Helios 44-2 Lens: Watch This BEFORE You Buy (2024)

[@PhotoViking]

I use Helios-44 the first version on GFX100S and by doing that I get even more swirl on the edges. I have 11 different version of Helios-44 from first to 44-M7 and my absolute favourite is the first version.

[@loukashareangas4420]

Can you tell us more about the sensor coverage?

[@JetFightzer]

How is 44-M7 in comparison to the first version of Helios-44?

[@PhotoViking]

@@loukashareangas4420 It covers a GFX-sensor pretty good with light but the lens is not famous for its corner sharpness so it works very well with "creative" photography but not as an everyday lens. I use it mainly just for the swirl.

[@PhotoViking]

@@JetFightzer There is a huge difference between different samples of the same versions so it is really hard to say, some M7 are ok, and some are pretty bad. I'm not sure they even had a quality-control at all at the Valdai factory. In my case the M7 is ok but I haven't compared them side by side yet. I will in the future.

[@chrisnovakowski9827]

In your opinion, would it it worth buying a Helios 44-2 lens if I already have a great Helios 44-M lens (KMZ site)? I have my eyes on a Helios 44-2 lens (KMZ site) lens with Zenit camera for $100CAD, but I'm not sure if it will make that much of a difference.

[@SourcePhotography]

That "sneaky" retro foto house, I bought my Valdai version from there. But I'm pleased to say, that there is no oil on the blades and no play in the mount. The mount was actually modified to Canon EF by retro foto house. I find that the best aperture for this lens is f11 for increased sharpness and contrast. Anyway, I shoot almost exclusively with vintage lenses and love them for both street & landscape photography. Cheers!

[@SuiSlyder808]

Same here! Glad to see RFH seems to take pride in converting the cheaper stuff into a higher quality verison.

[@RetroFotoHouse]

Thank you Mathieu for have linked me up! During my 9 years in business, i've serviced and sold more than 2000 helios 44-2, so a huge expericence was gained. Helios 44-2 is nice, but it is true, that early 13 blades helios 44 is better, because it was in production when Stalin was in power and at that time, you could easely go to jail if you would tolerate a manufacturing defects, or in some cases got shot for spoiling socialistic property, so it was a quality product. But if you want really top sharpness and swirl, go for original german biotar 58mm F2 in m42 mount, but it is something of completely different pricing and to find a copy without scratches or other imperfections on optical elements is more difficult. Another thing-very few people know how to service it, so with quite high chances you'll get a lens with stiff focus ring because of old grease.

[@bigturn1051]

the helios 44 started production years after Stalin died.

[@ballsrgrossnugly]

Yeah I'm curious about that Stalin comment myself, since he died in 53 and these lenses were made from 58. That single statement makes me question your whole channel now.

[@bigturn1051]

@@ballsrgrossnugly anticommunism and its consequences have been a disaster for the human race

[@ballsrgrossnugly]

@@bigturn1051 What does that have to do with the comment being easily debunked with a quick google search. Your comment has absolutely nothing to do with anything. Thanks. Anyone who read your comment is now dumber for having read it.

[@bigturn1051]

@@ballsrgrossnugly the point is that a lot of stupid lies have risen because of how people perceive certain countries, very notably countries with a communist government, and people just believe them without much effort.

[@antontaranenko8824]

I have Helios 44 KMZ from camera START, modified to M42, it is one of the first versions, with swapped focus and stop rings, with blue coating and 13 blades. I found it the best among all Helios 44, especially for video shooting with it's blue flayers. The only negative side - the blue chemical coating is so fragile and easy to scratch, even with slight wiping, and no strong chemical allowed, even isopropyl alcohol can wash layer off. Only distilled water, or hydrogen peroxide.

[@dslrdave]

I get the bad one for years, didnt mind the milky tints since I use it only for artistic purposes... if I want a sharp one, I'll use my other lens !

[@mikefiction9890]

i've had the "bad" one for years. Just ordered an early chrome one in good shape. My current copy does look a little milky and I thought that's just the way it was :)

[@youyao]

same

[@xiaodu87]

Got a Valdai version. It's definitely good to see the comparison, although I've found the lens acceptable for the price I've paid for it. As long as I don't shoot with backlight (which doesn't work at all) it works fine for me. There's always room for improvement and I will certainly look out for one of the better versions when I've got the spare money for one of the rarer ones.

