HELIOS 44-2 But BETTER

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MY VINTAGE LENS ADAPTERS SELECTION
🔴 M42 ADAPTERS
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[@MathieuStern]

Thanks for watching!! Discover more experiments and weird lenses here : 📷 Instagram: instagram.com/mathieustern/ 🐦 Twitter: twitter.com/mathieustern 💡 Patreon: patreon.com/mathieustern 🧨 Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@mathieustern2 🏛 Weird Lens Museum: tinyurl.com/ybwzlqz3 🇫🇷 Chaine en Français: www.youtube.com/@mathieustern-fr

[@nickclavijo5422]

Will it work on an iPhone?

[@AndrejsZavadskis]

Helious cost you 30-50 euros. Biotar 1300-1500euros... Is it 20-30x times better ?

[@tasteinparis7138]

I loved the Red Dot mystery

[@MrShanePhoto]

That's incredibly sharp. Wow

[@michaelm1]

1200 EUR? No, thanks. I have the original and I'll stick with it. Actually, since I'm a Fuji shooter, I might get the modern Viltrox 75mm f/1.2 bokeh monster for half the price of this one. Don't get me wrong, I love that they're making recreation of these lenses, big thumbs up, but I just don't have the budget to afford their pricing.

[@Bucksouse]

Agree, that's waaaaay too much for manual focus lens... There's a new Zenit Helios-40-2 85mm f/1.5 that cost 480 eur.

[@JeDxDeVu]

I got the Viltrox 75mm 1.2 this week and its awesome. Its big but the images have loads of character. Really digging it.

[@benferris6472]

When ever i watch these videos i am amazed how people can afford this!

[@benferris6472]

@@JeDxDeVu if you have the money go for it! Their great lenses

[@cato2k182]

1200EUR for a lens with that bad of CA too???

[@SinaFarhat]

Lovely storytelling! :) Thanks for the video!

[@MicroFourNerds]

😂 the red dot mystery. That cracked me up! This lens looks superb!! And beautiful footage

[@MathieuStern]

Thanks so much!

[@apexhobbies]

Every time Mathieu puts out a new video, I have to add another lens to my wish list :) Great video showing how sharp this is!

[@mellin7049]

YES I WAS WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO COVER THIS

[@MathieuStern]

You'r welcome ;)

[@TheIaindavidson]

I love my 1959 CZJ Biotar 58/2, I went to look how much this lens cost... I swore out loud

[@AjanKan]

Absolutely! It has become an expensive hobby to even use vintage lenses for fun!

[@asmrcuriositycabinet3143]

Incredible lens ! I will watch the Helios video next

[@alexdavison4941]

quite an interesting lens would be cool to see some modern lenses made with a vintage style. also great content as always

[@KNURKonesur]

I think the only one really nailing that oldschool bokeh is Voigtlander 35/1.4 Nokton Classic, others are much more smooth and less scales/cat-eyes

[@thebitterfig9903]

My dream would be for someone like TTArtisan to make autofocus Biotars, to combine modern convenience with vintage rendering. Their AF 27/2.8 is the swirliest lens I’ve seen among autofocus lenses. If they did something like a 40mm f/1.5 Biotar, that’d be so cool. Or if Canon revived old rangefinder designs for their RF mount, flaws and all. They used to sell lenses they called Serenar, and that’s just such a lovely name for a line of “modern vintage” lenses.

[@manugeee]

The riddle of the red dots. 😂😜 Sorry, I had to make this one. 😇

[@TheJeffDeath]

Great vid!

[@Leifromano]

That was a nice video to watch 😊

[@triggerfingerstudios]

definitely a head-turner!

[@user-ji5qm1qz9w]

Спасибо за обзор! 👍

[@andriykovach2736]

Incidentally, I also own both Bitar 58mm II & Helios 44m. I don't use them much but it's nice to have them for artistic use. I bought it because it's been on my 'must have' lens list for a long time and I wanted to close this gestalt very much. It's kind of stupid I know. Even though the aspiration for the vintage lens in me wore off drastically and I prefer now either modern or moderate vintage look of voigtlander lenses. I think where Biotar II lens shines is when you need artistic bokeh to amplify your artistic view of the subject. In all other applications it will be dull and 'cheap look'. I would use this lens for 99% of time for artistic portrait photography but due war in my country I don't have the mental power for portraits. Perhaps that's why I don't use it so much. Looking forward to the bright stripe of the world history. Good video and presentation of your points!!

