HELIOS 44-2 - My Best Lens For Video...after 47 years of photography with it. (Pt.1)

[@2MuchSwag4Funzies]

Something about a veteran photographer falling in love with the process of filmmaking is so wholesome. Great video

[@loneshootr]

white ranger - thank you - yes, I just wish I'd got into it fifty years ago! It feels like a natural progression from photography to me, it's such an awesomely powerful means of communication.

[@2MuchSwag4Funzies]

@@loneshootr I completely agree! Photography is what made me go into film school and it has been a transformative adventure! Personally, the persuit of telling stories gave me the identity I've been searching for. It's a powerful, powerful medium and life has never been as detailed without it.

[@chrisw5742]

@@loneshootr I would like to go film. Maybe get a Super 16 movie camera :-P Nice vid btw. Good stuff. I have the lens from my grandfather's Pentax camera. It is a 50mm f1.6. I LOOOOVE it.

[@loneshootr]

@@chrisw5742 yeah I considered shooting some 8mm - bought a really cool Bolex - and then the pandemic hit... so no money left for luxuries! I agree, some older lenses are really special. I love 'em.

[@PravMir79]

@@loneshootr Soviet Union

[@jamesdonnelly8888]

This was about..a lens? I absolutely forgot that after just a few seconds and became enthralled by the mood and atmosphere. What a beautifully constructed piece. Masterfully done, you have a real talent

[@loneshootr]

Thank you for such a lovely comment James, it's appreciated.

[@gamiensrule]

with the lens in question. That's kinda the point. 🙂

[@albertollorca5249]

For a photographer that doesn't do video you made a wonderfully artistic video, I love the ambiance and the imaging throughout the video. Well done!

[@loneshootr]

Alberto Llorca - Thank you for your kindness!

[@tyflos098]

I agree too

[@ogfullmelt4204]

Dude you inspire the fuck outta me man. Your wisdom and vibe . You're a real fucking man . I will one day grow to be epic enough to stand next to a dude like you

[@loneshootr]

OG FullMelt420 - ah jeez that's the kindest comment I ever saw

[@SLR33406]

THAT... was most excellent.. in a moody, storyteller kinda way... My favorite! 😁👍🏻

[@loneshootr]

SLR_FL - thank you for your kindness!

[@solangebrugnatelli]

This video makes you hold your breath. Damn beautiful.

[@loneshootr]

Solange BV - ah that is a lovely comment, thank you.

[@albertollorca5249]

Completely agree, it's almost spellbinding.

[@andy80sdrums]

If there's something that this video shows is that actual photography, composition, lighting and artistic vision matter way more than lens flare, distortion analyses and obsessive pixel peeping. Well done! This packs some great storytelling.

[@loneshootr]

Man that's a really kind comment. Thank you.

[@RossActual]

For not being a video guy, you sure made a great video.

[@loneshootr]

RossActual - thank you, you're very kind! I just wish I'd started years ago...

[@barbroland5545]

One word? Hmm..... "Mellow" like a vintage wine & that's a good thing! Cheers 🍷

[@loneshootr]

Barb Roland - yep, mellow is good, I like mellow 😊

[@Ashaya]

I absolutely love how you turned a lens review into a visual story. You have talent for this craft. Subscribed.

[@loneshootr]

Thank you very much!

[@TheNewTravel]

What storytelling. Didn't even hesitate to click subscribe!

[@loneshootr]

The New Travel - wow thank you! Subbed right back - your channel looks awesome.

[@NAGAFILMDOC]

one of the more pleasant lens description i've had , coming straight from the artist point of view

[@loneshootr]

NAGA FILM - thank you. For me, some old lenses have stories and poetry inside them...

[@tonyrambler]

That was my first lens, on a Zenit EM when I was only 12 or 13 ('82 ish). For some reason, the Zenit/Helios gear always had a distinctive smell. Don't know if it still has now. Anyway, it was an SLR and it was magic to me. Thanks for the memory.

