This review presents a rather rare version of Helios-44-3 2/58 MS from the Helios-44-X series of lenses.
MS Helios 44-3 2/58. Lens shown on a film camera Nikon EL-2 installed using a conventional adapter M42-Nikon F
In short
MC Helios 44-3 2/58 is one of the best lenses among all versions of 'Helios-44' with manual aperture setting. This is the only lens in this series with multi-coated optics.
In general, it looks like very common options Helios-44-2 2/58 (HELIOS-44-2 2/58).
The general list of HELIOS-44 lenses can be found in the 'A Thousand and One Nights with HELIOS-44'.
MS Helios 44-3 2/58
The main technical characteristics of Helios 44-3 2/58:
| The name of the instance from the review (as it is written on the lens itself) | Helios 44-3 2/58 MS with the VOMZ logo; two lenses participated in the review: 8619437 and 9167912 |
| Basic properties |
|
| Front Filter Diameter | 52 mm |
| Focal length | 58 m |
| Zoom ratio | 1 x |
| Designed by | for film cameras with a frame size of 36 mm X 24 mm |
| Number of aperture blades | 8 rounded petals. Petals form an octagon of approximately regular shape. |
| Tags |
|
| Diaphragm | From F / 2 to F / 16.0, it is regulated by a diaphragm ring, there is a diaphragm preset ring. The aperture can be adjusted smoothly, without clicks. |
| MDF (minimum focusing distance) | 0.5 m |
| The weight | 250 g |
| Optical design | 6 elements in 4 groups |
| Lens hood | screwed into the front filter, marking of the original hood not found. |
| Manufacturer country | USSR, made at the Vologda Optical and Mechanical Plant |
| Instructions | My scan |
| Period | Around 1983 (?) To 1995 (?) |
MC Helios 44-3 2/58 is well built, but from the obvious shortcomings I can note the following:
- the chamfers of the lenses are not blacked out, which adversely affects the contrast of the image
- aperture blades are not blackened, which adversely affects image contrast on covered apertures
- micro-play of the aperture setting ring, but this does not affect the performance or usability of the lens
- the lens hood is screwed into the thread of the front light filter, and is not installed in the bayonet grooves, as in modern lenses. Although, for that time, I do not know any similar lens with a bayonet type hood
- focus ring design poorly compatible with adapters. This trouble will be described in detail below and it relates more to adapters / adapters than to lens flaws
- at F / 4-F / 16 values, the aperture blades form an insufficiently round hole
- For Soviet lenses, a characteristic feature is the presence of a focus distance scale only in meters (metric system). Some Western users may complain about this.
- the focus ring is too close to the mount, it is not always convenient to work, especially when used on some modern cameras, for example, equipped with a battery grip
MS Helios 44-3 2/58
The focus ring is metal, not rubberized, rotates approximately 270 degrees, the stroke of the ring is smooth. During focusing, the front retractable body does not rotate. Focusing occurs by moving the entire lens block.
MS Helios 44-3 2/58 has a ring presets diaphragm. It allows you to select one of the fixed values: F / 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16. Unlike the preset ring, the aperture setting ring rotates smoothly and can be used to set any intermediate value. The smooth movement of the aperture ring is useful when shooting video. The diaphragm consists of 8 blades that form a hole in the form of regular octahedrons.
Helios 44-3 2/58 MS has an unusual for the Helios-44 series lenses red-yellow marking of the aperture and focusing distance.
The difference between the lenses of the Helios-44-X series and the Helios-44 seriesМ-X is that versions without letter 'М'in the name of the lens do not have a jumping ('Мaperture), therefore, the diaphragm on such a lens works only in manual mode. Such lenses are more convenient to use on modern digital cameras (there is no need to block the mechanism of the aperture jumping device for manual control). Lenses with an 'M' in their name, such as HELIOS-44M 2/58, have a jumping (blinking) diaphragm mechanism and do not have a manual diaphragm control mode (the diaphragm is always open until the diaphragm pin on the bayonet side is pressed).
MS Helios-44-3 is interesting in that it has multi-illuminated optics, as indicated by the letters MS in the name of the lens (МultiproСbranching). MS versions are rare, and usually these are Helios-44 lensesМ-X, not Helios-44-X series.
