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!
and here is Helios 44, who has 13 aperture blades, an old man who, he really draws so well?…. after all, this is about 50-60 years ... old technologies ... it should be much more reflective ... or is the picture still a fire! ...?
can 44 sell 200UAH0997157771
You're right: the picture is fire. I almost never take it off my nikon. I have never seen such a beautiful pattern and bokeh before. In short - there is an opportunity - buy, you will not regret it.
Pavel, tell me, please, what is your adapter? With a lens and a chip?
Good day! Tell me please, if you use Helios 44-2 2 \ 58 with an adapter without a lens for Nikon D7000, will it touch the mirror?
can no one answer?
The D7000 will not touch a mirror with an adapter WITHOUT a lens.
Will not. If Nikon touched the cameras, it would be written about it.
thank you very much!!!
Arkady, good afternoon!
From the first words I want to thank you for the worthy feedback and the work that is being done every time for us! + to karma!)
Please tell me, can I use Soviet lenses, in particular Helios 44-2, to shoot video, namely an interview?
The device I have is quite simple Canon 600D.
If there are options much more acceptable for this solution, tell me.
Thanks in advance
For shooting video interviews, the lens is good when using a tripod.
confirm
yes, indeed, with a tripod the picture is fire, without it a problem, since there is no stabilization
Tell the newbie. Accidentally found out about Helios. I looked at Avito 4500 probably without an adapter, 7990 Nikor 50mm 1.8 new. In addition to the price (but the lens is new and native) what else gives Helios, unlike Nikkor. Thanks.
It is steel, twists bokeh. But 44-2 red price - 700r. 44m-7, which is formally better - 1000r. But I don't see any point in taking the M7.
Tell me, is the HELIOS-44M 2/58 suitable for Nikon D3100?
... kick, wrote a hundred times, but it feels like dinosaurs are not extinct https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/4807/195590984.27/0_c60e9_d8b3d724_orig
Ha photo is just super. I trudge
... thanks, but don't spoil!
take a Helios 81H with a ready-made bayonet mount
Of course better.
Here are just Helios-44-2 you can easily find hryvnia for 100-150 (or even less, a year ago I bought one for 70 hryvnia, they offered it with Zenit-E for 100. Perfect condition - like yesterday from the factory.)
But Helios-81n has not seen cheaper than 400. You can find an 81-machine cheaper, but there will be much more dancing with a tambourine than with a 44-2 alteration to infinity - it took me 1.5 hours of unhurried work - cleaning the mechanics and replacing the lubricant (I did this work for the first and only time).
As a matter of fact, on the right, in the price and bjanni, you can express the skill at ob'ktivobuduvanni, then there is variant lіpsche. Ale є people, it’s so simple to pay the price for the blink of a diafraґmi on nikon ^ _ ^
That kind of image from the "older brothers"
It's not so difficult work there - if you have very crooked hands - give it to a friend who has hands from where you need it, it will still be half the price of the G-81n. If there is some money - take the G-81 right away, but it is better and more convenient. You can take both, or you can already take some zeiss for the price of two helios.
The solution is on any pocket.
G-44-2 is there and I like it (even two pieces, I didn't alter the second one - I left it for Zenit), I will take the G-81n.
If the same MOVA went for the Інші brands, then Zuiko (for Olimpus chi re-processing in direct hands) is even cooler. * _ *
Hello, where can I find Helios 44-2 for 100-150 UAH?
Look at the flea markets, according to the ads, there are on the aukro and Olx (often sold with devices in the load).
Where can I find Helios?