[@nickykodak7536]

I have a Valdai symbol lens and it is better built than my KMZ. It also gives better resolution (which has nothing to do with oil/grease on the blades) and sharpness. I also think this movie fails to consider that all lenses get worn out (the claim that Valdai always have the wobbly end piece) as my KMZ is more wobbly. The Valdai is also built in exactly the same way, with the serial number in the same place.

[@petrolpoodle]

Just found out I have the Valdai version 😂! But it still blows away anyone who tries it and is my favourite lens by miles. I got mine for £30 which makes sense now but zero regrets. I'm now excited to pick up another!

[@BigLRestInPeace]

I have a 44M-4 and it's near perfect. Very solid build quality, oil free aperture blades, amazing image quality. It's made in 1990 in the Valdai plant.

[@TheXxPSYCHO]

I have both the white KMZ and green Valdai variants and after using both for some time I can confirm that, besides the poor tolerance on the mount on the Valdai, the optics are identical. Both suffer that washed out flare on 3 corners when wide open, both swirl the same, the bales on my Valdai were perfect but if you happen upon one that hasn't been serviced in the last few decades then you can easily open the lens to clean and re-lubricate the blades. You can find the Valdai a lot easier but the KMZ can be found for a bit cheaper attached to old Zenit bodies (rather than searching 'kmz Helios 44-2')

[@ValleyRC]

I've had dozens of each over the years, and never noticed KMZ being consistently better. Sample to sample variation from both factories varies a fair bit, but even the "bad" ones are great! Genuinely think this video has a lot to answer for in terms of spreading superstition.

[@daveleo7248]

I have the Valdai 44M-6. "ZENIT" is written next to the Valdai factory symbol. The lens build does not look anything like the Valdai 44M-2 you show here, and it is a solid build. It is multi-coated ("MC"). I use the lens on Fuji APS sensor cameras and I love the results. I also use a focal length reducer to get the full frame to show. The pictures are lovely and the build is very good.

[@StefanMrsevic]

Hi! Have you used some speed booster to adapt it?

[@StefanMrsevic]

Hi! Have you used some speed booster to adapt it?

[@a5ngaming273]

I have this also😅

[@johnpeterson7264]

Thanks!

[@MathieuStern]

thank you so much John

[@burnieplace]

Very informative. I've just dug out my 44-2 from the back of the cupboard and it's a KMZ 1970. That makes sense because it came with the Zenit B I bought in in about 1972-3. The body was stolen in 1976 with a different lens on, so the Helios was orphaned for a few years. There's a little play on the mount but not as much as on the video, and the diaphragm blades look fine.

[@MathieuStern]

Sounds great! A rare version you Have

[@cdl0]

The videos by Retro Foto House provide excellent, detailed information about lenses made in the old Soviet Union.

[@MathieuStern]

Yep, thats why I worked with him :)

[@williamcurwen7428]

I hear what you say, but if we are talking about the 44-2 8 blade version, it doesn’t matter all that much what factory it came from as the build and optical quality was always variable. Also, you really do need a very deep lens hood to control flare.

[@AlexADumbDumb]

I have the later inferior version, but I think the imperfections work rather well for things like holiday portraits. Saves having to add a lens filter, gives skin a Hallmark effect type glow

[@andy80sdrums]

There is no inferior version. There is another video here on YT with a comparative test that shows it.

[@davidellis4084]

Thanks!

[@MathieuStern]

thanks to you

[@Seth33Angell]

Honestly this makes me want to buy all the version. It may be "lesser quality" bit that even more distorted misty look can be used for a lot really cool shots.

[@SimeonKolev]

For me the best is the 44M which is KMZ made and has a M/A switch. The 44-2 is cool that it has a preset aperture control but copy to copy variations are huge sometimes. Also there are early silver versions that are 1:1 with the CZJ Biotar and they has the orange-violet coatings like the Zeiss. Later the Russians started applying their cheaper blue coating which is much worse than the German orange-violet. I tested once a 44-2 black variant with no coatings at all it was impossible to shoot with it in a cloudy day because it has the worst flares all the time.

