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
Hello!
Tell me what adapter is needed from Helios to Nikon d300s?
Thank you) Found it. And then immediately climbed into the comments.
Just in case, let me remind you that with a simple adapter, focusing will turn out to be a maximum of up to 2 meters. If you need infinity, then you need either an adapter with a lens or redo the lens tail (the conversion is not too difficult)
Tell me what adapter with a lens? A link is desirable. On the cropped Canon 550d there is no infinity on any of the three Heliks 44-2 (((
For Canon, no lens is needed. Perhaps such an adapter was caught
Very strange. Perhaps a crooked adapter got caught - it happens. Try with a different adapter and / or on a different camera
Yes, it was in the adapter. A narrow macroring was screwed onto it (apparently from the previous owner). That was the problem. Thanks everyone!
Did you notice the macro ring? How?
The author could not find your contacts. To contact you. In general, the story is long, but it may be interesting for you to find out, there were a couple of Soviet-made lenses on hand that never shone anywhere. Probably the batch was only 10-20 pieces. If it would be interesting to chat, write to the mail ks@cravchi.com
Perhaps you know something about this lens.
All my contacts are here on the site, in the corresponding section https://radojuva.com/about-radojuva/
Reading such messages can easily break your eyes.
The quality of helios is quite decent today. For its money, it works out for all 300%
Hello!
Please tell me who has encountered a similar problem or knows how to solve this problem
I got an adapter for Nikon d90 for Helios s-44M lens
The adapter came up for both the camera and the lens, BUT the camera does not seem to recognize it, the shutter curtain does not work when the shutter button is pressed, the camera does not react at all, I have already tried everything, I don’t understand why :(
What kind of adapter do you have and in what modes do you shoot?
Change the mode to M.
You have not tried everything) If the adapter is without a chip, the camera does not recognize anything, you will have to shoot in M mode and set all exposure parameters (shutter speed, ISO, aperture) manually.
The next step - you will have to decide if the saved set is worth your nerves)
Still, it seems to me if you really need this Helios, Canon or bzk preferable Nikon d90
In the menu, find the item "Allow shooting without a lens" and, in fact, allow :)
Hello. I have two Helios-44 2, one Valdai and another Minsk. I can not check yet, there is no adapter. The question is: which factory made better optics, in your experience / opinion, which of them should be optically better? I just read that the Lytkarinsky plant has more defects, Krasnogorsky is praised, and Kazansky is also praised. What about the others?
Install the adapter, screw on both lenses and see the quality. Or do you think that all such psychics are here and can see the state of your lenses?
What does the state have to do with it ?, but if it is important, then it is ideal. I actually asked about the quality of different factories ...
If the quality of factories is important, then look through the reviews on the site, read the comments and make YOUR opinion. Or are you too lazy and want to be done for you?
And that there is a special section on the site about manufacturing plants, so that you can read the comments, or should I search in all sections of the site where one comment about one plant will accidentally slip through? And if you do not know, then the forum exists to ask questions and competent / knowledgeable / experienced people answered them. But you obviously do not belong to them, so you can no longer answer me, I will ignore it.
Andrey, all three of your comments in this article are not about anything. The man asks the question. Either bite your tongue or respond to it.
I have in my hands a Valdai 44-2 and a Minsk 44 zebra. compared. for me, the zebra draws more interesting.
maybe 44-2 will be too.
My personal opinion may be wrong.
So, the Krasnogorsk plant. Aluminum 44, often with M39 thread - the most beautiful bokeh (13 petals - not khukhr-muhr, but it must be washed and blackened - MANDATORY). G-44M - the most resolving, contrasting, bokeh - the smallest.
The remaining 44 had 8 petals, we do not consider modern crafts for 6 petals.
"Jupiter" - Valdai, that is, 44-2 - the most interesting in the picture. And, in my opinion, the most massive of the 44-2.
Minsky are different. Striped - "zebra" - with a resolution almost like that of Krasnogorsk, but with a prettier picture; a very peculiar MS44-3M from a security camera in a non-standard frame, a kind of “chandelier”, http://www.zenitcamera.com/archive/lenses/helios-44-3m.jpg by the way, the smallest one - with a very beautiful pattern on the open, but very contrasting, further - very sharp, probably with the best colors. 44-3 I saw only in the picture, they say it is very similar to this very “chandelier” according to the shooting results.
