Overview of HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 ZENIT

According provided by lens HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 ZENIT many thanks to Ivan Koronevsky. And a separate gratitude to the Pentax office in Ukraine for the camera PENTAX K-1 Mark II.

HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1:2

HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1:2

In short

This review shows the HELIOS-44K-4 58MM 1: 2 ZENIT M52x0,75 lens with serial number 880813 and the KMZ logo (ZENIT).

The letter 'K' in the lens name indicates that the HELIOS-44K-4 58MM 1: 2 is using bayonet 'K' (Pentax K). Helios-44-4 bayonet lenses are not common. The original HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 was used on Soviet Zenith cameras with a K mount. Nowadays HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 is interesting for owners of Pentax DSLR cameras, as the lens mount is mechanically compatible with them.

I have seen the same lens, but with the 'MC' attachment, which implies the presence of multi-coating optics.

In addition to the bayonet mount, the HELIOS-44K-4 58MM is not much different from the huge number of other similar variations of the Helios-44-4.

HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 with Pentax mount

HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 with Pentax mount

Main technical characteristics of ZENIT HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2

Review Instance Name HELIOS-44K-4 58MM 1: 2 ZENIT M52x0,75 880813
Basic properties
  • Bayonet mount Pentax K
  • manual focus only
  • aperture control ringas well as semi-automatic iris control using the ring aperture and the corresponding camera mechanism that has it
  • lens suitable for full-frame cameras
Front Filter Diameter 52 mm, metal thread for filters
Focal length 58 mm

On Pentax cameras with APS-C sensor EGF lens equals 87mm

Zoom ratio 1 x
Designed by for film cameras with a frame size of 24 x 36 mm
Number of aperture blades 6 petals
Tags
  • focus distance scale in meters
  • depth of field scale for f / 4, 8, 11, 16
  • 'R' mark for infrared operation
  • red dot mark for attaching the lens to the mount
Diaphragm from f / 2 to f / 16. The lens has an aperture control ring. There are marks on the ring for F / 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16. You can set one additional value between each pair of numbers (except between F / 11 and F / 16). The diaphragm ring rotates with clicks.
MDF 0.5 m
The weight November 256, XNUMX
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 Biotar 2/58 lens with conversion 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 USSR, made at KMZ.
Period Unknown
Price About 40 cu for used option.

Prices for modern HELIOS lenses can be viewed here.

HELIOS-44K-4 2/58 made in metal case. The focus ring does not have rubberized inserts, ribbed, rotates approximately 225 degrees (5/8 of a full revolution). The ride smoothness of the instance from the review is not uniform. The diaphragm ring in the specimen from the review has a longitudinal backlash. The original front cover without latches, just snug against the frame of the case, it can easily be removed with a random movement. During focusing, the front retractable body does not rotate. Focusing occurs by moving the entire lens block.

HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 with Pentax mount

HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 with Pentax mount, diaphragm leash

Aperture blades are not blacked out, normal matte shiny metal. This can cause additional reflections and loss of contrast during shooting on covered apertures. Also used total 6 petals, which leads to discs of blur in the shape of a hexagon on covered diaphragms.

HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 with Pentax mount

HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 with Pentax mount serial number

The lens uses simple chemical enlightenment and poorly tolerates side and back light. But unlike, for example, from HELIOS-44M 2/58, HELIOS-44K-4 2/58 has much better blackened chamfer lenses.

HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 with Pentax mount

HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 with Pentax mount. Aperture leash

Sample photos on the PENTAX K-1 Mark II

Important: unfortunately the HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 does not transfer the aperture value set with the aperture ring to modern Pentax CZK. Because of this, Pentax cameras in 'AV' aperture priority mode can only operate at f / 2.0.

Important 2:  in aperture priority mode 'AV', the camera ignores the aperture control ring when the shutter is released and always shoots at f / 2.0. Measurement exposure on F / 2.0 it is executed correctly. But in order to shoot at other apertures, you should use exclusively the 'M' mode.

For convenient work with PENTAX K-1 Mark II and HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 follows:

  1. in the custom settings menu 'C4' set item 26 'Aperture ring' to 'Enabled'
  2. turn off and on the camera. When turned on, the camera will ask you to set the focal length of the manual lens. I chose 55 mm, as this is the closest possible value to 58 mm
  3. In the camera setup menu '5', under 'Button personalization', select 'Program selector.' and the green button 'O' should be set to 'Offset excerpts TV '
  4. set the camera to 'M' mode, set the desired ISO
  5. set the desired aperture using the aperture ring on the lens itself
  6. press the green O button, which allows you to get the correct shutter speed at the current ISO and aperture
  7. set the camera to focus mode AF.S
  8. in the custom settings menu 'C4' enable item 24 'Focus trap', this will allow the shutter to be released only with precise focusing
  9. a little tricky, but you can get used to it. With minor changes, this technique is also valid for other Pentax central control centers.

On the PENTAX K-1 Mark II Matrix stabilizer works perfectly and the old HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 on a modern camera receives not only automatic aperture but also a 'stabilizer'.

