Overview of HELIOS-44M 2/58 (KMZ)

Please note that there are many different versions of the lens named HELIOS-44M (or HELIOS-44M). The general list of 'Helios-44' lenses can be found in the 'A Thousand and One Nights with HELIOS-44'.

Overview of the lens HELIOS-44M 2/58 (KMZ). The lens is shown on a Nikon EL2 film SLR camera. Enlarge image. The lens was mounted on the camera using the M42-Nikon F adapter without a chip and lens.

HELIOS-44M 2/58 (KMZ). This is a larger image.... The lens is shown on film slr camera Nikon EL2. Attaching the lens to the camera using M42-Nikon F adapter without chip and lens.

Radozhiv already has a lens overview 'HELIOS-44M 2/58', serial number 8027170, produced at the Jupiter plant, Valdai.

This review shows the same lens - HELIOS-44M 2/58 but with the KMZ logo, serial number 7843528 and with green lettering 'MADE IN USSR'... I did not find any significant differences between the Jupiter and KMZ variants. Perhaps more experienced users who have shot with these helics 'for 40 years' will indicate in the comments which option is better or worse.

I bought the lens from this review for $ 6 at the flea market foto.ua. View prices for modern manual focus lenses here.

Main technical characteristics of HELIOS-44M 2/58:

The name of the instance from the review (as it is written on the lens itself) HELIOS-44M 2/58 MADE IN USSR 7843528 with the KMZ logo
Basic properties
  • M42x1 / 45.5 - common 'M42' seating thread.
  • manual focus only.
  • aperture control ring
  • Switch M/A aperture control
  • М (Мbouncing) - semi-automatic aperture control, jumping aperture
  • simple chemical enlightenment of optics.
  • The lens is suitable for full-format cameras.
  • metal case
  • Helios-44 varieties are the most massive lens in the world
Front Filter Diameter 52 mm
Focal length 58 mm

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. The petals form roughly regular polygons. At an intermediate value between F / 2 and F / 4, the petals form small jagged polygons. Petals matt metal, not blackened.
Tags focusing distance in meters only. DOF scale for F / 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16. Scale with aperture values ​​for F / 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16 (no intermediate values). 'R' mark for infrared operation.
Diaphragm F / 2.0 to F / 16.0, adjustable with aperture ring, automatic 'A'or manual'M'aperture control mode.
MDF (minimum focusing distance) 0.55 m, maximum magnification ratio is 1: 7.35 (approximately)
The weight 270 g (approximately)
Optical design 6 elements in 4 groups. Optical design type 'Planar' (Planar)

Optical design Helios-44M

The optical scheme was copied from the Carl Zeiss Jena Biotat 2/58 lens and converted to Soviet optical glass. The same optical scheme is used and other modifications Helios / Helios 44 2/58, as well as all modifications of Biotar 2/58.

Lens hood screwed into the front filter, marking of the original hood not found.
Manufacturer country MADE IN USSR (USSR), made at KMZ.
Period The exact period is unknown. A copy of the review made 1978.
Price The cost of such a lens ranges from 10 to 25 cu

Prices for modern Helios lenses can be found at this link.

HELIOS-44M 2/58 has a diaphragm mode switch M/A, it can be used to select manual or automatic (semi-automatic) iris control (only with cameras that support blinking auto iris). The aperture control ring only allows you to set fixed apertures (see F values ​​in the table above). It's a pity, but like many other Soviet lenses, the aperture blades are not blackened, they shine and are covered with oil, which can negatively affect the contrast of the created image.

The focus ring rotates 220 degrees, the stroke of the ring is smooth. Aperture and focus rings are metal with ribs and veins for a comfortable grip. Manual focusing is convenient. During focusing, the front lens does not rotate, the frame rim only lengthens (by about 1 cm).

The lens uses simple chemical enlightenment and poorly tolerates side and back light. Also HELIOS-44M 2/58 is not blackened or poorly blackened lens chamfers, which also affects the contrast of the created image.

