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

  Рет қаралды 293,658

Mathieu Stern

Mathieu Stern

Күн бұрын

The best place to find Helios lenses : ebay.us/4bUEFf
(This site contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated)
⭕ Visit the Weird Lenses Museum (for free): tinyurl.com/ybwzlqz3
⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓
Helios 44-2 guide for buying : • Helios 44-2 Lens: Watc...
70mm projector lens swirly king : • Extreme Swirly Bokeh w...
75mm f1.9 swirly emperor : • This Weird Lens Is The...
cctv swirly lens : • Adapting a cheap CCTV ...
Kipronar insane bokeh : • INSANE SWIRLY BOKEH - ...
Instagram / mathieustern
⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓⇩↓
🔴 To make my VIDEOS I use…
This camera - amzn.to/3Arn96d
This Lens - amzn.to/3AnMJJf
This Lens - amzn.to/3L03P4Y
This Lens - amzn.to/3V0G0yi
This Lens - amzn.to/3AqwScM
This Lens - amzn.to/3N7SP80
This Lens - amzn.to/3N8tDys
This Lens - amzn.to/3mZ2rr7
This camera mic - amzn.to/3LmRxF6
This voice over mic - amzn.to/3AnJTnx
This tripod - amzn.to/41zIrKT
This Lens Blower - amzn.to/3Apmlia
This 256GO SD card - amzn.to/2Ddb8Ve
This LUT pack for color grading - tinyurl.com/yag5lu96
► Retro Foto House YT channel : / @retrofotohouse
ebay stores:
www.ebay.com/usr/kosbik84
www.ebay.com/usr/retrofotohouse
etsy store:
www.etsy.com/shop/RetroFotoHouse
► M U S I C ♫
Here are the best options for great music for monetizing your videos:
🎹 I use Musicbed for the cinematic electronic music in my videos. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself:
fm.pxf.io/c/3558945/1347628/1...
Use my coupon code MATHIEU23 at checkout to get your first month free when you purchase an annual subscription.
🎸 Epidemic Sound is perfect for classical epic cinematic soundtracks
share.epidemicsound.com/rFnt2
More vintage Gear I Use :
MY VINTAGE LENS ADAPTERS SELECTION
🔴 M42 ADAPTERS
- Canon: amzn.to/3A01npe
- Sony: amzn.to/3GwHLeO
- Panasonic: amzn.to/3qqzOBY
- FUJI FX: amzn.to/3rb6D5e
🔴 FD ADAPTERS
- Canon: amzn.to/3FosWcF
- Sony: amzn.to/3qraOuB
- Panasonic: amzn.to/3zZPjny
- FUJI FX: amzn.to/3zXJgzX
🔴 MD ADAPTERS
- Canon: amzn.to/3qrdNTP
- Sony: amzn.to/3fpPS0M
- FUJI FX : amzn.to/3fo4eyM
🔴 M MOUNT ADAPTERS
- Canon: amzn.to/3zYvXPJ
- Sony: amzn.to/3A1vWea
- FUJI FX: amzn.to/3qrkyFd
🔴 Lens cleaning tools :
Lens Wrench : amzn.to/2ROBKE8
Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, 6 PACK : amzn.to/2CrgCtA
Lens pen : amzn.to/2Ddxt4I
Gloves : amzn.to/2FCFUsc
Lens Sucker: amzn.to/3tvPQwq
Filter Wrench : amzn.to/3zZJff9
SOCIAL
📱 Please join me on Instagram: / mathieustern
►T W I T TE R: / mathieustern
If you want to support the channel consider purchasing my color-grading LUT packs, or becoming a Patreon / Channel member!
/ mathieustern
www.mathieustern.com/luts