MS Helios 44-3 2/58
Difficulty using with adapters
MC Helios-44-3 2/58 has one very characteristic and unpleasant feature. When using the adapter, which is screwed onto the native thread of the M42, it rests against the focusing ring and locks it (the focusing ring cannot be rotated). There will be serious focusing problems with any 'M42-desired mount' adapter. I only observe this design of the focusing ring on MC Helios 44-3 2/58. To treat this ailment, either cut the back of the focusing ring a little or use a homemade thin spacer between the focusing ring and adapter.
It's important: all lenses manufactured before 1991 suffer from this ailment. After 1991, the lens was finalized and its use with adapters / adapters does not cause any problems.
Important: Helios-44-3 MS 2/58 using a conventional adapter M42-Canon EOS can catch a mirror full-frame Canon EOS cameras. So MC Helios-44-3 2/58 clings to the mirror of my Canon EOS 5D camera during focusing from infinity to 6 meters. FROM cropped Canon EOS camerasas well as mirrorless cameras Canon M, Canon r there will be no problems.
MS Helios 44-3 2/58
Image quality
Due to the use of multi-brightening, the color rendition of Helios-44-3 2/58 is better than some other lenses of the Helios-44 family, which can spoil the color rendition with a parasitic greenish or yellowish tint. Also, Helios-44-3 2/58 MC behaves a little better in back and side light and generally creates a more contrasting image than it can be assembled without multi-enlightenment. Unfortunately, due to the fact that the chamfers of the lenses are not blackened, and the aperture blades are also not blackened, excessive re-reflection can reduce the image contrast, especially in the same backlight and side light. In real shooting conditions, sometimes you have to add contrast to the pictures.
The lens is sharp enough in the center of the frame already at F / 2.0. There is a noticeable drop in resolution to the edges and corners of the frame. Covering the aperture by 1-2 steps of the edge and the corners of the image are slightly aligned.
Many users love Helios lenses for the optical design of the Biotar / Biotar type with 6 elements in 4 groups, which in some cases creates a pleasant looking picture. The main feature of all Helios-44 lenses is the special nature of the out-of-focus zone - twisted bokeh... From a technical point of view, this feature is an optical flaw, namely, geometric vignetting, but from an artistic point of view it can act as an additional technique to create a pleasant picture.
MS Helios 44-3 2/58
Sample Photos
Photos on Nikon D40 without processing, JPEG L Basic. On Nikon cameras, I used the lens with a regular adapter M42-Nikon F.
Photos on Canon EOS 5D converted using Canon Digital Photo Pprofessional 4 (Canon DPP) with minor adjustments. On Canon EOS cameras, I used the lens with a regular adapter M42-Canon EOS.
Original photos on Canon EOS 5D can be download from this link... Several photos can be found more here.
MS Helios 44-3 2/58. On a Canon EOS 5D full frame DSLR I used this lens with a simple adapter M42-Canon EOS
My experience
Of all the tried and tested lenses of the Helios-44 family, this Helios-44-3 MS 2/58 has personally sunk into me the most. I had several copies that I used in different years of my photo practice, all of them were good. Even problems with the use of adapters could not prevent sympathy for the Helios-44-3 MS 2/58. At the same time, for many years I tried a whole bucket of Helios-44-2 (about 10 different copies, different plants, different years of production) and not one of them stuck with me.
Personally, I believe that the Helios-44-3 2/58 is the best lens in the Helios-44 line without a blinking aperture. This is my personal opinion, it may not coincide with the opinion of other users. If in Helios-44-3 2/58 there were 13 petals, as in earlier versions of Helios-44, then he would not have a price.
Typically, Helios-44-3 2/58 MS is significantly more expensive than Helios 44-2 2/58. Despite his love for Helios-44-3 MS 2/58, they are not chasing after him. You can safely get acquainted with Soviet optics starting with Helios-44-2 2/58.
Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.
MS Helios 44-3 2/58
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.
