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)
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). 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
- 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.
- 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?
- PENTAX: For Pentax cameras with K mount, you need an M42-Pentax K adapter, you can buy such an adapter here.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- CANON M: For cameras with Canon EF-M mount need adapter M42-Canon M, it can be found at this link.
- CANON R and RF-S: For cameras with Canon RF mount need adapter M42-Canon R, it can be found at this link.
- Nikon 1: For cameras Nikon 1 Series need adapter M42-Nikon 1, you can find it at this link.
- Nikon Z: For cameras Nikon Z series (FX/DX) need an adapter M42-Nikon Z, it can be found at this link.
- FUJIFILM X: For cameras with mount X need an M42-Fuji X adapter, you can find it at this link.
- FUJIFILM GFX: For medium format cameras G-mount need M42-Fuji GFX adapter, you can find it at this link.
- 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.
- PENTAX: For Q-mount cameras, you need an M42-Pentax Q adapter, you can find it at this link.
- SIGMA / PANASONIC / LEICA: For cameras with L mount you need an M42-Leica L adapter, you can find it at this link.
- 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:
- Helios-44 2/58 [KMZ, 13 petals, M39, silver, No. 0220423]
- Helios-44 2/58 [KMZ, 8 petals, M39, silver]
- Helios-44 1: 2 F = 5,8 cm П [KMZ with replaced lenses, No. 0007220, review of the lens from the reader Radozhiva]
- HELIOS-44M 2/58 [KMZ, 8 petals, serial number 7843528]
- HELIOS-44M 2/58 [Jupiter plant, Valdai, 8 petals, serial number 8027170]
- HELIOS-44-2 2/58 [plant 'Jupiter', Valdai, 8 petals, serial number 83052779] + autofocus review
- MS Helios 44-3 2/58 [MMZ, 8 petals, 8619437, 9167912]
- MC Helios-44M-4 2/58
- Helios-44K-4 58mm 1:2 [KMZ, 6 petals, Pentax K]
- MC Helios-44M-4 58mm 1: 2 [plant 'Jupiter', Valdai, 6 petals] + autofocus review
- MC Helios-44M-5 58mm 1: 2 [Jupiter plant, Valdai, 6 petals]
- MC Helios-44M-6 58mm 1: 2 [plant 'Jupiter', Valdai, 6 petals]
- MC Helios-44M-7 58mm 1: 2 [plant 'Jupiter', Valdai, 6 petals]
- An article about most of the major modifications of the Helios-44 series
- Gallery of pictures on MC Helios-44M-4
- Look at modern the lenses 'Helios' can at this link
- A lot of Helios of all varieties can be found on ebay this link
Original 'Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 2/58 ':
- Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 1: 2 f = 5,8cm T [17 diaphragm blades, M42]
- Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 2 / 58 T [12 diaphragm blades, M42]
- 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
I have not come here for a long time. here is a photo from my autofocus helios, I really like the picture, the depth is felt like 3D
example of twisted bokeh from it
who needs to make autofocus Helios 44-2 contact me, from you Nikon 50mm f / 1.8G AF-S Nikkor and Helios-44-2 2/58 I will rearrange the lenses from the Helios to the Nikon body
photo converted lens
I’ll make adapter sleeves with blackening with a special galvanic coating, re-solder the board so that it does not touch the lens block, the donor lens can be used with broken lenses, autofocus
you are good, but in your opinion, is it possible to rearrange the lenses from helios to Nikon 50 / 1.8AF (normal, not afs) and how to do it?
The scheme of this lens is similar to Helios 44, I think that it is possible, it is necessary to carefully disassemble the Nikon and Helios, and try on the lens from Helios to the Nikon, if you do not fit, make adapters for the lenses where you make the outer diameter of the adapter for Nikon and the inner diameter for Helios, respectively the sizes are removed from the seats of these lenses. I made aluminum adapters I want to cover with black burnishing.
Hello. Is it possible with Canon? On Canon 1/8, the design is shaky.
Good day. What is the cost of remaking Helios for Nikon d5200?
Hello!
Please help me with an urgent question, to which I want to hear the answer of specialists.
Nikon D60, there is an adapter for domestic lenses, but without a lens.
There is an option to buy Helios 44-2.
Will I be able to shoot portraits? (adapter without lens).
Answer please.
You can, but very close.
Although, there is a more interesting option - you buy a lens, buy ordinary Soviet extension rings on the M42, take the longest of them, screw on the lens, and from it you unscrew all the front lenses up to the diaphragm (and close the front with a neutral filter so that dust does not fly ...
you get an 80mm portrait “like a monocle” - soft focus lens with uncorrected CA.
very interesting drawing for portraits.
Personally, I took myself Helios 44-2, already re-tuned to Nikon, with an adapter without a lens. If you are in Ukraine, then olx.ua can find options.
Kind!!!
Tell me, please, after installing Helios 44-2 on Nikon D60, through an adapter with a lens, as I understand it, an infinity setting will appear. how far in the viewfinder! Will the subjects be in focus or will there be continuous clarity both in the foreground and on the horizon?
where you focus, there will be focus and sharpness
The scheme of this lens is similar to Helios 44, I think that it is possible, it is necessary to carefully disassemble the Nikon and Helios, and try on the lens from Helios to the Nikon, if you do not fit, make adapters for the lenses where you make the outer diameter of the adapter for Nikon and the inner diameter for Helios, respectively the sizes are removed from the seats of these lenses. I made aluminum adapters I want to cover with black burnishing.