[@loneshootr]

tonyrambler - Same here - this very lens came on my first slr - Zenit E (still have the camera too, works great). Ah yeah... the smell. From my perspective these days, I'll call it the scent of half forgotten dreams and bittersweet memories...

[@SourceAwareness]

@@loneshootr My great sir, you are DEFINITELY made to be a fantastic cinematic storyteller. Your words and imagery are pure poetry. Much love, respect and appreciation for you. :)

[@romanromanov7449]

This is the most touching video about a lense that I have ever seen, thank you everyone who has mad it.

[@vytautaszelnys6147]

Breathtaking video, easy, smooth and light like a cloud. Loved every bit of it. Subscribed

[@loneshootr]

Thank you very much for your kind comment - and thank you for subscribing, I truly appreciate that.

[@ChrisEinhaus]

What a nice Video, really amazing to watch.Great atmosphere and mood ,and that is not made by the lens only. Keep up the great work Drew.

[@loneshootr]

Christian Einhaus - ah thank you Christian!

[@LetsMakeGhosts]

I keep coming back to watch this video. I find it so inspirational. I am only starting my journey with photography and have fallen in love with it. I wish that I had discovered it earlier and possibly taken a career path in it. Thank you for the video.

[@loneshootr]

Justin A - thank you my friend. I'm just happy you are enjoying your photography.

[@loneshootr]

Give me ONE WORD to describe this lens - I'll kick it off: 'Wistful'. (no rude words please, low hangin' fruit carries no weight around these parts) 😎❤️

[@bobbowring1702]

Smoothness

[@shaanarisley343]

Ethereal ...

[@grumpyoutdoors]

Silk

[@LetsMakeGhosts]

Dreamy

[@AntonDomin]

The mood and the vibe of this video is great. Feels like short film 🙌

[@loneshootr]

Thank you Anton.

[@mathewmendoza1780]

more power sir. love from Philippines. Godbless

[@loneshootr]

mathew mendoza - thank you Mathew 😊

[@pkpcmu]

When you love something it shows up and I could tell this video has your love in it! Beautiful colors.

[@lunaboy1977]

Ahh man, I know I'm late to the party but this video made my heart swell. You got me when you said ' this is a lens you can tell stories with'

[@loneshootr]

Thank you my friend. Beautiful comment.

[@SourceAwareness]

🏆 Six seconds in, and I paused it to subscribe and leave you this comment!! WOW, beautifully shot, and I LOVE your voice, brother! My Helios 44-2 (I've ordered from Russia, going to the U.S.) is due to arrive very soon, and I'm also new to filmmaking. Soon I'm starting photography. Thanks so much for this, my friend, and I eagerly look forward to more awesome content from you. Carlos

[@loneshootr]

Source Awareness - Hey my brother enjoy that lens - it comes ready packed with emotions!

[@beaverbreweryminsk5392]

It looks like a real movie, stunning

[@loneshootr]

Slava Beaver - wow thank you.

[@PIR0kaR]

the smooth rotation of the diaphragm is really wonderful. Thanks

[@fredabery3816]

Beautiful footage. I just got a copy- love it. Mine's the 44M.

[@RedDirtMotion]

Lovely video. Just ordered one to add to my toolkit for an upcoming project.

[@loneshootr]

I'd bet you'll use it most of the time... nothing else seems to look the same.