All sample photos were taken with a camera. PENTAX K-1 Mark II, on-camera JPEG, image management mode 'AUTO' with default (basic) settings. There are few photos, since the camera fell into the hands of a limited period of time. But in the original archive there are a bit more technical photos. While shooting in JVI it can be seen that the corners and edges of the image are very poor. Behind the monitor, the angles and edges on F / 2.0 are just awful. Perhaps a specific instance of this HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 is not the most successful. But with aperture, the edges and corners are pulled to a normal level.

Archive with source files can download from this link (38 JPEG files, 600 MB). All shots on a covered aperture were shot at F / 8.0.

HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1:2

HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1:2

Sample photos on crop

Pictures on the camera with the APC-C sensor Kf = 1.5 Sony Alpha NEX-3N. Taken using an adapter FOTGA DIGITAL ADAPTER PK-NEX. Part of the photo was taken using a polarizing filter Marumi 'delta' DHG Circular PLD 52mm made in Japan. Photos are slightly modified in the editor.

Source photos can download from this link (22 photos, 300 MB).

HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 with Pentax mount

HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 with Pentax mount. Petals form a hexagon

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-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 with Pentax mount

HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 with Pentax mount, lens focused on MDF

Results

You can always take pictures of flaming fire, running water and sample photos on the next version of Helios-44.

HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 is another variant of the lens from the Helios-44 / 44-4 family. Let me remind you that the lenses of this family were among the most mass-produced in the whole world.

First of all, the HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 attracts with its 'native' Pentax K bayonet.

main advantages

  1. metal case
  2. there is a scale of focusing distances, depth of field and a tag for working in the infrared spectrum
  3. a 'special' drawing partially inherited from Zeiss Biotar 2/58which can sometimes be used as a good artistic device
  4. good sharpness starting at F / 2.8 in the center of the frame
  5. a focal length of 58 mm instead of the classic 50 mm can sometimes be a pleasant trifle
  6. good combination of maximum aperture and focal length
  7. 52 mm standard filter diameter
  8. The diaphragm automatics with modern Pentax central control valves are preserved. Also, on Pentax CZK, you can use the built-in matrix stabilizer
  9. fairly low cost

main disadvantages

looking at the shortcomings of the lens, you must always remember that it is from the past era and for modern central control systems, it is, first of all, a creative lens, and many shortcomings can be forgiven for a creative lens

  1. no multi-coated optics (although there is the same 'MC' version of this lens)
  2. diaphragm ring play (only possible on copy from review)
  3. threaded hood, original cover without latches
  4. only 6 aperture blades
  5. aperture blades are not blackened, shiny
  6. poor lateral light resistance
  7. variation in the quality of the manufacture of individual copies
  8. very low sharpness at the edges and corners of the image
  9. poor color rendition on modern CZK (especially paired with PENTAX K-1 Mark II) due to the old type of enlightenment

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

Add a comment:

 

 

Comments: 42, on the topic: Overview of HELIOS-44K-4 58mm 1: 2 ZENIT

  • Radmir

    but this lens is very fond of the sun, very unusual flare is obtained.

  • Lynx

    Helios with Pentax mount is similar to Helios with M42 thread, only without thread!

  • Max

    Comrades, not quite in the subject, but still give advice. Should I take the Canon 40d + Canon 50mm 1.4 USM for 6000 UAH? Everything is in perfect condition, 10k mileage.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      If it's perfect, it's worth it :)

  • Alex

    Hi! Will you plan review the Pentax K-1 ii?

  • anonym

    And Sonya pentax blossoms

  • Ilyas

    Plain Helios, unusual font for KMZ

  • anonym

    Now experts will run in and say that this is a pentax of a curve, and the Soviet gelik is a gift from the gods. Then go differmby about g40-2, film and green grass. It will end with a jesseus about rotting capitalism, Swab and ashtrays from under Chinese lenses. And then the transition to the individual until Arkady is banned

    • Alexey

      Ek has bombed you.

  • anonym

    here from him

    https://ibb.co/bmjV5sy

  • anonym

    https://ibb.co/bmjV5sy

  • Vlad

    All 44th Helios are good, they have a huge potential, our grandchildren will also shoot and admire the picture.

    • Vitaliy Uglov

      That's for sure! The main thing is that you didn’t shake over him like you did over dear. Lies on a shelf in a bag, use as a magnifier for small things. And I need to take portraits too, I take with me. For 21 years of use (when they gave Pentax a zerk as a stub) nothing happened to him from careless storage and hanging in a bag.

  • Past the crocodile

    Not taking pictures, but looking at fire, water and ...
    In general, most of the old survey lenses are re-opened on the full. Even slammed into previous reviews. And stump1 och is good for unhurried work!