[@aeternalux9175]

It's not that stupid to collect something, that brings you joy. Just occasionally think about it and be happy you own it and can use it at any time.

[@TSGEnt]

The glass does look very nice. But we know the photographer plays a very important role in the overall composition etc., which is very important. So, to you, great job!

[@MathieuStern]

Yes, you are right ! if you use a very good brush but you don't know how to paint ... it will look bad

[@hanfpv3093]

Awesome!

[@MathieuStern]

Thanks!

[@sbcamerahack]

Your 44-2 videos is litterally one of my favorite videos. Ive always wanted on but cant find KMZ. Are the other 44-2 worth the money?

[@augustobraidotti6992]

The Biotar II is fantastic, bought one, now my favourite lens and I own the 50mm Z 1,2

[@sindbadsailor7868]

Very cool lens… amazing video

[@MathieuStern]

Thanks! 👍

[@KNURKonesur]

The original lens covered a bit more than full frame and you could tilt/swing it on mirrorless cameras. Is it also the case here?

[@Wibration]

Je vois que tu as aussi été voir l'expo sur Rosa Bonheur ! Super vidéo comme d'hab en tout cas.

[@d30gaijin]

I have the new Meyer 58/1.9 Primoplan and the 30/3.5 Lydth. Both in Leica M mount. Both are superb lenses and also swirly bokeh champions. My only complaint is they are not M rangefinder coupled.

[@salilsahani2721]

Thank you :)

[@MathieuStern]

You're welcome!

[@Metal_Vistas]

I always learn something new when watching your videos - this time that there are markings on some lenses for infrared. That's particularly useful for me because I just had one of my older bodies converted to 720nm infrared. But what really struck me about this video is that you give credit to the lens you are reviewing, but in fact it is in large part your outstanding camera work and subject selection that MAKES these lenses shine. I own several Helios lenses, including the 13-blade 44, the 44-2 and big brother 40-2, and I know it takes some work to find suitable subjects and lighting conditions to bring out the best in them. Add to that your composition, lighting, grading and video editing... all outstanding, and very enjoyable to watch.

[@MathieuStern]

Wow , that is very nice of you Mason , it really means a lot to me

[@Metal_Vistas]

@@MathieuStern - I call them like I see them. Just so you know, my channel name refers to the historical Mason-Dixon line in the United States, dividing north and south prior to our Civil War. My work largely focuses on historical themes, and I chose it for my business name... but my actual name is Robert. Cheers!

[@lechainonbaroque]

Peut-être les mêmes sujets photographiés dans les mêmes conditions avec le Helios et le Biotar pour comparer ? J’espère dans une prochaine vidéo sinon pas grave :) Dur de battre 5 euros en vide grenier quand même !!

[@kaloskagathos1304]

Merci pour cette video. Ayant déjà un Hélios 44 j'hésitais à acheter le Biotar 2 en n'ayant pas lu de comparatif entre les deux. Olivier

[@marcuscsik1509]

I've met here in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the photo shop where I am a employee, one if the engeneres from Meyer Optik Görlitz, that was working specifically on this lens!

[@MathieuStern]

I love Rio ! Please have an Açai bowl for me :)

[@blotafton]

I like the bokeh. It keeps the Biotar character.

[@lignesbois6768]

Le point rouge, ça ne pourrait pas être un repère pour la distance de mise au point à utiliser quand on travaille à l'hyperfocale ?

[@arturcharaev1336]

Have you seen Zenith Selena 58/1.9? It can swirl but there is something very unusual: additional third wheel on lens body to change swirl strength.

[@Iso_800]

helios 44-2 my favorite😍

[@patagoniacamera7150]

😮 wow! where can it be found, i need!! excellent review!!

[@MathieuStern]

Thanks for watching! the link is in the description

[@patagoniacamera7150]

@@MathieuStern ups! 😅 muchas gracias 👏🏻👏🏻

[@javiervidal366]

Great commercial!