[@SourceAwareness]

WOW!!!! I'm in love with your spirit and your channel, brother! 😅 Fantastic presentation of the 44-2, and I really wanted the video to go on longer, hehe. I've ordered mine from Russia seven weeks ago, and hope it gets here soon. Cinematography being a form of photography, and with you being a photographer with many years of practice and refinement, definitely helps you tremendously in learning the art and science of motion picture storytelling. Super impressed! Cheers, and thanks SO MUCH for your wisdom, kindness and generosity. Carlos

[@loneshootr]

Source Awareness - aw man what a lovely comment - blessings and thank you so much. Drew

[@flightographist]

really well done reverie mate! It's funny, I recently rediscovered a Helios 44-2 I've had since 1979; the first photo essay I shot was with this lens. Today, I was out on the river meandering through the forest and shore doing exactly the focus moves and pulls you were doing here, first the park structures ( board and batten, weather beaten), then the wild apple and hawthorn trees laden with dropping fruit. I didn't record audio- doh! I found a blueberry bush growing in the crook of a maple ( just like the one you framed up) with fruit on it). Lots of fun with bokeh and toneh and trying to master the gymnastic ability to pull through the entire focus range for racking.

[@loneshootr]

Yeah 'tis a thing of beauty this lens - especially the toneh at T2. (Reckon Kasey would hate it though...)

[@flightographist]

Maybe if he tried some slomo bokeh at 300 fps?@@loneshootr

[@user-ye1oo9bu6y]

Your voice so warm and cozy💛

[@MilkBoy17520]

I think just about anything you can use for 47 years is a pretty decent thing, no matter what it is. But there's a ton of heart in this video, I loved it.

[@loneshootr]

Really nice comment, thank you.

[@alexruchell5542]

Wow!How exactly they said!-This lens is to tell a story!Bravo, master!

[@Dionne_Sheree]

Beautiful cinematography, energy and presence!

[@loneshootr]

Thank you so much Dionne!

[@davemiller6884]

Bravo lone shootr, The Helios 44-2 is a fine tool but it is your eye that creates the magic. Love old glass.

[@crcruz]

3 minutes ago, I didn’t even know this guy…now I feel like he’s an old friend giving me much needed life advice 😳

[@Slvlrmn]

The best video about this lens, I actually wait for delivery of helios-77 m4🙏👍

[@loneshootr]

Viacheslav - Thank you my friend. Enjoy your 77 M4 - nice sharp lens, nice build, nice bokeh!

[@Lifethrufujifilm]

wow what a great lens I found my in charity shop few week ago and got a m42 adapter. I didn't know get work like this. thanks for the video

[@romanshubenko6753]

Nice! Incredible! Thanks! Дякую!)

[@loneshootr]

Roman Shubenko - Thank you my friend.

[@patrickburns7701]

Keep on bringing great videos. Enjoy the content!

[@loneshootr]

Thank you Patrick!

[@Asidofoto]

What a movie! Great job!

[@luis_soares_photography1230]

I'm a proud owner of a nearly new Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 lens, and I love it! Mine is from 1978. I use it on my Sony A7 mark1. The results are just stunning! Such a special little lens! That bokeh, that softness, it's a joy to use! And I don't know if it's just my lens, cause these lenses are all unique, but mine is surprisingly sharp form f/2.8 to f/8 . It cost me about 35,00€, shipping included. Sweet deal! Could not be happier! Great video, by the way. Subscribing right now. Cheers!

[@loneshootr]

Yes - the Helios sharpens up very well. Definitely my favorite lens! Thank you for your kind comment.

[@mustangmare]

Glass, glass, glass, this looks really nice! Thank you. Manual lenses making magic.

[@loneshootr]

Still my favorite lens - 44-2.

[@mannyfloresfilms]

I love your whole personality. Of course, I don't know you but you have a way of speaking that makes me even more passionate about film. Thank you brotha!

[@loneshootr]

Beautiful comment brother - thank you! 😊

[@mchammer5442]

Wow that is an amazing video! The best one I've seen in a long long time. Kudos for turning a gear review into a piece of art!

[@loneshootr]

Wow, thank you.

[@HollyHargreaves]

'It's a lens you can tell stories with' I'm sold. PS. I'm so stoked that researching this lens led me to your channel.

[@loneshootr]

Thank you Holly.

[@LuisCruz-yg6rs]

The story telling lens review is simply amazing. It is brilliantly engaging! Wow!