And under the canon did not try to do autofocus helios?
If you have not yet taken the G-44-2, then it is better to immediately buy a rearranged Nikon.
My Helios 44-2 closes the diaphragm at a value of 2 and completely opens at 16. How can this be? ..
Thank you all, figured out :-)
Kind!
The thread pitch for the filters in Helios 44-2 is standard, 49? Is the transition ring from 52 to 49 docked to the lens?
Thank you.
Ordinary Chinese 'step-up' adapters fit my Helios 44-2: 49-55, 49-62 (52, 58 I don't have)
Good afternoon!
Need a consultation. Fired up too to try this lens. Relatives had no problems with HELIOS-44-2 2/58 (produced in 1970). I bought an adapter ring m42-EOS with a “diaphragm grip” (EOS 1200D carcass). And immediately questions arose. The lens turned out to be a bit dark in my opinion ... I can only shoot at a fully open aperture. For example, natural lighting, a cloudy day, the iso had to be raised to 200, the shutter speed was 1/60, the aperture was fully open. This is the only way it turns out more or less. When I close the aperture to at least 2,8 or 4, I get a dark screen (I look through Live View). What is the reason? Preloading the diaphragm of the ring?
Hello. There is another such Helios 44-2 Minsk in a varnish not a zebra 72goda.
m42-nikon adapter (or canon) can be bought here http://olx.ua/list/user/Bewr/
The lens is good. The figure differs from the same 44m-4. Helios 44m-2 draws more accurately, a different blurring pattern, more calm with a pronounced tendency to form circles on highlights. In size, it differs little from MIR 1B and looks more elegant than subsequent modifications of the Helios. Strange, but it turns yellow less than 44m-4, forcing the camera to lead the BB in cold tones. Sharp already with an open aperture, the closed will go like a landscape painter. In order for the lens to reveal all its advantages, a lens hood is required. The picture immediately becomes noticeably more contrasty. The combination of contrast with the softness and accuracy of the drawing makes it an excellent portrait, and the ease of movement of the helicoid makes it easier to fall into sharpness. To take large-scale portraits on the f4 aperture is not worth it because the image turns out to be excessively sharp. Summary: an excellent lens in the collection of cheap Soviet fifty dollars. For the price of 1000 rubles on average, just a wonderful lens.
I cry, my gel does not twist boke at all !!! Nikon 5200, probably because crop !?
Crop also twists. To twist, you need a colorful background.
right, there is no colorful background - there will be just a beautiful picture ...
Is it possible to get rid of backlash in 44-2 and 44m? Backlash focus rings and aperture rings. Lenses are old 80s.
Good day! Please tell me.
I purchased a Helios 44-2 lens for $ 14, a lens in good condition, but there is something that bothers me. There is oil on the blades of the diaphragm. Is this the way it should be or should it be removed? Perhaps someone has already come across this? Help.
Another ring control diaphragm should it go smoothly without clicks? Is it possible to remove the play of the diaphragm ring?
Upload a couple more photos, it will be better seen. Just kidding, read the article carefully. There is an answer to the question about the diaphragm. If the oil does not get on the lens, then what a problem.
Trolling is always necessary ??? Actually, if the review says about it, then write without trolling. And with a joke you are very tight, not funny! :-)
Here is another photo of this lens
Here is another photo
Here is another photo. I will be glad who will tell you what to do?
... more photos come on, but it is not clear !!!!!!!! (... .. you know how to read, read above)
look at the time of posts and everything will be clear)))
Clever???? Something is not visible by the way YOU RESPOND TO PEOPLE.
Smart.
I have such a diaphragm converted to a square pattern.
Like the zenith ME. only more petals.
Here's a
Good lens.
Hello!
I choose between Helios 44-2 and 81N. I have a Nikon D5300. I want the legendary twisted bokeh :) I correctly understood that 44-2 twists bokeh better? Or is it better to choose a more problem-free for Nikon 81N?
For 5300 it’s better to take 81n, it also twists the background very well.
Thank you!
once again I am convinced - beautiful glass!
Privit! In me there is a Nikon D 3300 camera, do you need to be kind, do you have to do something about the Gel_os-44-2 58mm F2.0 і any kind of adapter?
Yes, it does, but you can only shoot small objects at close range. The adapter needs an M42-Nikon this
Hello!) The other day I’m going to purchase a fujifilm xt2 camera, and for the first time I will buy Helios 44-2 while I am saving up a denyuzhka on a more expensive lens, please tell me which adapter you need?) Thanks in advance
I need an adapter from M42 to Fuji X mount, this.
The full-length Nikon d600 catches a mirror when focusing on infinity.
I have a nikon D750 camera. I want to install such a Helios, but I'm afraid that the mirror will cling. On the Nikon D5100 camera, the mirror did not cling, it took pictures without problems
Elena, if you buy an adapter with a compensating lens, then never hook the mirror, because even if the lens would catch it, the adapter will not allow him to push the trunk further than it should