[@loukashareangas4420]

Well, rumour has it that the earliest ones were assembled from actual glass taken from the Zeiss plants in Germany, right after ww2

[@SimeonKolev]

@@loukashareangas4420 it is a fact not a rumor :D

[@MrGunzoller]

​@@loukashareangas4420 There are extremely rare few Soviet copies of Zeiss Biotar 2/58 named БТК 1:2 F=5,8см made in 1951 and used german glass. БТК means "БиоТар Красногорский" or "BioTar Krasnogorsk". Later Zeiss Biotar optical scheme was recalculated for Soviet optical glass, and therefore any ГЕЛИОС-44 (HELIOS-44) are already made of Soviet glass. Captured German glass would simply not be enough for mass production.

[@Tsudkyk]

I had a 44-2 KMZ and boy was it fun to shoot. It was an extremely sharp lens at f/8-11 and I always loved how the lens rendered colors. Sometimes I regret selling it, I’d love to try it out as a cine lens

[@retrophotolenses]

Hello. In my opinion the best quality version of the Helios 44 is the earliest version, with the index red "P" having a 13-blade aperture of 2-22 as well as a slightly different body. It is believed that a slightly different composition of glue was used to glue the lenses. Next are the white versions of the Helios 44 red "P" with a 13-blade aperture of 2-16. They may differ in the colour of the lenses - yellow-purple, blue.

[@TheRoadLessPaved]

I have the the KMZ silver version purchased from Retro Foto House adapted for Nikon F. I totally love it. It's one of my top two lenses. The other is a Pentacon 29 2.8. Both are still affordable.

[@NasserTone]

Amazing! BTW could you kindly please tell me which version of the lens captured the scene that starts at 5:52?

[@iamyotka]

I gotta say Mathieu, You blew me away! I actaully have all 3 versions of the M42, and i never noticed the difference. Although , i have a rare version of the 44-2 that is same design as the 44-3!

[@DannyNagymusic]

love the effect @5:24, I'd love this effect for my a7s3.

[@thejacal2704]

I've got a silver KMZ, serial no 103883, it's beautiful. Also, I only paid about 20 euros for it.

[@hallio111]

at 3:41 from left, how is the 3rd lens with the green writing in terms of quality? it seems to be a KMZ 1974 with similar body to the worst ,(valdai (1978) lens next to it. I'm asking cause the difference between the 1965 KMZ and 1978 Valdai is major. Just bought the 3drd from the left )1974 KMZ made) . wonder if it has the same contrast issue like the valdai. idk if it depends more on factory or build-year. just bought the 74 KMZ with a Zenit-E fro 40€. maybe a deal if everything works and it's the right model:)

[@snaj9989]

I got the first one with 13 blades and m39 mount but at m42 flank distance. I tried adapting it to Pentax K mount then to my Canon 5D but back of the lens hit my cameras mirror. So I got a M42 adapter and I will try to adapt it from there. The focusing is super stiff due to old grease, sometimes I unscrew the lens while focusing and the aperture control is quite weird but it is a neat lens.

[@chrisfielder7701]

I own a 1977 from Valdi plant, it came with a “Photosnaiper” kit I bought, the Tair 300ml is not so great as the aperture blades are jammed up, and I’m hesitant on taking it apart. Anyway my 44-2 is perfect, nice and tight, no oil on the blades and tack sharp. It has amazing colours and the bokah (I know probably spelled wrong) is wildly out of this world, hands down my favourite lens out of my collection. I also just learned the Helios 44-2 was used in the new Batman movie!….How kewl is that?

[@acedia4453]

I have a Valdai that has been cine modded and it is 100% clean and produces very sharp images.

[@jerfareza]

Wow thanks for the video! I have been wondering a long time about the logo on my Helios lens. Turns out I own a MMZ version! I absolutely love this lens due to its sharp contrast wide open.

[@MathieuStern]

Glad I could help!

[@Kitsaplorax]

I've got the MMZ version as well. Love everything about this lens..

[@LoveChristJesus]

I have two of Helios 44-2, the silver and the black one from KMZ but I always reach for silver.It has more sharpness and much more contrast.

[@m.s.g1890]

I have a 'zebra' mmz 44-2 and it's my favourite lens. Plenty sharp enough when needed and absolutely beautiful bokeh. I use it on an m43 camera for flower shots.

[@alchemist_x79]

Just looked at my 44-2 and my 44M-4 both have the Valdai markings on them. Oh well!