[@loneshootr]

Wow, thank you Luis.

[@LuisCruz-yg6rs]

@@loneshootr You are welcome!

[@SuperWermut]

У меня было много разных объективов, но моя душа всегда с гелиосом 44-2, потому что он дает картинку как в детстве, как 30 лет назад, когда я был ребёнком и вся семья была вместе и я снимал на свой первый фотоаппарат. Теперь я снимаю своих детей на тот самый гелиос.

[@theseventh2609]

Laughing at this video. It is so good and your voice is gold man !

[@loneshootr]

The Seventh - Ha! Thank you kindly!

[@PhilippeOrlando]

The way you filmed this episode is just beautiful. This is truly looking like film.

[@MA-jm3fu]

Quality, quality quality..............quality content

[@loneshootr]

Mohammad Aqeel - Thank you so much.

[@Wingman115]

Stunning.

[@bmefilms6879]

this video is everything. fantastic personality!!!

[@mvinch101]

This is so cinematic

[@albridgedryliningltd9531]

Your videos are getting better and better.. Think I'll have to call you Phoenix Ford.. I might have made that bit up 😂 You were made for this !

[@loneshootr]

Albridge Drylining Ltd - 🤣 thank you brother ❤️

[@tolstoidomar]

You have such a personality Sir. Love the style.

[@loneshootr]

Gordo - Such a kind comment my friend, thank you.

[@bobbowring1702]

A fantastic lens is the Helios 44-2

[@loneshootr]

bob bowring - Agreed!

[@reerk92]

Breathtaking video about great lens. Shout-out from Russia!

[@loneshootr]

vanqu1sh Thank you very much! Yes, my two favorite lenses are both Russian - 44-2 and 40.

[@johnnevin5706]

love the background music

[@loneshootr]

Me too John - it's beautiful. The credits should be in the video description for you.

[@bigsavagedaddy5960]

Great video about an intriguing lens. I’m about to order one of these charismatic lenses for my A7siii. I loved the simplicity and mood of this video. I’m just getting into video and falling in love with it. I’ve been a full time photographer for 11 years now. Thanks for the content and keep up the great work. Oh, I want your hat, too.

[@loneshootr]

Big Savage Daddy - the Helios will be a dream on that lovely Sony. Yeah, same story for me - totally hooked on creating video now, love it. Thanks for your kind comment, I appreciate it.

[@prOkrEAt]

Definitely have a Helios addiction. Have 44M M42 and 13.blade(silver), 44M-2, 44M-4, 44M-7. Some have anamorphic mod, some don't.

[@RobertFGardner]

Character. That lens is amazing. Thanks again for your content!

[@loneshootr]

My pleasure Robert. Yes, I've had a long time with this lens - I despised it when I first got it when I was a teenager (all my friends were using 'posh' gear) but I grew to appreciate it year after year!

[@jKHAHN215PA]

Your def having fun with it ..fs !

[@BG3K]

Great video, you have such character. might have to buy one just cause of you.

[@loneshootr]

BOPGANG3000 - Thank you my friend - and I certainly do recommend you try a Helios 44-2

[@photo1416]

Interesting lens ! No less lively from the helios also 85mm 1.5 (40-2) . You got a very cinematic picture !

[@loneshootr]

Олег (Photo) - Thank you! Yes, the Helios 40 is a lens I would very much like to own also.

[@nerdydan6638]

Such a quality cinematic video. And then such an abrupt ending 😂

[@loneshootr]

😁

[@Stargate_Project]

Hello from Russia🇷🇺nice video, very nice 📷, by the way, this is my beloved lenses ✌️👍💯💯💯for video, I agree with you🙏🤗

[@loneshootr]

Thank you! 👍

[@cosmashono7665]

Now that’s how to hold viewers’ attention spellbound. Just subbed.

[@loneshootr]

Cosmas Hono - Thank you for your kindness my friend.