[@anupew3276]

what does that markings for IR mean?

[@pamanthanos9742]

you get no 14 amazing

[@sacredxgeometry]

What about the Helios lens with the weird distortion

[@guyjordan8201]

Never be afraid to ask ☺️ but it is fun to explore.

[@inderjit_singh07]

❤❤❤

[@francktorres1325]

OMG!!

[@kaloskagathos1304]

.... ceci dit, j'aurai bien aimer voir deux photos identiques, l'une avec l'Helios et l'autre avec le Biotar 2 !

[@jianchenglu6584]

why not the biotar 75mm?

[@DoveSharma]

The mystry of the red dot

[@Ap-ix9qr]

but are these motion shots the camera we're seeing?

[@KNURKonesur]

Also there's probably a high chance that you'll get the Biotar 75/1.5 when it's finally released in the next weeks. Do you have a Fuji GFX that you could adapt it to and see what happens with it? It's a 58mm equivalent on the GFX and would be a fantastic short portrait lens there, maximizing the amazing bokeh capabilities. I'm asking cause I know the original one could easily cover the GFX sensor.

[@MathieuStern]

Wow wow wow, let's see first if people like this video before they decide to send me the 75

[@KNURKonesur]

@@MathieuStern you're literally the go-to place for vintage and swirly bokeh lenses, they'd be shooting themselves in the knee if they don't send you the 75mm as well!

[@lanolinlight]

7Artisans 55mm f/1.4. Auto Cosinon (or Chinon or Revuenon) 55mm f/1.4. Miracle budget lenses.

[@Bucksouse]

Looks cool, but I'd rather buy a new Zenit Helios-40-2 85mm f/1.5 lens, it's less than $500

[@henrahmagix]

😍

[@AM-rb4ps]

matheiu-- it seems like for swirly bokeh there's some math around the idea of f stop related to subject distance related to the distance to the source of the bokeh balls. Do we know what the ratio is to make the most of it? for example in your WONDERFUL picture at 7:29... how far away was the subject? how far away were the trees? were you wide open or stopped somewhat down?

[@somegeezer]

Absolutely insane price. But gorgeous.

[@MathieuStern]

Agreed! they need to lower the price, 600 euros seems a more realistic price in this day and age of cheap chinese lenses,

[@matthiasaronjonsson3066]

This Biotar or the Primoplan 75mm f/1.9 ... Which one did you like more ? :)

[@MathieuStern]

I think the Primplan is better for subject separation but it has no swirly bokeh, so ... it depends on what you are looking for.

[@joefromhk8775]

CA is obvious in open aperture. Sharpness is ok comparing to vintage lens.

[@REMY.C.]

I knew it was was for covering as soon as I saw the screw in your close-up. "I feel stupid". 😂 It's like when you don't know the way and you still refuse to ask people for directions and after many days, nothing to eat and drink, almost dead cold, you decide to ask: - c'est où le métro s'il vous plaît ? - juste là, à 50m.

[@MathieuStern]

I am a shy guy :)

[@Skipsul]

I have an Exakta mount Biotar original, and a Helios, and am very curious how this new one compares. My CZJ is much better than the Helios. Meyer is also working on a 75mm Biotar update, and if this one you tested here is already good, I am quite eager for the big brother.

[@MathieuStern]

the 75mm f1.9 is one of my fav modern lens, so I hope I will test the new Biotar 75mm f1.5

[@kosofilm]

@@MathieuSternIt would be nice to compare it with the newest Zenitar 75mm f/1.4 lens Helios Edition. So little reviews on this lens.

[@bburchellphotos]

Lovely looking lens. Bit expensive for my liking though 😅

[@MathieuStern]

You and me both!

[@sbcamerahack]

Soo Swirly! J'aime bien.

[@flownel1278]

Can I adapt the helios 44 2 on a canon ef 50mm

[@marksieving7925]

Well, you can't attach the Helios 44-2 to another lens. If you're wondering if you can attach a Helios 44-2 to a Canon EF camera, the answer is yes, but it's likely that the rear element will hit the camera's mirror when focused to infinity.