[@alchemist_x79]

I do have an MMZ version of the 44-2 as well, but the focus ring is broken on it -- it simply falls off.

[@fwiffo]

Also depends on when it was made as well as the factory. That 44M-4 might be a good one.

[@Moriarty2007]

I have got Helios 44-2 form my grandfather and i love it! (Krasnogorsk factory)

[@Mariani831]

Aloha, Mathieu! Yes, I am a little late to the party...but, I recently purchased a Helios 44-2, Valdai-built, in 1983. (Near-mint condition from the Ukraine for $47USD total, shipped.) But, I hadn't seen your video until today... Anyway, this lens copy is, fortunately, very clean, clear and sharp(with an acceptable amount of sharpness loss toward the corners/edges). No wiggle in the mount. No oil on blades. Smooth focus and aperture rings. Nice color and contrast. Lovely bokeh... -But I'm shooting it on a Lumix S5 full-frame camera...so I will eventually be fully exposed to all its characteristics: good, bad...and artsy...;) So far, I really love the photos and video I have been getting. No complaints, actually. I wanted it to be a "characterful" lens... I have almost every faster Takumar m42 and Canon FD lens between 15mm and 500mm. Amazing quality lenses...perfect for photos or cinematography... I have all of their fast 50mm's, including the 8-element Super Tak 50 f1.4, and the Canon 55 f1.2. -But I wanted some lenses that I could "paint" a breathtaking photo with...and so have just been falling in love with these vintage Soviet-era lenses... Compared to the Tak's and Canon FD's, this Valdai Helios 44-2 appears more "flare-prone"(even compared to the Super Tak), and so absolutely needs a long lens hood...and perhaps a very high-quality multi-coated Polarizer filter... Also, I am still getting used to the ergonomics of the focus and aperture locations of the Helios lenses... but already love the butter-smooth, click-less aperture... It may not be the most reliable era for Valdai...but so far, so good...;) Thank you for your great video's!

[@MathieuStern]

Maybe you are the lucky one who got a Valdai that was made with care :)

[@Mariani831]

@@MathieuStern I really appreciate your love of photography...and all the hard work you put in to your channel🤙🏻

[@4Hardy]

I went right ahead and checked the two that I have, both were from KMZ which relieved me as if I was gonna notice a difference haha

[@MathieuStern]

it's better than discovering they were crap, right ? :)

[@4Hardy]

@@MathieuStern yes exactly. all the photos that I have taken with them and that I was happy with would have gone right into the trash haha

[@alchemist_x79]

So I did some shooting tests wide open. This is purely unscientific. My MMZ 44-2 was significantly sharper than the Valdai in the middle and midzone with a lot less CA and was a little sharper and more contrasty in the corners. What surprised me is that the MMZ 44-2 performed much better than my OG 58 Biotar as well. The sharpness was about the same in the middle, but MUCH less CA and less ghosting in the midzone and corners on the MMZ. The Valdai 44M-4 had a bit better performance than the Valdai 44-2, but it was sharper in the corners than the MMZ 44-2. I assume that's because it's a newer optical formula. Long story short, I super-glued the focus ring back on the MMZ lens and I'll use it from now on...

[@isaacwegerson1909]

Same with me I tried 2 different copies of the 58mm Biotar and neither were as sharp as the helios green version

[@patrykK1028]

The Soviet lenses weren't complete copies so it's absolutely possible that they had some advantages and disadvantages compared to the original ones

[@strangekittyca]

I inherited a Zenit-E and it came with a 44-2. I'm pretty pleased 😁

[@Emilmarch]

Literally the first vintage lens I bought 🤣. Easy to find all around the world, cheap as dirt, swirly bokeh, M42 mount what else I can ask from a lens 😁.

[@MathieuStern]

Yea but did you buy the good version ?

[@Emilmarch]

@@MathieuStern of course the worst and cheapest one I chose unintentionally though 😂. I love your channel, each video I learn something new, thanks man.

[@SyntheticFuture]

These have gone up considerably in price sadly due to popularity (well at least in my region) 😕 Had to pay a hefty 60eu for one with a rather "vintage" housing. Optically still solid though 👌🏻

[@4g0tten4]

If oil on the blades is the only problem, then it is easy enough to disassemble the lens and clean some of that off.