[@sam.oates_]

What a great video. This made me go and blow the dust off my old 44-2. Sooooo Good.

[@loneshootr]

Thanks Sam. Yeah it's a fun lens, I seem to be using it more and more as time goes by.

[@rubenteshmar86]

this is probably one of the best videos about a lens I have ever seen mate! please make more, and yeah I will buy it soon :)

[@loneshootr]

Awesome, thank you!

[@albridgedryliningltd9531]

Sublime

[@filipzamec9671]

You are a video guy obviously. Beatiful footage...

[@loneshootr]

Thank you for your kindness my friend. Drew

[@pkpcmu]

I got a KMZ one on ebay after watching this and I'm loving the character this lens has.

[@loneshootr]

Yes, I have the KMZ lens - it's the nicest one I think.

[@corbinpearce7686]

You say you're not a video guy, but I think you've got a better eye for framing up shots than 90% of what I see on KZbin - for my tastes at least.

[@cinematicarcade]

Beautiful work!!!

[@loneshootr]

Thank you very much!

[@PhilippeOrlando]

Hello, I'm a new subscriber and did find your channel BECAUSE of the cam reviews, sorry. But rest assure that the other content is even more interesting to me. I also find your photos amazing. Superbe actually. I'm French, I live in the US, I have a few stories rotting on my hard drive, some of them are shorts, some are longer. I think your eye is ability with light is so great that I'd consider taking a trip to England, when I'm visiting France, to convince you to be the DP on a few stories I have. Yeah, I need to put my hands on one of those helios.

[@yelyel6897]

Photography asmr.

[@PaulNewberyPhotography]

i treated myself to this lens during our first lockdown. I have to say I love it. So cheap more people should get one.

[@loneshootr]

Agreed Paul - at what they cost it's crazy not to own one. Drew

[@monlegaspi]

Beautiful film 😍👌

[@loneshootr]

Mon Legaspi - Thank you brother.

[@chrissmith7069]

WOW! absolutely breath taking. I could have watched for hrs. You are a bloody genius :-)

[@loneshootr]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@iainmc9859]

'Shallow' -as in depth of focus. I got one with my Zenit E, although the 44M -4 takes better photo's.

[@loneshootr]

Iain Mc - yep that 44M is a superior lens in many ways. 44-2 sharpens up well once it's stopped down a bit though - but it's the imperfections that make it 'perfect' to me!

[@iainmc9859]

@@loneshootr They're not imperfections. They're personality :-)

[@sebastianschmidt5850]

Beautiful 😍

[@loneshootr]

Thank you! 😊

[@TheDzingl]

Masterpiece.

[@loneshootr]

Aistė Jucytė - Urvakė Thank you for your kindness.

[@MJLLC2000]

Drew, I just bought one on Ebay. It is attached to a Zenit 12 CD film camera. I don't know what I'll do with the camera. I just wanted to try the lens. I suspect it may become my go to video lens. Thanks for introducing me to it!

[@loneshootr]

Smart Real Tours, LLC - ah that's great! I really hope you grow to love it like I do! It's quite soft wide open (for photography) but beautiful nonetheless. Where it really shines is for video. I shoot it wide open 90% of the time, and use a variable neutral density filter to control exposure in daylight. (Cheap filter about $15 on ebay!).

[@gamiensrule]

As I have aged, my eye for images has evolved quite considerably. I would say it's "Matured" but I suppose it's subjective, isn't it? What I thought of as a perfect image in my teens and twenties is far away from what I see as such, now, in my 40s. The helios 44-2 creates something of a warm, dreamlike character with the light. Almost everything I see shot with it inspires and motivates me, and this video is a breathtaking composition. I just can't quite put in words what these images do to my brain. Suffice to say, I dig it. And I'm gonna have to pick one of these up for my pocket 6k. Really curious to see what I can get on an overcast autumn day by the lake.

