scary to even think that it would be necessary to saw it, because the state was almost new, without very noticeable traces of exploitation. And then the moment of truth ... the tram ... I put it on the adapter ... the tram ... I screw it all the way ... and the focusing ring does not rest, and rotates as it should !!! For myself, I concluded that there are different modifications of this model.

  • Daria

    I use this Helios-44-2
    In sunny weather, it produces such shots that even she is in shock.
    A very beautiful and unique picture comes out if you shoot in black and white

  • Andrei

    Arkady, you have a wonderful blog and your materials helped me a lot in choosing both a camera and optics.

    I have a few questions for you about the Helios. I photograph exactly the same Valdai Helios 44-2 as in your review and would like to buy a lens hood for it, will this work - [url] http://www.ebay.com/itm/52mm-Flower-Lens-Hood -for-Canon-EOS-350D-400D-450D-1000D-NIKON-SONY-MINOLTA- / 220915719519? pt = LH_DefaultDomain_0 & hash = item336f9a5d5f # ht_3298wt_1166 [/ url]?

    And what do you think are the fundamental differences in the picture between the Arsat 50-2 and this Helios model. Of particular interest is the sharpness of both lenses at a fully open aperture.

    Also, your opinion about the difference in image quality between the white Helios 44 and Helios 44-2 is very interested, what is influenced by the large number of diaphragm blades of the white Helios and is there any point in switching to it or is the difference not significant?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Helios-81N (arsat 50 2) has a focal length almost 10mm shorter, and accordingly does everything a little differently. Sharpness depends on the instance. The G-81N seemed sharper to me. My opinion is that the old G-44s are better than their modifications up to G-44m-6.

  • Thank you for your reviews, Arkady! I read with interest!)) I recently became the owner of such a lens, a friend bought it for me in St. Petersburg. Very nice lens. As for infinity, it will not be with an adapter with a lens. The fact is that when you rotate the sharpening ring, the back group of lenses shifts and rests against this same adapter, while the risk stops at about 3 m, which, by and large, is enough to take a portrait or some sketches

  • Oleg

    I want to add to the above that I still found how to achieve infinity. To begin with, I ground the back stock a little more than 1 mm, after removing the back lens. He blew out all the chips, very carefully wiped the lenses and inserted them into place. He painted over blackened surfaces to avoid glare. The limb shifted to a value between infinity and 10 m. I thought I thought and decided to insert a very thin wire (about 1 mm in diameter) between the adapter and the lens itself. And that’s all! Infinity has been achieved!

  • Nicholas

    But for some reason, Helios 44-2 does not twist bokeh (((

  • Vyacheslav

    Today I also want to try it, in comparison with 44m from other plants.
    Yes, the diaphragm was somehow unusually acted here, in comparison with the rest of the instances.

  • Anatoly

    I also got to Helios today. After whale 18-55 on D5100, this one is much lighter. And I liked the photos. I photographed the truth simply by attaching it to the camera without an adapter, while infinity is present, I ordered an adapter as it arrives, I will test it with an adapter. And it's no stranger to sharpening in manual mode - Zenith was the previous DSLR :)

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Copyright © Radojuva.com. Blog author - Photographer in Kiev Arkady Shapoval. 2009-2023

Russian-version of this article https://radojuva.com/en/2011/12/gelios-44m-2-review/comment-page-1/

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