[@NickGranville]

That’s for this. I just checked my lens and it’s a KMZ version in M43 mount. Wonderful lens

[@glaurung666]

Zenith factory is right across the river from the place where I live. I own Helios 44M 2/58 attached to my old Canon EOS450D and this pair works perfectly, but I also have Zenith EM film camera, which was initially equipped with Helios. So several month ago I finally got film shot through Zenith and Helios and I was amazed how good the shots were. I used Kodak Ektar 100 film and that tiny grain and blue colour are fantastic.

[@razzman038]

I have the valdai version but i still love using it until now

[@BLoren]

Great video, thank you! I bought the Valdai version a while back without really understanding the difference. This helps a lot.

[@madmechanic7641]

You see.. This is why I subscribed... And I'm glad and surprised and Happy you included Retro Foto House in your vid. A lot of respect for Experience, Knowledge and patience this guy has.. (15 Blades reassembly... No thankyou) . For you Mathieu... ...Please tell me how you did that last snippet of vid??? Blew me to bits.. Im old enough to remember no mobile phones, no pc's and 3 digit housephone numbers so I think its important to pass on to the younger generation the benefit of having a bit of imperfection in some of your perfect £5000 lenses.. Thats what we called in the good old days Character.. Thanks for wicked vid.. Keep at it.. (Gotta re-build an F9Q Renault 16V head.. No problem. 15 Blade Iris I leave to Retro).. Have a look my friend in Poland with Zeiss biotar doo daahs

[@Ender_P.K]

I've bought VALDAI version for 1000 rubles (don't convert) with m42-nex adapter. It is in a moderate condition. Like, little bit of scratches, oily diaphragm, wear of painting, old grease. I've took apart it and drowned diaphragm in alcohol, changed old grase to cyatim (yes, freezing lube in cold country). After i've put it back together i got 9$ lens. I think it worth it, huh? For me it not main lens, my main - helios-44m-7 MC, it sharp as hell. 44-2 was bought as "that one soft, blury, portret one".

[@antonionavarrojr2848]

Does anyone know where can I find the 1965 KMZ version? I've been looking online and most posts selling these lenses don't have the date of production on their description. Thank you.

[@rifhins1241]

the first two digits of the serial number indicate the year the lens was manufactured

[@esnide22]

recently got an mmz 44-2 for very cheap that ive adapted to an x-t3. absolutely love every shot out of it so far, cant wait to keep using it. great video, very informative!

[@ellyrion8173]

Hey - is it the zebra version?

[@TheLeagueOfAnimalRescue]

I have also the MMZ version, "the zebra version", would love to know more about the story behind it

[@TheLeagueOfAnimalRescue]

​@@ellyrion8173 any idea how good the MMZ zebra version is?

[@ellyrion8173]

@@TheLeagueOfAnimalRescue The seller I bought it from reckoned the Zebra versions from MMZ are generally more solidly built and have very little free play - BUT having said that the biggest factor is probably sample variation, and I'm sure some Zebra versions probably haven't stood the test of time so well. I bought my lens from an eBay seller that services vintage lenses - it was totally taken apart and cleaned, the glass was UV treated to remove any fungus traces and the entire focus assembly was relubricated with modern grease. It was a little more expensive - but well worth it in my view

[@esnide22]

@@ellyrion8173 wow I'm sorry man Im just now seeing this. Mine is not the zebra

[@willmcguire5099]

Was just gifted a 44-2 today - this video was so informative - thank you! I was happy to see I have the KMZ version. My problem it the f stop adjustment was stiff and is not stuck wide open at f2. I guess if it’s going to be stuck that’s where I would want it. Is that a locking ring just ahead of the aperture adjustment? It seemed stuck until I fiddled with that and then was able to change aperture. Now, it’s a no go. Any tips? Tap it on the counter like a stuck jar lid?

[@branbroken]

The apature is in 2 parts on these the foreard most has the texture only at the sides and will be somewhat stiff is the main apature select. The next ring with texture all around is the manual apature close/ stepdown so moves between the set apature an wide open, this done so you could do your composition wide open before quickly stepping down to the set apature, later auto apature lenses like the 44m used a little rod or push pin with a finger on the body to trigger the apature right before the shutter but these early lenses requred you to manually close the apature.