MS Helios 44-3 2/58
MS Helios 44-3 2/58
MS Helios 44-3 2/58
MS Helios 44-3 2/58
MS Helios 44-3 2/58. Lens shown on a film camera Nikon EL-2 mounted using a conventional adapter M42-Nikon F
Conclusions
MC Helios 44-3 2/58 is a good standard (in terms of focal length) fast lens. Some units are difficult to use on modern digital cameras due to the unusual design of the focusing ring, which complicates the use of adapters. Many amateur photographers use lenses of the Helios-44 family for a very wide range of photographic tasks, but they are mainly bought for creative photography, and in particular for creating a twisted bokeh effect.
Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram
mmmm I also have this joy. I like the blur, but it's hard to make digital portraits ...
Why is it difficult?
Look what a miracle Yudo found)
Good day Arkady, I have been using this lens for a month now, purely as a portrait photographer! As for the peculiarity of this lens, that the adapter rests against the focus ring, I can say with a hundred percent guarantee that lenses released after 1993. do not have such a problem. So when buying, you need to pay attention to the year of manufacture. I really like the color rendition, 2; 2,8; 4 is simply gorgeous, then not very bland. Sharpness ... - for a portrait it suits me, everything is very soft, but not soap! I can throw examples of photos, tell me where. Thanks.
Thanks for the information. I have plenty of examples of photos too :)
Christmas bought Helios 44-3 i Pentax K-M42 (LOMO sit back). Everything resembles the axis of focusing focus of the focus (: axis of the photo (photo zroblenі nezadovgo before sunset):
http://board.lutsk.ua/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=146437
http://board.lutsk.ua/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=146440
http://board.lutsk.ua/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=146439
http://board.lutsk.ua/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=146441
http://board.lutsk.ua/index.php?app=core&module=attach§ion=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=146438
PS Yakіst bo website zhimє zobrazhenya (::
Thanks for the examples.
Wait for your affection (: I’ll catch Helios 44-2 (80 rooku) in my hands, though I want to have one ritch: when I put the diaphragm 16 on, I’ll turn it on again and again if it’s closed on two. Normally, I have the wrong copy in me ?
I vibrate, having described how to write, I’m on the 16th diaphragm to increase the speed, and on the 2nd speed it is closed (:
That is how it should be. The comments on Helios-44-2 describe why this is so.
govno chochliackoje
You moron
The author of the article has much better photos, for example https://radojuva.com.ua/wp-content/uploads/sg/gelios-44-3-mc/mc-helios-44-3-obzor-f-2-58mm-11.jpg
Well, I’m a photographer a slaver, and not a professional, tai, with a manual objektiv, which is curved upward (:
As for the first time - your photos are normal.
Not bad :)
I’ve been shooting portraits with this lens for a long time :) examples can be looked here: http://vk.com/album9214449_127217944?rev=1
I also tried Geliso 81N, but in the end I rarely use it, because 44-3 more like it
Thanks for the many shots!
Know the photographs (: Forwardly uploading to the lens-club website (:
Novel! very beautiful portraits. and with what adapter do you shoot? with or without compensating lens?
ordinary M42 adapter without lens
super photos.
helios 2?
What exactly 2?
My favorite Helios on the digit, I use the Nikon D40 through the usual adapter M42 / Nikon. Having removed the adjustment ring and sawed a little on the machine, I got infinity and + there are no problems with focusing. The mirror does not catch, everything is fine. There is also in the arsenal of KO120m with a home-made diaphragm, there I am fighting for infinity and doing an adapter. For everyday shooting and portraits, this pair is enough with his head.))))
and more
"The aperture ring on MC Helios-44-3 2/58 clicks nicely and has only fixed values. \\"
my 2 rings
The control ring is one, and the second is the preview ring.
So all the same, is there a cardinal solution to the problem of focusing the focusing ring with the impossibility of focusing on this lens?
Yes there are. You just need to grind off the iris control skirt.
Gasket between lens and adapter of minimum thickness.
Is it removable? Or put the entire lens in the machine?
I can’t suggest this.
Please help, I can’t find anywhere to disassemble it! = (
I bought myself one. Just because I liked it. I like how it is assembled, how red and black are combined. I took a pamper when the mood is leisurely and I wander alone somewhere. And so I liked him. I had both 44-2, and 44m-6, and Helios-81 through the Nikon-Kenon adapter. And I want to say, I like 44-3 the most. Perfectly assembled, the picture is sharp and open, and the Helios listed by me above lose this sharpness. I recommend. He is now one of the inexpensive, purchase until the price has jumped!
