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
from the photographs presented in the review, the feeling that this lens twists more than the 44m4-7 lenses or am I wrong?
Photos on a full frame because, not on the crop.
Tell someone, lenses from Helios 44-2 fit Helios 44-4?
Suitable for 99%. Changed from 44m to start. There is an article on replacing MS glasses with white.
https://radojuva.com/2015/12/gelios-44-12-f58-sm-p-kmz-s-zamenennymi-linzami-obzor-redkogo-obektiva-ot-chitatelya-radozhivy/
There is Arsat N 1-1.4. Advise if I need Helios 44m4. Thanks.
Hello
Tell me, will the rear Helios lens on the d700 camera touch the mirror when shooting?
It will not.
and go to the Fujifilm ht-20?
Is it written in the article?
> 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 you just need to choose the right adapter.
Hello! If we put a native lens on Canon, after Helios, do we program it again? Thanks.
No
Thank you!
Hello, I have a Nikon 5100, I bought a Helios 44-2 2/58 lens, I bought an adapter for it on Ali 42, but I have a problem with focusing, it focuses only very close objects, the landscape does not focus entirely, the problem is in the lens or in me ??
The problem is that for Nikon you need an adapter with a lens. An adapter without a lens makes it possible to focus only at close distances.
Hello) tell me which adapter is needed on the d90 nikon?
Saw only saw, and there will be infinity
and how nice it is to hook the M42 to the Pentax, and the working segments coincide perfectly, and you have infinity .. blunder :)
Hello! Can you please tell me where, besides Aliexpress, this adapter can still be bought? I'm in Crimea, or it doesn't deliver to us at all. according to reviews of the adapter with a chip and a lens, I realized that one person wrote on the Nikon D5300 that the adapter does not fit at all. other reviews specifically for my camera model (D5300) that you buy an adapter for 1700 rubles and it will generally fit - no. Maybe somewhere else you can try on this adapter from Helios to a camera, or at least order in Russia, so that it would be easier with a return? I'm afraid that I will only spend money and be disappointed ...
At any online flea market there are. It is better to buy Helios-5300N for the d81 (no adapters are needed there).
thanks ... there is already from the zenith Helios 44-2, and you still need to look for Helios 81H: (((
I will search the flea markets :) thanks!
I don’t have anything about the D3300 yet. I mean a bunch with Helios81N.
Helios 44-2 suits me according to the picture, but there is no infinity. I sawed off the ring a little ... the distance increased a little, but still not enough.
I also want a portrait portrait, and I am tormented by the choice of Jupiter 37A or Helios 81N_ (Helios 44-2 already exists)
They are slightly different for different purposes, and both are good. No need to worry about making a choice, you have to take both or two :)
Will this lens work in aperture priority mode?
Without a chip on your camera, no lens in aperture priority will work. We are reading an article about manual optics. https://radojuva.com/2011/04/optika-na-nikon/#how-exposure
Good afternoon.
Tell me, please, do all Helios-44M lenses have M52 threads for attaching nozzles to the front of the lens?
A bunch of D3300 and Helios 44-2. Only manual mode without flash.
The picture is like a bomb for me. I am tuned in through Live. I lift up to 3200
Ahhh !!! Where is the genius who screwed the lens from helios into nikkor ???? I need you!!!
Good day! Help me figure out for Sony Alpha 58 which adapter is needed for this lens? thank you in advance.
HELIOS-44-2 2/58 lens, Valdai factory
There are two lenses Helios-44 2 / 58mm - one manufactured in 1979 - produced by MMZ WHITE-diaphragm with black blades - without oil on the diaphragm. Another 1991 release - manufactured by the Jupiter plant in Valdai - a light metallic-colored diaphragm with oil drips on the diaphragm blades. Which one is better?
I came across MC Helios 44K-4, using with Sony NEX 5R. Sometimes with Vivitar 1 / 4X AF teleconverter. For artistic photography, this is one of the best options. And taking into account the price of the issue ... The photographs look like oil paintings. In general, until I remove it from the carcass at all) Examples of pictures here - https://vk.com/sn.indeev
Yes, I'm just an amateur. I love this thing)
Since the beginning of the 80s, I like this lens. Can nostalgia be?
Anyway. Are there still any glasses with the same aperture installation / preset system as on 44-2?
Helios 44-3
For nikon 1j5, which lens is better to buy with an adapter? Aim portrait photos with bokeh
Here is my Valdai 44-2, but for some reason the last digit before infinity is not 10 like everyone else, but 20. What kind of version is this?
I have a Belomov version, also 20 before infinity. So there is nothing unique about this.
Maybe there is no unique one, but what's the catch if there is a 10-piece everywhere ...
https://ibb.co/iJVmcw
https://ibb.co/kwUOPb such helios 44-2 were found in my mother’s.
These are lens mounts from helix twisted from helicoids. This is exactly what I used to build an autofocus. True, I had to saw off the front of the nut itself with the name of the lens. Otherwise, he did not bother.
Sorry for the "highly intelligent" slang of a Soviet-style engineer :)
I washed myself down for days from the killed "whale" 18-55 autofocus Helios 44-2 on Nikon. While happy. It's a pity I haven't thought of anything with the diaphragm yet. But it is most interesting in the open.
Here is the first photo of my constant model :)
https://ibb.co/hRp8VR
Dear Arkady, I have Helios-44 1: 2 F = 5,8 cm P number 0003915. Camera Nikon d3200, what adapter do you need? In your reviews, I did not find such a lens ... .. only today I found an old-fashioned start camera in the basement and removed this lens from it!
Good evening! Tell me please, what is the best way to buy an adapter for Nikon5100 for Helios 44-2 and Tair-11? If I correctly understood what is better with a chip and a lens
1. It is better to take Helios-44n instead of Helios-2-81 under nikon
2. For Helios-44-2 you can also use an adapter without a chip and lens. The chip provides convenience, the lens - focusing beyond 2 meters, while the lens degrades the quality.
3. For Tair-11, KP-a / N or T2-Nikon shanks are needed.
Hi, what does it mean when the Helios 44-2 serial number starts with “00”?
Around the end of the 60s means
Please tell me if there is a difference in bokeh between the Helios 44-2 58mm and the Helios 81N 50mm MC on the Canon 600D. Which will give a more twisted and beautiful bokeh?
In general, G-81N is more predictable (less variation in quality), sharper and the background swirls more; and in general it is better in all respects. But it is several times more expensive.
That's right, only the background he does not spin more accurately.
You have a cropped camera. Be sure to look at examples from full-frame and cropped cameras. The large matrix is covered by the central part of the lens, where the background torsion effect is less pronounced. Perhaps, where you plan to see a twisted background, it simply will not be or it will be weakly expressed. And of course, in terms of sharpness, as the G81N wrote you a little better, though you should not overestimate it.
Thanks a lot guys for the answer! Very much help out :)