[@campanaro_99]

I got a valdai copy, but it's not bad at all! I think i got lucky or something because i have no loose parts and the contrast is crazy good. I have some oil on the aperture blades but it's not splattering anywhere. I recommend valdai if you are a cheapo like me and can risk 30 euros.

[@koishooter]

I have two Valdais. Both take beautiful pictures. But one of my Valdais recently became stuck on F2, not the end of the world. Half stop to one stop from bottom is the best. Plenty of swirl, and sharp.

[@epiculo2]

I have two samples, one with M42 mount and the other with M39 mount. You make me curious about trying it on my Sony Ar73, until now i didn't. Fortunately both of them are KMZ-built.

[@sergeykoshelev4566]

Got 44-M5, (V) no grease on the blades. I like it's color transition and bokeh, sharpness sucks at times on wider apertures though.

[@nuovofresco]

Thanks so much for this! I've had a Helios of some sort since the 1980's/ I have a Belomo made one right now and 3 KMZ. The Belomo version is noticeably sharper than my KMZ versions... and has less oil on the blades. Perhaps It was a lucky copy or perhaps it was made with more care.

[@sergical5]

Just picked up a 1980 version with the zenit camera and got out for a steal. Can’t wait to play! 📸

[@ChrisBrogan]

This video helped me SO much. I'm so glad.

[@kevindowdall3792]

Hi mathiew just got a zenith b from a late grandad had it serviced and cleaned but looking for a good lens any ideas for a not so pricy lens

[@MathieuStern]

A good Industar 52 is a good deal

[@AlbertoZaccaria]

what is the helios 44M 58 mm f2? do you recommend it? And what about the MMZ series? you didn't review them

[@Felmyst]

Even versions with the same index, produced at the same plant, in the same year, could have noticeable differences. In part, this is due to the need to fulfill the "plan" for the number of copies produced. Because of this, in some copies there is no lubrication, the screws are not tightened, the parts are crookedly planted.

[@mattcero1]

Great video man, thanks. According to a picture from Craigs List and your video, the one I might get is from KMZ and 1993 ( 1:39 ) Would this late of a model be any good? It's a 44M. Thank you.

[@MathieuStern]

Glad I could help KMZ is always the good choice if you can

[@kajeellworth4746]

I was lucky enough to pick up a kmz in a little second hand store for 20 euros, it was siezed so i had some fun taking it apart to get it going again, my favourite lens but not my most used.

[@chengwildon8909]

Very good comparison as I am recently thinking of this lovely lens. Thanks a lot.

[@russbetts1467]

I bought a Zenit B with Helios 44 F2/58mm Lens in 1970. The following year, I took a photo of the BBC TV 625 Line Test Target with it, at each F-stop setting. The only difference in sharpness, was in the Corners of the Pictures, taken at F2 and 2.8. At the same time, I also took pictures of the same test target on an Asahi Pentax Spotmatic 500 with F2/55mm lens, also at all F-Stop settings. Having printed all the pictures on 8 x10 inch Ilford Paper, the only obvious difference, was the four corners of the pictures; the Pentax lens being sharper than the Helios at F2, but equally as sharp at F2.8 and beyond. Given the difference in cost - the Zenit B with Helios 44 at £30, with the Pentax at about £80 - my friends and I were surprised at the quality of the Helios 44 lens. The only downside of the Helios lens, was the fact you had to Manually close and open the Iris, before and after each shot, although I soon got into the habit of focusing with my Left hand and operating the Iris Ring with my Left Little Finger. I also have the Jupiter 11 F4/135mm lense, which is perfect for Portraiture work. On that, the iris is Click-stop only, but not a problem, once you've focused it. The Helios is MMZ and the Jupiter is KMZ. I also bought a second Zenit B body, so I could have Colour Film in one and Black & White in the other. I still have both cameras and both lenses, as well as a 28mm Wide-Angle lens. Both cameras still work perfectly and the Original Zenit B, had the Focal Plane Shutter Blind replaced in 1992. Other than that, they are both as they came from the shop, as I've always taken very good care of them. Great Cameras and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a good, functional - if somewhat basic - and reliable camera. Thanks for this very informative video.

[@thegospelcallTGC]

Thank you very much for a very informative video. Merry Christmas and God bless.