Although it seems like I’ve robbed such an operation, then how many mm does it take to get to Kenon through the crossroads?
I can not tell.
Please tell me how to set the diaphragm to 2, to 1,4 is and that's it ... I just can't figure it out (I only have the lens for the second day, I shoot on kenon60d, a transition ring with a dandelion).
Reprogram the dandelion according to the instructions.
I do not have instructions ((
My dandelion is not programmable at all (f2 is hardcoded), but in the camera (canon 600d) I can change the value from f 1,4 to f 22 without problems. Try setting the camera to “M” (manual) or “AV” (aperture priority) mode and change the aperture.
It's the same nonsense, I also have a Canon 60D, the aperture is protected 1.0 and according to the instructions I do as it is written, it doesn’t change, but the camera doesn’t want to change it :( for some reason, the viewfinder also displays the brightness incorrectly, shows one, but the picture shows something else I don’t understand.
But what if there is no instruction? (((
Look at the office. Lushnikov’s website.
Try to select the mode on the camera “M” (manual) or “aperture priority” then you can change the aperture.
My dandelion is not programmable at all (diaphragm 2 is hard-wired), but that doesn’t stop me from setting a value from f 600 to f 1,4 on the camera (Canon 22d).
Indeed, the focusing ring of this lens protrudes above the plane of the threaded connection. For Zenit-E and the like, this is not a problem, since they have a lens mount ring protruding above the body.
In the old days of film, I wanted to use this lens with Practice and ran into this problem. I had to remove the focusing ring (it is fastened with only three screws) and grind off about 1,5 mm from its back on a lathe. This solved all the problems then, and now I continue to use this lens with DSLRs for portrait photography.
what is the best on 5dmark 2 ??? HELIOS 44m-6 ms vs HELIOS 44-3 ms ???
Better one that is normally preserved to this day.
If you put this Helios on the d3100 you need an M42 adapter and that's it? and in ASP modes you can’t shoot?
Yes, one adapter is enough, ASP modes will not work on d3100, for more details here - https://radojuva.com.ua/2011/04/optika-na-nikon/
Yes, you can
Arkady if you can’t easily put portrait photographs on ff with this lens without post processing. otherwise it’s really hard to find them. thank you in advance
This is currently not possible.
At the expense of infinity, I found such an article .... I don't know if it will help those who want to have infinity, in any case it will be useful)))
http://ru-d70.livejournal.com/2035612.html
Arkady, why didn’t you focus on the fact that this lens has a 44-3 aperture?
This is one of the most significant differences from the rest of the Helios 44.
When closing the diaphragm in 44-3, the nuts in the bokeh are not so pronounced.
Helios-44 (black) is also 8-petal.
Tell me how did you get out of the situation with the abutting ring in the adapter? I sweated all while focus brought :(
guys ay nid help !! I bought a lens and on the canon it becomes a ring so I can’t pinpoint the focus ring on the object !! ???
The lens on the focusing ring has three thin screws (unscrew with a screwdriver), remove the ring and grind the back by 3-3,5 mm. Then put the ring back on the lens.
After this refinement, the adapter ring does not catch anything and everything works amazingly.
Good day!!!! at the very beginning of this review there is a photograph of the view through the diaphragm, on which there are many rainbow dots ... the other day I was holding a helios 81n with similar ones, but I could not understand the nature of the defects and refused to buy for now ... if it is not difficult, explain what the "defects" are and how much do they affect the picture quality? as they explained to me, these are supposedly air bubbles in the lens
Yes, these are bubbles. The quality is not greatly affected. If you look in the instructions for this lens (link in the review), you will see that this is normal.
this is normal for Soviet optics)))
Arkady, I have a Nikon d5100 and bought a Helios 44-3 plus an M42 adapter with a lens for it, but no matter how hard I try, I can take pictures only at a distance of half a meter and then horror, everything floats. Do not tell me maybe something needs to be configured or is it necessary to change the adapter? Many say that you need to cut off the ring