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
There is Helios-44-2 in very good condition. It is possible to permanently remake it for Nikon. What do you think is worth doing or is this lens not worth it? To have something to compare with, I have a nikon 50 mm / f1.8D with about the same focal length.
Hello! There is an opportunity to buy Helios 44-2. There is a usual one, it is completely new, but there is an import one, with small scuffs. Can you tell me if there is a big difference between the export model and the model for the domestic market. Thank you very much in advance! :)
Guys, what is better to take Helios 44-2 or 44m-4?
Take both, not expensive. Preferred is one in which the diaphragm has more blades, 6 or 8, 8 is better.
it’s not necessary for the DSLRs to lock the pressure diaphragm on all Soviet lenses, but only on those lenses that do not have the diaphragm switched from auto to manual mode with the wheel, for example Helios 44 m 4, you can switch the diaphragm to manual control and there is no need to block, and Helios 44 m 7 and Zenithara the diaphragm is only a push type, it jumps from the button of the Zenith cameras to block here.
On 44m 4 just need to block the diaphragm. There is no manual lock on it.
Today I took pictures and faced with such a problem that everything turned out to be overexposed, I have a canon 600d, please help me, what should I do?
Cover the aperture ring, until about 4, you should see sharpness throughout the frame, softness (glow and blurry contours, so-called software) will disappear, although this is sometimes beautiful on helios.
I often do this: I cover the aperture up to 4, take a few pictures, each opening it a little bit with the aperture preset ring, since it spins freely with one finger. True, then I have no idea on which aperture this or that picture was taken, but one or two are sure to be good.
There is a Helios 44-2 2/58 lens and I want to buy an adapter, but there are small scratches on the lenses, please tell me if these scratches will affect the quality of the photo and whether or not to buy an adapter then. Thank you in advance.
Serious scratches on the back lens are critical.
Hello! I have Helios 44-2 2/58, the other day it became impossible to open the diaphragm completely, after 8 the ring does not rotate. They didn’t beat, they didn’t drop, I carry in a case, what could be the matter? Just a few days ago everything was in order.
Note: I'm in Siberia, so far below -3 (which is strange) the temperature does not drop, but I dragged the camera with me along the street, could the temperature be damaged?
There is another ring in front of the aperture setting ring, which is necessary to set the minimum aperture. maybe you accidentally scrolled it and did not notice. It spins tight and with clicks.
“They are all very, very similar to each other, only their grandfather, the old white version with M39 mounting thread Helios-44 from Krasnogorsk plant, has a huge number of aperture blades and gives a stunning image.”
It sounds ominous, they say, only grandpa is super, and the rest is all a misunderstanding.)
The idea is that the rest are alike.
Sorry, but after reading it again, I did not see such a thought. The sentence is not built correctly - understand it as you want.
Good day, dear. tell me, be so kind, what size is the thread for the filter on this lens? and does anyone have an example of a photo from this lens with filters? Does it make sense for subject shooting?
Constantly available lenses HELIOS-44M 2/58 140-170UAH depending on the condition, details and photo on page http://fotooptica.ru/obektiv-helios-44m-2-58/
Please tell me if I understand correctly that the Helios-44-2 lens is suitable for the Canon 600D in the company with an M42 adapter. That's for sure?
Yes
Hello.
Correct the link for kenon.
"How to use Helios-44-2 2/58 on modern Nikon DSLR cameras read here, and on Canon here."
Arkady hello. The question arose, can I use filters on this (Helios-44-2 2/58) lens? And does the 49mm front cover for Nikon lenses fit or not?
I did not notice the same question a little higher. However, I do not see the answer either.
beautiful lens. Put on his nikon d3100. re-arranged for infinity and I want to share pictures for doubters * to take-not to take *. do not judge strictly removed everything in a row (rejoiced) http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/9747/195590984.19/0_ac153_31f8d490_XXXL.jpg http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/9759/195590984.18/0_ac0eb_5b4ea545_orig http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/9756/195590984.18/0_aa744_58f8146d_XXXL.jpg http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/9754/195590984.18/0_ab2fa_ee479230_XXXL.jpg http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/9836/195590984.18/0_ab864_4a3f099c_XXXL.jpg http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/9762/195590984.18/0_ac0dc_c4ae197a_XXXL.jpghttp://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/9826/195590984.17/0_a9225_ea7a20b4_XXXL.jpg
Iysyi photos are excellent. Today I bought Helios 44-2. write off how did you adjust to infinity? I also have a nikon d3100. I read it by Vladimir Manin. What do you think, can this be resolved? I found that the adjustment rings are thrown out, but the lens block does not twist out of my lens. Probably release after 1983. Thanks in advance.