I put it through the adapter on d3000. But I have 44-2
I got this Object for free, in a state of “five steps to the trash can”: ineptly blurred, the whole diaphragm in a liquid, but nothing on the lenses. The front lens is soiled for some reason. Green snot on the lens hood. I wiped it off, cleaned it. There were three cloudy spots, two - corrosion of enlightenment and one - blunt scratches, 2 mm in diameter each field. Though not in the center. I didn't climb inside - it spins, works - and okay. So, put it - took a couple of pictures of the text, because there was nothing more. So what? This asshole gave out 2.0 sharpness, like the vaunted dermatologist I-61LZ MS! In short, the urn is canceled. It is just a miracle, not an object. Just as wonderful as Mir-1 ZOMZ M39, as Tair-11A, I-61LZ MS and Yu-37A, which I have the honor to have and use.
More and more convinced of the superiority of Soviet technology over any modern bullshit medium and budget range. Pictures on our optics are great!
How to make an autofocus helios. Hello all lovers of Soviet optics, my first camera was zenith with a Helios 44-2 lens with green aperture values, the photos from it were excellent, after buying a Nikon DSLR and purchasing a number of Nikkor 35 f1.8 dx lenses, Nikkor 50 f1,8 dx, 17-55 f2,8, etc. Gradually I realized that everything was not right, I bought an adapter for Nikon M42 to my Helios, and now they are familiar volumetric photos with a beautiful bokeh. I modified the infinity code, I got wonderful photos, but it took a long time to focus on sharpness, I began to think and came to the conclusion that the optical scheme of Nikkor af-s 50f1,8 is similar to helios. I got the idea to replace lenses in Nikon's fifty dollars with lenses from helios. That I have brought to life, now I do not regret at all that I have altered Nikon's fifty kopeck code for the “old” glass of helios. Now I have autofocus, auto exposure and an expensive, beautiful drawing. If you are interested in writing, I can post a photo of the resulting lens
Already thought about this more than once. Show your miracle. In general, of course, I would like to know everything in detail. more than once there were such thoughts, but how dumb.
I bought 18-55 nikor how to remake
do you think give advice.
Tell me. and on the usual whale 18-55 nikon, crop. will it turn out if the diameter is 52? here's a little sequence of work photos)) you wouldn’t have a price for such an invention, thanks for the answer. maybe missed where, sorry.
Hello. From your comment, I realized that in addition to your head, you also have your hands “in place”. Rather - from the right place by birth.))) I would like to use your experience in remaking Helios 44-2. A very interesting comment. I also want to wipe my nose with Soviet lenses, the vaunted Japanese. And with photos, not discussions. Share your experience in rework. For this purpose, I will specifically buy Helios.
Beaver good to you! And please send your thoughts and decisions regarding lenses from Helios7 I will help in the transfer. Michael
Here is a link to the lens photo https://fotki.yandex.ru/next/users/dozornin/album/141600/view/1012957
please tell me which lens is better than HELIOS-81N or Helios 44-2? and what is the fundamental difference?
Dismantled the Nikkor 50 afs with 1,8zh, turned the adapter sleeves under the lenses from Helios, assembled and got everything a hybrid of Nikonovskiy fifty dollars and Helios, autofocus beats very accurately, rarely misses as well as with native Nikon lenses, there is no difference quickly and accurately.
It's strange ... to take Nikkorov's af-sny (!!!) half a toss, to raskurochit (!!!) to do what? another half? (okay-58mm) SENSE?
The point is that the Soviet optics have a completely different picture, but the Soviet optics are not autofocus, roughly speaking I made autofocus Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 2/58, because helios was made precisely according to this scheme.
Your topic is certainly interesting. And now I have one question - is it possible to do it with a Pancolar 1, 8 - 50 lens and an autofocus Sigma staff with a Pentax K mount. Maybe I came across such a copy, but it is very difficult to catch the focus, and the glasses are very excellent.
Tell me your e-mail or how you can be contacted. I'm about redesigning the lens. Thank you.
Dozornin@yandex.RU Concerning the alteration of the Helios 44-2 lens to Nikon 50 F1,8, better call 8 904-830-65-19 I rarely look at mail
how to contact you. I would like to know more precisely about the alteration of the lens
photo converted lens
,
,
,
It looks impressive, but it would not hurt to blacken the frame
Alteration is not at all complicated, who cares for let's get questions
Thank you for sharing your exceptional experience! Please tell me, is the focal length after alteration 50 or 58 mm?