Good day. Please, tell me how to make friends HELIOS-44-2 with Nikon Z WITHOUT additional lenses in the adapter-adapter? I saw several detailed articles on lens alterations for Nikon F, and did not find any for Nikon Z. I think the instructions for Nikon F are not applicable for Nikon Z due to the different focal lengths of the cameras. I see two types of M42 / NZ adapters on sale: “wide” (one of them is referenced in this article) and “narrow” (thin ring of transition from thread to bayonet); and nowhere, either from the description or from the comments, it is impossible to understand: is the lens installed in the adapter ("wide"), how the focusing works on different adapters, with which adapter for focusing to infinity is required modification / alteration of the lens, and with which not ...
The flange of the M42 is definitely longer than that of the Nikon Z, therefore, an adapter is needed to simply compensate for the difference in flange focal lengths. The adapter to which Arkady gave the link clearly looks like the truth. He doesn't need a lens. But everything that differs in size from this adapter, the more "thin ring" - this will be thrown away money.
Nikon Z series cameras need M42-Nikon Z adapter, you can find it at this link... The external design is not important, the length of the adapter is important.
In the review, I gave a link to the adapter for a reason.
Unfortunately, the link does not answer any of the questions posed. On aliexpress there are many adapters of different types, with and without lenses, and more expensive, and with prices 2-3 times lower, and they all have the same name: M42 - Nikon Z. Whether the lens needs to be altered additionally is also unclear.
The size of the adapter makes it clear that its task is to compensate for the difference in focal lengths and, in fact, to fix the lens on the camera. Focusing will happen the same way - with your hands.
I did not see the "narrow" adapters on the link, but I suspect that they are for the F mount - either a compensating lens or an alteration of the lens tail is really needed there (which is quite simple in the case of "Helios").
no, M42-Nikon Z with lenses no. The lenses are the M42-Nikon F. Just be careful.
You don't need to redo anything.
Understood. Thank you all for the consultation.
Good afternoon, there are helios 2/58 and industar 3.5 / 50
now I use one adapter for them without a chip
I want to buy now with a chip, how well will a non-programmable adapter with a chip support focusing?
because there is also standard 1.4 / 50
How do you get 50/50. Standard 50 / 1,4 does not affect this
what kind of camera?
canon 550
A question for connoisseurs. What does the letter B mean in the name of Helios 44-2 B? And how to determine the year if the number starts with 055 ...
50s of release.
Here is the subject.
I have never seen anything like this. A typo, probably)
Good evening.
I bought an adapter from the link specified in the article for Olympus OM-D E-M10 III.
Lens HELIOS-44-2. I put on a black screen. In all modes, I tried no sense.
At the same time, when I unscrew the lens with the adapter, the camera screen starts working, I screw it back in black again!
Tell me who faced such a problem. Is there a defect in the adapter or what kind of setting should be done in the camera?
Thank you.
It was necessary to take the white helios.
Setting “shooting without lens” or the like. There have been no such questions for a long time.
"I went through" the instructions, I didn't find anything like that
Take a look at the Shutter menu.
There is no such thing
Maybe there is a chip on the adapter causing such an effect? You can try to glue it
Adapter without chip
Does it work without a bare mount adapter? I had no problem at all
Works
Um. Maybe the aperture of the lens is closed?)))
Yes, everything is open)))
The problem is still relevant today. If anyone had any experience with the solution, please help.
Thank you.
Have you tried switching to aperture priority mode? Or change the shutter speed in M mode.
Yes, I tried all the modes, it does not work
Does this adapter close the contacts in the camera? Try attaching an adapter without a lens, look inside.
If there is a chip at all)
Konstantin, have you solved the problem? I just have an Olympus too, I wanted to buy a helios lens and an adapter from the link. I read your comments, now I'm afraid to face the same problem
It may be that the adapter does not fully snap into place on the bayonet or clamps (or does not squeeze) something. If there is a “contact” with a lens without an adapter, just putting your hands on the mount, it is obvious that the problem is with the adapter or incorrect connection. You can test the adapter with a different lens or test it on another similar camera, if you have someone to ask to check.
Good afternoon!
Tell me, please, I have a Helios and an adapter with M42 thread, a Sony A290 camera.
Interested in the opportunity to shoot macro on Helios, how to choose an macro ring?
Maybe someone will throw a link to suitable rings for the Sony A290?