[@fwiffo]

I have a couple copies of one of the MMZ versions with green markings that RetroFoto House recommended as being good quality but also not hard to find. They were actually new in box (which is not hard to find, and not expensive). Unfortunately, one developed backlash in the mount after a couple hours of use. The other has backlash, but only at closest focus, and when focused past ~10 meters. One has just a small amount of oil on the blades, the other is dry. Both are good optically, and the build quality is otherwise good (focus is smooth, etc.). I guess they're so cheap I can pick up some more if I the play starts to bother me. It seems to only be a issue with video, where it can cause wobble, otherwise it's just an annoyance. Glad you dispelled the myth that the swirlyness varies between versions. They have the same optical formula, so there's no reason it should vary the way contrast and sharpness can. Similar story with the 44M. They vary in build quality, sharpness and contrast, but the swirl is identical in side-by-side tests. The late ones like 44M-5(6,7) do not have less swirl. They're supposed to be the the sharpest versions. I'd be hard pressed to tell a significant optical difference between my 4, 5 and 7, but they're all from the same plant around the same time. Apparently the 44M-7 is frequently counterfeited, which is pretty silly for a lens you can find for 20 or 30 bucks.

[@Erwin0859]

So, the difference in results is due to the oil on the blades? Or are there differences with the glass elements themselves too? I have 2 KMZ and 1 Valdai, the latter I cleaned on the outside today, and should soon take apart in order to clean the oil from the blades...

[@ValleyRC]

I wouldn't say the oil on the blades is directly an issue, but the fact that there is oil on them means it separated from the grease and if the grease has separated then some may have evaporated and then condensed on the inner lens surfaces which can affect contrast etc. That being said, I've had dozens with oily blades and never noticed them to be particularly worse. But I HAVE had one with clean blades, but obvious vapour deposits on the elements, and that one did exhibit less contrast (not that they are the most contrasty lens in the world, and in fact the flaring and low contrast in back-lit situations are what many consider to be some of the most visually interesting aspects)

[@Erwin0859]

@@ValleyRC Thank you for the informative reply 🧐

[@cypherdk85]

If a Helios has the newest KMZ logo, will it still be good?

[@sugopaciugo]

Hi Mathieu, do you have some suggest to obtain a swirly bokeh on a medium format? Thanks!

[@globally123]

Thank you Mathieu, I bought the original versiom a while ago.

[@FrankyFeedler]

White veil due to oily blades? That seems very unlikely. To my knowledge even impossible, but I might not know everything.The dirty irregular pattern inside the bokeh balls always indicates that one of the lens elements is damaged or very dirty, either by existing/previous fungus (etching) or some bad scuffs. This is what causes a white veil and significant loss of sharpness. I think your Valdai copy has damaged glass (and/or haze inside), would bet a round of beers on it. It's possible you'll only see this with a flashlight.

[@ValleyRC]

I've had dozens over the years and NEVER seen KMZ ones consistently perform better. Also had plenty of KMZ ones with wobbly mount. Never had oily blades affect IQ either

[@salat]

Mh.. Did I watch a different video from Retro Photo House? I had the impression that the BelOMO (MMZ) type 5 versions were recommended to buy because the great build quality and no problems to expect..

[@nikab6823]

Will you make a video on Super Takumar 55mm F 1.8? I would love to see it, love all your videos!:D

[@Jennifer_Prentice]

I have a KMZ with the solid ended arrow that is M42 looks to be 8 blades but has the green and orange text .. It is suppose to have come brand new with this Zenit E that I bought from a friend.. They said it was from 1970 ish... Was there a green text version at that time? Yours had white text.

[@guhhhhh9032]

That's weird, I have a Valdai one I think, but it doesn't have anything too loose or too snug and is really sharp at the center. I'm a pixel peeper. Although mine was "refurbished" so maybe I got one Frankensteined into something nice?

[@kevindowdall3792]

Hey mathieu I have a black helios 44 f2 58mm N0495395 on a zenith b camera handed down to me from my late grandad my question is, is that one of the earlier types it was made in the kmz plant, I've recently got it refurbished and serviced it and took my first shots of 35mm just waiting to get them developed now so excited to see how they turned out......

[@MultiSciGeek]

Very very useful, and solid methodology. Would love to see more such lens reviews.