The lens in the center of the frame is mediocre at F / 2.0. On closed apertures, the edges and corners of the image return to normal. Like other lenses of the Helios-44 family, the HELIOS-44M 2/58 version twists the background (the legendary 'twisted bokeh' of lenses from this line).

Pictures in the gallery below were obtained using Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi и adapter M42-Canon EOS (adapter with a chip programmed to F / 1.4). Photos without processingon camera JPEG.

Download JPEG source files can at this link (47 files in '.JPG' format, 300 MB). Several photos are being processed: 1, 2, 3.

UPDATE 1

Examples of photos on HELIOS-44M 2/58 and a camera Nikon D5300 photographer shared with readers of Radozhiva Vladlena Lapshina:

UPDATE 2

Examples of photos on the HELIOS-44M 2/58 and cameras Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro и Nikon D300 a photographer shared with readers of Radozhiva Alexander Gvozd.

UPDATE 3

I once had another such lens, but with a different serial number. I did not have his review, since he acted as a gift in one of my stocks. He looked like this:

Pictures from him in the gallery below were taken using a full-frame camera. Nikon D700 и M42-Nikon F adapter without chip and lens with a little processing.


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

  1. 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.
  2. 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?
  3. PENTAX: For Pentax cameras with K mount, you need an M42-Pentax K adapter, you can buy such an adapter here.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. CANON M: For cameras with Canon EF-M mount need adapter M42-Canon M, it can be found at this link.
  4. CANON R and RF-S: For cameras with Canon RF mount need adapter M42-Canon R, it can be found at this link.
  5. Nikon 1: For cameras Nikon 1 Series need adapter M42-Nikon 1, you can find it at this link.
  6. Nikon Z: For cameras Nikon Z series (FX/DX) need an adapter M42-Nikon Z, it can be found at this link.
  7. FUJIFILM X: For cameras with mount X need an M42-Fuji X adapter, you can find it at this link.
  8. FUJIFILM GFX: For medium format cameras G-mount need M42-Fuji GFX adapter, you can find it at this link.
  9. 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.
  10. PENTAX: For Q-mount cameras, you need an M42-Pentax Q adapter, you can find it at this link.
  11. SIGMA / PANASONIC / LEICA: For cameras with L mount you need an M42-Leica L adapter, you can find it at this link.
  12. 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).


Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.


Reviews for the Helios-44 2/58 lenses:

  1. Helios-44 2/58 [KMZ, 13 petals, M39, silver, No. 0220423]
  2. Helios-44 2/58 [KMZ, 8 petals, M39, silver]
  3. Helios-44 1: 2 F = 5,8 cm П [KMZ with replaced lenses, No. 0007220, review of the lens from the reader Radozhiva]
  4. HELIOS-44M 2/58 [KMZ, 8 petals, serial number 7843528]
  5. HELIOS-44M 2/58 [Jupiter plant, Valdai, 8 petals, serial number 8027170]
  6. HELIOS-44-2 2/58 [plant 'Jupiter', Valdai, 8 petals, serial number 83052779] + autofocus review
  7. MS Helios 44-3 2/58 [MMZ, 8 petals, 8619437, 9167912]
  8. MC Helios-44M-4 2/58
  9. Helios-44K-4 58mm 1:2 [KMZ, 6 petals, Pentax K]
  10. MC Helios-44M-4 58mm 1: 2 [plant 'Jupiter', Valdai, 6 petals] + autofocus review
  11. MC Helios-44M-5 58mm 1: 2 [Jupiter plant, Valdai, 6 petals]
  12. MC Helios-44M-6 58mm 1: 2 [plant 'Jupiter', Valdai, 6 petals]
  13. MC Helios-44M-7 58mm 1: 2 [plant 'Jupiter', Valdai, 6 petals]
  14. An article about most of the major modifications of the Helios-44 series
  15. Gallery of pictures on MC Helios-44M-4
  16. Look at modern the lenses 'Helios' can at this link
  17. A lot of Helios of all varieties can be found on ebay this link

Original 'Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 2/58 ':

  1. Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 1: 2 f = 5,8cm T [17 diaphragm blades, M42]
  2. Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 2 / 58 T [12 diaphragm blades, M42]
  3. 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.