There are two options: Macro rings for Sony A (they are installed behind the M42-Sony A adapter)
extension rings M42 (they are installed on the lens right away, in front of the M42-Sony A adapter)
and in any case will be needed adapter M42 -> Sony A
Hello, does anyone know how automatic exposure metering works on Sony Nex cameras with an M42 adapter? I have not seen adapters with chips, therefore, can the exposure metering work like that? I am looking to buy Nex-3 (F3, C3) or Nex-5 for manual optics.
Exposure metering works on all bzk.
Not at all. Some are programmatically cut.
Interesting. Which ones are cut down on?
Nikon 1, for example.
Yes, really) What is there in the Pentax Q?
I do not know.
However, the question “I'm looking into buying a Nex-3 (F3, C3) or Nex-5 for working with manual optics” can only be answered in the affirmative - it works exactly on nex'ax.
I bought some kind of noname adapter with a lens for Nikon, the lens (just the same as in the review) rests against it (when focusing from 8 m and beyond), so again there is no infinity. Tell me which adapter to buy so as not to be mistaken?
Sticking the rear lens unit into the adapter lens is a corporate nuisance 44-2.
A question for the experienced - who tried to grind the lens shank by 44-2mm on the 1.5-2? The point is to screw the adapter further, and the shank will go deeper into the camera. It seems like an obvious solution, or did I freeze something wrong?
The solution is more than obvious, but you have to look to see if the thickness of the tail is enough. The extra 2mm may simply not be there.
There is not enough thickness there.
Where does infa come from? And even if so, how about grooving the inner flange of the shank (the part that is clamped in the lens, from the side of the outer lens), and so that it does not dangle, compensate for the gap with a washer (from the bayonet side)?
What is the problem to do and show how it should be?
I found an interesting specimen in the open spaces of the OLH. It is written by Helios 44-2, but it’s a no brainer that this is not it. What kind of beast? Don't kick for the photo, this was in the ad
I found an interesting specimen in the open spaces of the OLH. It is written by Helios 44-2, but it’s a no brainer that this is not it. Similar to 44-3. What kind of beast? Don't kick for the photo, this was in the ad
Primary Helios 44-2, only in the Belarusian version. Doesn't look like a kid. The stench vibrated until Helios 44-3.
.
Hello, Helios 44-2 does not become straight so that the green marks and focus range values are vertically and not to the side. Slightly uncomfortable. Tell me what the curve is from the following: an adapter, a lens previously promoted by someone, my hands. One of the photos shows the only position where the threads start to twist and therefore the lens always turns green numbers to the left.
Thank you!
here are the pictures
and more
It's not scary. These lenses were not designed for Chinese adapters)
I tupanul) in the kit there is a hexagon to adjust the adapter to the position of the lens
:)
HELIOS-44-2 2/58
HELIOS-44-2 2/58 macro
Good review, the photos are simply fantastic in beauty. It is a pity that the ability to photograph is not sold with this lens)))
Not for sale, but purchased) Or not.
Hello! There was a question about using this lens on mirrorless systems. In my case, canon m200, Ef-m. I used this lens with two adapters: canon ef-m - ef + ef-m42. I did not know that there is a specialized m42-ef-m adapter, judging by the photo it is relatively long, will there be a difference if I purchase such an adapter? It can be slightly shorter than the efm-ef adapter, and the lens will get closer to the matrix. I now have this lens working like a DSLR.
You will understand in principle what the working length of the lens is and such questions will disappear by themselves. What does it mean to work like a SLR? This is the lens for the SLR camera. The adapter only compensates for the difference in the working distance.
If you have exactly the m42-efm adapter, everything will work as it should, there is nothing to worry about. What appears to be shorter/longer there may be an ordinary optical illusion.
Hello
I am a beginner film photographer. I have Helios 44-2 and Takumar 50/1.8. While photographing only the first, the picture suits. The reviews also like what I see. I can say the same about Takumar, in connection with which the question arises: what are the advantages of switching from Helios to Takumar, or what else is respectable there? Because I like the picture both there and there. I don't see any qualitative difference. Takumar has better mechanics, like the design, the bokeh doesn't swirl, which is often more appropriate. But are there any other benefits to film photography? When you can’t tell the difference between shots with different lenses point-blank, the different differences in the type of detail and sharpness stipulated by the authors seem illusory.
You yourself have listed the pros. Takumar has a slightly wider viewing angle. Since you have it, why not try to shoot it yourself? So that there are no illusions) It is more respectable to eat, https://radojuva.com/2013/07/carl-zeiss-planar-1-7-50-mm-t-contax/ for example. But he is not for carving.