[@ReimannPembroke]

Great video! I love my Helios 44-2!

[@azizapu2515]

Yey!! I have the first version :) It's super fun and sharp(if you can nail the focus)!

[@ohjajohh]

Interesting, I also have a Valdai one and when I compare it to my KMZ lenses there is almost no difference(see vid on my channel). I also have the first one from the M42 area, that one has the best image quality indeed, but focus is much stiffer than the later versions.

[@dobryanskiy]

Were you able to focus at infinity with the silver version, and which adapters did you use, in that case? There's a slight difference in flange distance between the M39 and M42 versions.

[@chrisnovakowski9827]

I have a KMZ built 44M lens that has produced fantastic results on my FujiFilm X-E3. I would love to find an early 44-2 KMZ lens, but the price seems to be skyrocketing.

[@pauka13]

My two favorite vintage lenses are the MC Helios 81N and MC Kaleinar 5N (wich is a 100mm f2.8), both made by the Kiev Arsenal factory for the Nikon F mount (yes, they aren't m42). Wonderful lenses, get one if you find!

[@johnf.hebert1409]

I cannot find the 1942 KMZ anywhere on ebay. Only what LOOKS like 1949 or 1970, but its hard to tell because the logo arrow is so similar.

[@K3V0M]

I just got mine two days ago with a Zenit E. Mine doesn't have a logo on the front. The serial number on the front is 8205XXXX. I guess it's a Valdai from the looks and because the one shown in the video has a serial number with 80 at the beginning, which looks similar and the rear element has some play. Not as bad as in the video, though.

[@eos6912]

Thank you for this video! In the end I was able to get a KMZ Helios 44 13 blades edition. Wouldn't have known otherwise if I didn't watch this.

[@MathieuStern]

Glad I could help!

[@jaakkooksa5374]

I have a 44-3 and it was very easy to modify for infinity focus on Nikon.

[@Fretice]

Very straight forward tutorial, thank you!

[@ramseymellette3169]

Great video. Thank you!

[@christianlainesse4281]

I have a copy of the 13-bladed silver one, and it's sharp enough for the GFX cameras.

[@mattiapalombi1597]

Hello Matthew, I came across an Helios that has a chrome color (not black) just like the KMZ but it has a VALDAI engraving. Do happen to know anything about the build quality?

[@MathieuStern]

More swirly bokeh Content Here :) 70mm projector lens swirly king : kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6HSpWyPl7-Zick 75mm f1.9 swirly emperor : kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2nKnZaVn8mBeNk cctv swirly lens : kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWbUkoKrdqujrLs Kipronar insane bokeh : kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIXMfIOhebZ-rZo 🔴 Visit the Weird Lenses Museum (for free): tinyurl.com/ybwzlqz3

[@MrShanePhoto]

Delighted to see mine is KMZ. Thanks for the great information

[@MathieuStern]

Any time!

[@robingossman3385]

I've had every version and sold except the 13 blade helios 44 the biggest issue with the m39 mount is that its the most complex to adapt and requires being internally modified.

[@Tele-fk4cu]

I've got three of them, and I use Sony full frame. Hardest to mount was the Start version. Almost a week of evenings with an aluminium ring and a needle file to make an adapter. The aluminium m39 was very easy-just a £2 step down ring, m39 to m42, and then a normal e mount to m42. I am aware that some m39 lenses require a short length adapter (eg Jupiter 8), but this isn't one of them. Good luck!

[@JordanElliottMcClure]

This video helped me realize that I got the wrong lens. But for $40, it’s fine. Gotta find one of those early ones!

[@xtiandank]

I got a Valdai, but it’s okay because it came with a Zenit-E 1980 Moscow Olympics version, altogether, the price was just at $70. I definitely want the 13 blade KMZ though to use on my Sony A7RII.

[@flapdance]

Can I ask a noob question? How does oil on the blade make the vial on the image? is it reflecting light back into the front lens?

[@stefano1816]

I have valdai,but I changed many lens took from m7, not all. quality is better but I don't know how much cause now I don't remember the original lens... could you try it for us? thank you

[@kunstfuhrer]

Thanks man, that's a piece of useful info

[@oren]

I got one of these on an old zenit the other day for £4 the camera was broken though and I was about to chuck it away I’m glad I didn’t now from the looks of it I got the 70s version