Focus remained the same 58mm
You are very pleased! Thanks!
and on Kenon it is possible to do autofocus from such an asset?
it turns out - the diaphragm and all the mechanics remained native, but only the lens blocks were replaced?
Too many sharpeners?
I wanted to sell my old zenith a couple of years ago, they offered 1000 rubles - I didn’t regret it, but now it can come in handy…. thanks for the review I will test.
I also really like this lens, with which I began to shoot with a Zenit-V camera. Bokeh finely twisted https://fotki.yandex.ru/next/users/yand-lee/album/349/view/126528?page=0
But why isn't Helios44-2 from Krasnogorsk plant in consideration? I have such ...
I use this obtive for Nikon D50. There is a small nuance. After alteration to infinity on d50, the mirror clings to the thread. There were no such problems on the d90 and d3100. I had to grind almost 2 millimeters of thread gently with a file
tell me how to remake Helios 44-2 to infinity?
Where can I get the Jupiter-37A adapters on the Canon EOS 600D and Helios-44-2 on the same device? Thanks.
Good day everyone! I have a Canon 600D and a Helios 44-2 lens with an M42 thread and a chip, I can't figure out this: if I can see a squeak with a native lens, there is a squeak in the case of Helios (it won't be, as I understood from the descriptions) ... Aperture 1.4 shows wherever I turn the ring, but on the lens it is written that F 2, and the focal length is 58mm ... In the M mode on the camera itself, I can only change the shutter speed, and the aperture only through the rotation of the wheel), the pictures are clear do not work ((tried at different times of the day, please help ... Perhaps you need to program?
It doesn't matter what the camera parameters show, since the adapter has a chip with a programmed F / 1.4. The aperture is adjusted with a ring on the lens. If there are no clear pictures, focus through Live View.
What do you think is better than Helios 44-2 or Helios 81N and is there a difference in sensations when shooting?
Now I’m shooting at 44-2, but either I can’t catch the focus or it’s the fault of the adapter with a lens for focusing at infinity, but it’s sometimes problematic to focus on a person at a distance of up to 3 meters, or even almost point-blank, plus some of the pictures are blurred at the border focus and bokeh.
So, don’t, I found your answer on the first page with comments)
about focus it may not be my best vision
But the question of blurring is open (I tend more to the fact that down with the lens, it ruins the image and maybe the range in which you can catch the focus will even increase)
Good day to all! When you unscrew the Helios 44-2s lens chipomo from a Canon 600D camera, the chip fell off, tried to stick it in the old tracks so the F00 aperture shows
How to fix the situation?
Tell me please, the native flash with the Helios 44-2 lens does not work, it can be bypassed somehow.
no
You can: you need to switch to the dummy in Manual mode, the automation will work on.
It seems to have worked out, instead of the adjusting one I put a “striped paper clip”, did not flatten it. And under the rear lens block there is a ring from a plastic clothespin.
Changing the optical scheme of the lens is not good! This will be a completely different lens!
Photos in the album "Converted Helios 44-2" on Yandex.Photos
https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/3104/50715521.0/0_105111_26045ac2_L.jpg
https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/16110/50715521.0/0_105112_46801fb9_L.jpg
https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/5702/50715521.0/0_105113_5dd088a7_L.jpg
https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/15565/50715521.0/0_105114_c8763b8f_L.jpg
https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/15571/50715521.0/0_105115_6b96c167_L.jpg
I decided to check how the "new thing" works, I will add a photo taken with this glass.
add more ...
... an example of infinity
... well, and the "genre". everywhere body NIKON D3100
... and the last thing
Super lens! Saw it under Nikon, that would be infinity! Now I’m not overjoyed, the picture is excellent and sharp, I have Minsky :) If anyone needs to redo it, write harkevich@live.ru
another example