HELIOS-44M 2/58 of the KMZ plant. The lens is shown on a Canon EOS DIGITAL Rebel XSi digital SLR camera. The lens was mounted on the camera using an M42-Canon EOS adapter with a chip.

HELIOS-44M 2/58 of the KMZ plant. The lens is shown on a digital SLR camera. Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi. Attaching the lens to the camera using M42-Canon EOS adapter with chip.

Results

HELIOS-44M 2/58 is no different from millions of similar lenses in the family Helios-44... It attracts with its low price and availability in the secondary market. For acquaintance (to 'play with a fast lens') I recommend the more common and sometimes cheaper version - HELIOS-44-2 2/58... I love Helios, in the vastness of the post-Soviet space it is very difficult to find a cheaper version of a fast lens with such an interesting picture.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: Elena

 

 

Comments: 97, on the topic: Overview of HELIOS-44M 2/58 (KMZ)

  • Oksana

    in the last six months - my "popular" lens. Since I started landscape photography, sharpness / detail / lack of geometric distortion has become extremely important. I should note that I shoot with crop (alas) and before Helios I used only one prime lens, Canon 24mm. So, Helios changed my approach completely. first, the detail is much better with it. secondly, due to the absence of geometric distortions, it is very good to compensate for the size of the matrix and the angle of the lens, which is narrow for a landscape (87mm on the crop, is like a portrait at all) - I take panoramic shots. depending on the object / scene, it can be from 2 to 6 images, "stitched" into a vertical or horizontal panorama. I really like the result: decent sharpness, sufficient resolution. I recommend to those like me, who are not yet enough for a full-frame body + excellent quality lens.

    • Maria

      It’s interesting (if you’re still reading) which diaphragm do you use most often?

  • Alker

    Hello everyone! I read the review and all the comments, but did not understand how the adapter with the chip helps with focusing? Tell me please

    • Michael

      Canon cameras do not include rangefinder when manual lens is attached. Inserted the chip - deceived the camera - the rangefinder turned on

  • Elena

    Is there any difference between Helioc 44m 2/58 KZM and HELIOS 44m 2/58 KZM

    • Alexander

      This is the same model, theoretically, there should be no difference. But in practice, differences in the quality of the picture can be significant, you need to look at a specific instance.

  • Hamlet

    Hello. Guys, explain what an adapter with a chip to Canon 5dm2 will give me, how a lens with an adapter without a chip will behave, and what does it mean “stitched under aperture 1.4, it has aperture 2?

    • Alexander

      The chip will measure exposure and confirm autofocus.

    • York

      A beep-seeker will work with the chip - like it helps to confirm focus.
      There will be conditional metering.

      "Stitched for aperture 1.4, does it have aperture 2?" - yes, but the chip will tell the camera that it is 1,4.

      In fact, it’s absolutely nevermind.
      Anyway, you can only understand what amendment to introduce, after some use of the glass on the camera.
      And the listener can also fool around by sending a signal past the focus.

      As for me, it’s easier to train and learn how to do without all this tripe.

      • Dmitry

        “Stitched for aperture 1.4, does it have aperture 2?” - Yes, but the chip will tell the camera that 1,4.
        In fact, it absolutely does not care. "

        But I don’t really care. When shooting with a flash, the flash exposure is calculated from this notorious wired 1.4. Hence the underexposure for several stops.
        Exit - set spot metering or add + a couple of stops to the exposure compensation when shooting with a flash.

        • Hamlet

          Thanks guys.

  • RussTamblyn

    I bought this together with Zenith EM. The device is 79 years old, on the front ring of the lens is the KMZ emblem with an arrow, No. 022465. Near the aperture ring Made in USSR. How to understand this serial? What year is it?