http://www.fotuz.ru/
http://www.fotuz.ru/69-pereyustirovka-gelios-44-2-proizvodstva-posle-1983-goda-na-nikon.html
Zander- ... above are two links, in your case (second). I have glass up to 83 years old, so the "rework" took about an hour, and this is with all the "adjustments". For you I will give you another photo, so that there would be an incentive for what to "fight" (((: http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/5403/195590984.21/0_b7702_d4cb88f5_orig , http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/5214/195590984.21/0_b76fe_680f8d0_orig , http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/5214/195590984.21/0_b76f7_a78c7a8c_orig , http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/4902/195590984.19/0_ac763_9bad794e_orig ,http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/9764/195590984.1f/0_b4e00_c7a3362f_orig
share the secret, how do you get such photos, is he a portrait painter?
thanks for the forest review. I was still at its zenith ... experience and practice! perhaps he said everything.
... well, yes, a portrait photographer - here: http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/6830/195590984.26/0_c2961_837759f6_orig http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/6841/195590984.26/0_c295e_a801fccc_orig http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/6840/195590984.26/0_c295d_f7ad6ed8_orig http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/6842/195590984.26/0_c0c99_be87dc7_orig http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/6804/195590984.26/0_c0c9b_903e1f43_orig http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/6846/195590984.25/0_c0454_aef0c33f_orig http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/6801/195590984.25/0_c0453_80db2c10_orig but copes with the landscape, here: http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/6700/195590984.25/0_bf852_86e5777f_orig http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/6840/195590984.25/0_bf851_fdd96629_orig
Arkady, thank you, of course, that you have someone to consult with on this issue. I have a lens HELIOS-44-2 / I used to take photos. abandoned switched to soap dishes (it’s easier) At the moment I want to buy a DSLR camera not expensive. I’m looking at the Sony Alpha SLT-A58 18-55mm SLR camera, how is it possible to put my lens through an adapter for this Soni? I don’t know, I think Sonya has more options. Tell me, please, very grateful in advance. Thanks.
but how to distinguish which factory produced this lens? according to the marking method, or are there any other tags?
Does it make sense to change Keith Canon 18-55 to Helios 44-2?
Sergey, if there is an opportunity to ask friends an adapter before buying, then try Helios for an amateur, but the thing is exceptional just do not forget if you shoot through Liveview (this is through a monitor with a raised mirror) then close the Viewfinder with the plug that comes with the kit located on the belt (square elastic band) and then the exposure will be detected incorrectly, there may be a glare due to haze. Try it, just remember that all the settings are manual
I read the article, and I already started to boil.)))) (In a good sense) I also want to redo it. I have a sony alpha a35 is it possible to put this lens on it ???
So, today I received this miracle of the Soviet photo industry. With a dandelion it cost me 30 bucks. It looks really kutsevo, but quickly got used to it, now I even like it, I love retro) At first, everything was set up by the dandelion according to the instructions, the main problem, as expected, was the adjustment. Half an hour of torment and something began to turn out. The acceptable value turned out to be 20, now when confirming the focus in the viewfinder, a red circle lights up in the lower left corner and the focused object turns out to be sharp in the photo. I want to ask, how can I get auto focus confirmation in Liveview mode? However, I prefer the viewfinder. In short, thanks to this site, I’m not saddening with a purchase, and the craving for Soviet manual optics has become even stronger
Read higher - in the lower right corner))))
Please tell me what is the diameter of the front cover for this lens? From the back, everything is clear - for the M42 thread, but the front one? ..
49mm
I got an M42 adapter with a Sony A35 chip, everything went perfectly) But now I think whether it was necessary to overpay for the chip) As such, I do not see any help in focusing! Tomorrow I’ll go to the photo-hunting I hope I will please)
Masha, I also have Sony, a57 model, at first there was an adapter without a chip. The image was shaking, as it did not stabilize. And with sharpness I missed. Then I bought an adapter with a chip. There is stabilization, for me it is important, as I’m shooting a video. And of course, now there is confirmation of autofocus. Here is my video, shot on Helios 44-2 not in the best condition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Phs10J0sNM