[@loneshootr]

Thank you. Yep, it's a strange lens. To me it feels like a parallel universe working with it - everything looks the same, but different... One step removed from stark reality - like 24fps compared to 30fps. Drew

[@gamiensrule]

@@loneshootr that's a really apt analogy. It's like stepping sideways into a just barely different universe.

[@PeaLoop]

Fantastic video. Great lens.

[@loneshootr]

Many thanks, and yes, great lens - I use this lens more than any other these days.

[@MajorXFC]

Great video. This has convinced me to purchased the lens and give it a try.

[@loneshootr]

MajorXFC - Thank you, and you won't regret your purchase.

[@aprilproduction6054]

У меня такой объектив как раз лежит на полке. Но он не просто так лежит бездельно. Я его модернезирую и скоро из него получится отличный кинообъектив. Тесты показали, что он супер и что надо сделать, что бы получить из него потрясный инструмент для короткометражного широкоформатного кино! Вы - молодец! (Rus)

[@loneshootr]

Спасибо. Хороший объектив.

[@Kesslerlite]

this is a great video sir👏🏽👏🏽

[@lectrictraveler]

Such a short video but yet a lifetime storyline. Love how you made this lens come to life through the music and scenes. You were able to portray your honesty and passion for this lens as I am looking at the reviews on it. You did such a good job that you earned yourself a subscriber. I am just now getting ready to start my own content LectricTraveker here in Texas, US and thanks to you I will be purchasing this lens for my set of lenses that I have for my Sony ZV-E10 that I use for my wife's garden channel EcoFarmstead. This lens should come in handy when I am visiting history sites here where I live and any other vintage points of interest. Again thanks. --chris

[@loneshootr]

Lectric Traveler - thank you kindly. I'll check out your channel as it's a subject that interests me.

[@vbudyak]

Благодарю 👍

[@loneshootr]

Спасибо и вам тоже 😊

[@Viditski]

Dude awesome video! What's your other 4 lenses you use for video?

[@loneshootr]

JV Holt - Thank you! I'll be making a video on them - although they are nothing special... and they're all dirt cheap. Carl Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm f1.8 (sharp wide open, unlike the 44-2) Carl Zeiss Jena 135mm f2.8 Tamron Adaptall 300mm f5.6 Tamron Adaptall 24mm f2.8 - all used on a Viltrox Speedbooster.

[@InFamousProductions]

killer bro. I haven't used mine in a while, I'm gonna pull it out and shoot some vid. I have a Sony FX3 that I have not tried it out on, should look insane.

[@loneshootr]

Yeah that'd be a great combo - I'd love to see the footage if you put any on the 'Tube here.

[@grumpyoutdoors]

Man, I love you videos. So absorbing and visually luxurious - Thank you. All the very best of luck in your future endeavors.

[@loneshootr]

Jarah Drones - Thank you for your kind comment my friend.

[@acedia4453]

Good stuff. I can no longer the ESPN sharpness they try to pass off as narrative pieces. Ill take a grungy image with great audio over Monday night football films any day.

[@loneshootr]

Agreed.

[@nickdattner8680]

Love this man.

[@SaschaKratzer]

beautiful!

[@davelordy]

_"They made enough 44-2s for every man, women and child on the planet"_ Lol, I doubt that. Really nice footage, amazing colours.

[@plam9305]

incredible! thanks

[@neilpiper9889]

I use my 1971 44-2 58mm lens on a Practica L because it has a better metal shutter and a lock on the shutter release button to prevent film waste.

[@loneshootr]

neil piper - ah yeah that's a reliable ol' camera too.

[@dirkboy07]

This footage is amazing !!

[@loneshootr]

Wow thanks Vince!

[@dirkboy07]

@@loneshootr I have a Canon 90d, would I need any sort of adapter for the 44-2?

[@loneshootr]

@@dirkboy07 yep, a cheap M42 to EF adapter from the good ol' ebays is all you need.