[@paceyombex]

1:51 I paused the video to write a comment. I guess that's nothing more than part of the construction, since the position is sorta awkward. I'll edit the comment if you found out the answer later in the video. Edit: Guess I was wright lol

[@time_to_waste]

Those red dots are just screws. The same screws that has Helios and original Biotar but painted for some reasons

[@TheSynthnut]

The red looks like thread-lock on the screws btw. Nice lens indeed, but can't really see myself splashing that much cash just for an extra half stop.

[@SMGJohn]

1200 euro, they should have made this AF, it would been beast for that price. But as a manual focus specialist lens? LOL

[@jasonlovi8745]

6:47 lmao, they could’ve covered the screws another way to avoid all this confusion.

[@FredBloggsTheThird]

When I heard that Meyer were coming back from their financial collapse a few years back I was hoping that they would re-evaluate their pricing with the aim of selling more at a cheaper price, but sadly alas they are doing no such thing. So it's the same products, same pricing model, how long will it take before it collapses again ?

[@MathieuStern]

Not sure, their lens before and after collapse are very good ( the ones i tested) but I agree with you that they need to lower their prices , Chinese compagnies are less qualitative but so much cheaper.

[@andrehines]

wouldn't it make more sense to compare this to an actual zeiss biotar lens?

[@MathieuStern]

I didn’t compare that t to the Helios I just said it’s a cheaper alternative

[@craighall1419]

Forget CZJ, true connoisseurs know it's all about MOG ;) I've got 6 MOG lenses - just wish the damned reissues were cheaper :/

[@theothertonydutch]

Ah, but the Helios 44-2 can fit on my MFT camera with a tilt adapter without being too big!

[@MathieuStern]

yes and it cost 950 euros less... still, it's nice to see new innovative lens designs.

[@theothertonydutch]

@@MathieuStern Have you talked about those cheap chinese 35mm 1.6 C-mount lenses yet (mine is branded "risespray" but they are sold under several names I think)? I got one for 40 bucks. It's definitely got character!

[@Studio23creation]

euh.. les point rouges c'est juste des vis peintes en rouge, non...?

[@Studio23creation]

ah ! j'avais écrit ce commentaire avant d'être arrivé jusqu'au bout de la vidéo. Bref oui voilà c'était juste ça. Je pense que tu te poses trop de questions ahah :)

[@sincerelytsie]

could it be that the red dots are just screw holes?

[@sincerelytsie]

I was right!

[@BoopyTheFox]

Helios is technically just a replicated biotar, really

[@StormEnnairo]

After knowing the price of thé biotar, I prefer thé helios XD

[@turbophat]

Well shit. That's another $1200 I need to spend 😅

[@jasonlovi8745]

I have the bad version of the Helios 44-2

[@deeeeeeeeeeeeeeee]

Me when I found out it’s 1200 eur 4:20

[@cremersalex]

Very soft wide open. Not so with Helios 44.

[@djmarzek]

wow thats pretty expensive lens, ill keep my helios better 😄

[@MathieuStern]

and you are absolutely right to do that, it's already a great lens

[@kr8s]

Only 1100$

[@HAMATERYS]

1199€ euros pour un caillou sans AF, non merci mon p'tit Mathieu, je préfère largement une optique vintage à 20 balles !

[@grillodon]

The colours seem washed out a little bit.

[@KratasCRAFT]

It's a 1930s lens, it's a part of the design

[@juanmanuelfabresbriones5378]

Too much of an effort to have those dots painted in red...anyway, good research!

[@jeromeframent8057]

Repère rouge, en général c'est l'hyperfocale...

[@mex5341]

ajajjaja , mejor , pero cuesta mas que 1200$

[@roman9509]

Price doesn't make a lick of sense

[@user-iv2mz5fj6o]

Looks like good lens but it look little bit ugly for itself, weird housing😥

[@MathieuStern]

Yea .... it's a little too " literal" just a tube , but it's still better than a plastic lens

[@user-iv2mz5fj6o]

@@MathieuStern yes. Anyway its good tendency, when companies with such great history, make new sharp lens with same character 👍

[@blastingoff]

For the prices they charge, I'd sure hope its better lol.