    • NE

      I supplement the list: on fire, on water, on how others work and how a blonde parks

  • BB

    Missing commas, or 'paragraphs' - '*'
    - it's hard to read almost solid text (at least - it's solid on a smartphone)
    '… Set the desired ISO
    set the desired aperture using the aperture ring on the lens itself
    press the green O button, which allows you to get the correct shutter speed at the current ISO and aperture
    set the camera to focus mode AF.S '

    • Arkady Shapoval

      I checked from several mobile devices. Lists and items are displayed correctly. The display problem on your device is still unknown how to solve

  • Nikolai (sn797)

    I liked the pictures from Sony. Very beautiful.

  • anonym

    "Apart from the mount, the HELIOS-44K-4 58MM is not much different from a huge number of other similar variations of the Helios-44-4."

    After reading this paragraph, you can not read the text.
    Zvychainy Radianskiy "Helios-44", designed in the early 1960s.
    Yakіst vіdpovіdaє that ryvnyu gladyanski photographic technology і, in principle, is not healthy to compete with Japanese chi nimetskimi about, assets.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      but here it is not about 44, but about 44-4. But in general, yes, he is not strong against other similar

    • anonym

      Helios is much better than Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 2/58 T. Like this. And your theory crumbles. It turns out that the products of our then lenses were at a level and better than many then lenses of world famous companies. Your thesis is wrong.

      • Fyodor

        I agree with you, and not only me ... we have powerful support !!!

    • Fyodor

      A year has passed, thought about the text? Changed your mind?

  • Dmitry Ivanov (St. Petersburg)

    Thanks for your review! I have this paired with a pentax k-5. It seems to me that it will be more interesting on the crop (I like it more on the Sony from the review). To be honest, I expected more from a pair of k-1 and helik ... 36 megapixels k-1 and a low resolution of 44k-4 probably had an effect. Yes, and thanks to the kind person from the camp of pentaxists for the technique provided for the reviews) Good to everyone!

    • Edwin

      “Low resolution 44k-4 ″ ...

      How many lines per mm is the resolution of this lens, can you name?

  • Amateur photographer

    correct review, thanks.
    it seems that the creators of Helios went to Sony and created a camera for him :)
    Soviet lenses and mirrorless Sonya are ideal for photography, for the soul.

  • Mark

    Such a Helios-44k-4 will be easier to remake under Nikon?
    Unscrew the Pentax bayonet mount, put the usual m42-Nikon adapter-ring, drilling holes for the screws.
    Who tried it?

    • B. R. P.

      After such a rework, there will remain a mismatch of the working segments.

  • Igor

    Remained Helios-44k-4 from Zenit-Avtomat, which died ... I bought a carcass on ebay Pentax k1000. Fotik became like a native, because Helios is 100% suitable for him. Even somehow it became a shame - why in the USSR pentax k1000 was not sold before? ...

  • Aldemir

    Guys, tell me, please, which adapter to take to put this lens on the Canon EOS 200D? PK-EOS? Where to get one, from China, even from 600r ...

    • Igor

      I bought an adapter from Pentax bayonet to Canon bayonet on aliexpress ...

  • Igor

    The lens fit well on my Pentax k1000. Full compatibility ...

    • Vitaliy Uglov

      They said a lot of good things already. But it came as a surprise to me when I pulled out this junk from the zashashnik and installed it on my pentax k-200. I was very surprised by the quality of the portraits! And immediately set aside the idea with the purchase of Retax-A 50mm / 1.4. I heard about different instances, and so apparently I really got a very good one. After the first shots, I use it only for portraits. I shoot on the auto balance. The picture in the portrait is nicer than in the regular zoom. Looks very much like the GDR Pentacons. In short, I recommend!

      • Fyodor

        such as portraits? )))))

  • Anton

    I got exactly the MS. I bought it from my grandfather on Avito. Grandfather said that he took 1-2 films from his time. K-s2 camera. He also attached a strap from his father's Zenith. It remains to learn how to use it correctly. I will try your recommendations for tuning. Thanks!

  • Kostjan

    Excellent glass, I have the MS version, 2.8 animal sharpness already.

  • Boris

    Do not forget that this is a portrait lens, you shouldn't cover the hole too much, up to a maximum of 4. Sharp to the point of creepiness, you don't need to shoot a face close to a bright light, if the hole is pressed close to the maximum, make the A4 format. Very good dynamics, draws excellently, someone made a comparison with 77 lim, I did not notice the difference. On the street I use the AF adapter, there is no loss of quality. This indicates the good quality of the glass. The younger brother Zeiss surpassed in quality, in the West there are many connoisseurs of this glass, this is an indicator. I shoot them on k-1, the pictures from it last at a time, I forgot about the rab, he is afraid of the counter, but has an interesting software because of this, the glass is not for everyone. Good luck to all!!

  • Wait

    Hello, what if you compare this miracle with the 77M?

  • Lo

    Hi.
    I am trying to use HELIOS 44k-4 with Sony E.
    And I bought adapter for that (M42-NEX) but I cannot attach it.
    Do we need another adapter for this pair?

    • Osh

      Hi. Of cause, it's impossible to attach, this lens has not any M42, it for Pentax system. So you have to buy an adapter Pentax-Sony.

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