    • B. R. P.

      The lens is most likely earlier, when the first digits of the serial did not correspond to the year of manufacture.

  • Alexander

    Good day. Should I buy this lens if Helios 81H is available? Really like to shoot the same stories as in the examples (mushrooms, etc.)? Thanks for listening

    • Arkady Shapoval

      There is no special meaning, 81n is enough

    • Oleg

      81H is better in picture quality, but does not produce swirling background blur. But in order to get an interesting curl of the background, you need to look for the appropriate locations and choose the right distance to the subject and from the subject to the background. However, with the 44th on Nikon, you won't have to choose the distance to the subject - there won't be infinity.

      Therefore, in most cases, 81N is better and certainly more convenient for Nikon. But you can have an additional 44th, if you buy it quite inexpensively, for specific shoots with a background twist.

      True, if you specifically shoot a macro, and not just a close-up, macro rings are needed. If you don’t have them under Nikon mount, it’s easier and cheaper to buy under M42.

  • B. R. P.

    44-2 also does not always twist. 81N turns, but not so on the crop it is less noticeable.

  • Dmitriy

    A very interesting lens, good at medium and short distances. An interesting blur pattern, there is something to see even on the crop. I will say that this is just a find, especially for your money - against the background of 44M-X they are very modest.

  • Trueash

    Finally, I put my ancient Gelik, taken from Zenith-TTL, to the case. He had been lying with me since the 80s, in a state of “sorry to throw it away”. The diaphragm leaked, the switch stuck, but the lenses turned out to be clean, so it became even more a pity to throw it away. I gave it to cut for Nikon - the master did everything to his conscience, but using the lens is still not very ... difficult to get into sharpness. The green dot (white on d7100) doesn't always help. But on a small fujik through an adapter - it turned out to be the same! It fits comfortably in the hand, plus focus-picking, and even with a "magnifying glass" - at least shoot reports:

    I don't see much sense in chasing him, but if you get caught for an inexpensive one, or if you are completely financially stupid and you want to create, it is quite a suitable option.

  • US6IBD

    Helios 44-2 saw the monocle without regret. He does not deserve more. But Helios-81N is worth using.

    • Trueash

      A matter of personal preference. I don't like the 81st ... it's kind of boring. There is Kiev-19 for him, let him work there.

  • Valery

    Hello! I am the first to use Soviet lenses. Maybe I'm not shooting like that, but I didn't really like such a bundle of Helios - 44 M 2/58 + Canon 550D.
    maybe I'm doing wrong?

    • Neustrdm

      What's wrong here?
      The area of ​​sharpness (grip) is very narrow here, and in it
      just everything is sharp (on a leaf with a speck, from a speck a little closer to you).
      Everything else is in the blur zone, as it should be with an open aperture on a prime lens.

      It should work well in portraits from a distance of 2-4 m.
      If you want everything to be sharp, like on a phone, hold down the aperture to 11.

    • Oleg

      If you just “don’t like it”, then this is a matter of taste. So, you need to take another dish, if possible. If you don't like something specific, then more tests are needed. I would like more macro - take a macro ring, more sharpness - cover the aperture, more bokeh circles - use glass in drops, crumpled foil paper as a background (backlit), place the object on a reflective surface, so that at the bottom of the bokeh circles, put wet glass in front of to make even more circles, I want a curly bokeh, cut out a heart on paper ... put it in front of the front lens of the lens and there will be bokeh hearts, etc. etc.

  • Eugene

    44m is very easily altered to infinity on Nikon, YouTube is full of videos. Works for a couple of hours. Here are examples of photos with a converted lens on a crop:

  • Eugene

    Yet:

  • Eugene

    more

  • Eugene

    one more:

  • Hamlet

    I have a circular on this Gelika on aperture 2.8, at 4 it almost disappears, turns into a polygon.

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