Пікірлер: 364
@SourcePhotography
@SourcePhotography 2 жыл бұрын
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
@SuiSlyder808 2 ай бұрын
Same here! Glad to see RFH seems to take pride in converting the cheaper stuff into a higher quality verison.
@RetroFotoHouse
@RetroFotoHouse 2 жыл бұрын
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
@bigturn1051 2 жыл бұрын
the helios 44 started production years after Stalin died.
@ballsrgrossnugly
@ballsrgrossnugly 2 жыл бұрын
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
@bigturn1051 2 жыл бұрын
@@ballsrgrossnugly anticommunism and its consequences have been a disaster for the human race
@ballsrgrossnugly
@ballsrgrossnugly 2 жыл бұрын
@@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
@bigturn1051 2 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@PhotoViking
@PhotoViking 2 жыл бұрын
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
@loukashareangas4420 2 жыл бұрын
Can you tell us more about the sensor coverage?
@JetFightzer
@JetFightzer 2 жыл бұрын
How is 44-M7 in comparison to the first version of Helios-44?
@PhotoViking
@PhotoViking 2 жыл бұрын
@@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
@PhotoViking 2 жыл бұрын
@@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
@chrisnovakowski9827 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@antontaranenko8824
@antontaranenko8824 2 жыл бұрын
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
@dslrdave 2 жыл бұрын
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 !
@MathieuStern
@MathieuStern 2 жыл бұрын
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
@Fretice
@Fretice 2 жыл бұрын
Very straight forward tutorial, thank you!
@xiaodu87
@xiaodu87 2 жыл бұрын
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
@nickykodak7536 Жыл бұрын
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.
@petrolpoodle6617
@petrolpoodle6617 Жыл бұрын
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!
@TheRoadLessPaved
@TheRoadLessPaved 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@mikefiction9890
@mikefiction9890 2 жыл бұрын
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
@youyao Жыл бұрын
same
@BLoren
@BLoren Жыл бұрын
Great video, thank you! I bought the Valdai version a while back without really understanding the difference. This helps a lot.
@iamyotka
@iamyotka 2 жыл бұрын
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!
@kunstfuhrer
@kunstfuhrer 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks man, that's a piece of useful info
@NickGranville
@NickGranville 2 жыл бұрын
That’s for this. I just checked my lens and it’s a KMZ version in M43 mount. Wonderful lens
@ramseymellette3169
@ramseymellette3169 5 ай бұрын
Great video. Thank you!
@ReimannPembroke
@ReimannPembroke 2 жыл бұрын
Great video! I love my Helios 44-2!
@burnieplace
@burnieplace 2 жыл бұрын
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
@MathieuStern 2 жыл бұрын
Sounds great! A rare version you Have
@FredBloggsTheThird
@FredBloggsTheThird 2 жыл бұрын
Amazing, a fantastic reference, thanks so much :)
@BigLRestInPeace
@BigLRestInPeace Жыл бұрын
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.
@MultiSciGeek
@MultiSciGeek 9 ай бұрын
Very very useful, and solid methodology. Would love to see more such lens reviews.
@chengwildon8909
@chengwildon8909 2 жыл бұрын
Very good comparison as I am recently thinking of this lovely lens. Thanks a lot.
@svendollbaum1338
@svendollbaum1338 8 ай бұрын
Very helpful! Merci!
@nuovofresco
@nuovofresco 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@JedDobre
@JedDobre 2 жыл бұрын
Dang! This was very informative!! :)
@toasty2324
@toasty2324 Жыл бұрын
Awesome video!
@NasserTone
@NasserTone Жыл бұрын
Amazing! BTW could you kindly please tell me which version of the lens captured the scene that starts at 5:52?
@ljwin1713
@ljwin1713 Жыл бұрын
that was super helpful!
@MathieuStern
@MathieuStern Жыл бұрын
Glad you think so!
@TheXxPSYCHO
@TheXxPSYCHO Жыл бұрын
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
@ValleyRC 4 ай бұрын
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.
@azizapu2515
@azizapu2515 2 жыл бұрын
Yey!! I have the first version :) It's super fun and sharp(if you can nail the focus)!
@strangekittyca
@strangekittyca 2 жыл бұрын
I inherited a Zenit-E and it came with a 44-2. I'm pretty pleased 😁
@AlexanderRay92
@AlexanderRay92 Жыл бұрын
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
@andycrystal
@andycrystal 10 ай бұрын
There is no inferior version. There is another video here on YT with a comparative test that shows it.
@globally123
@globally123 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you Mathieu, I bought the original versiom a while ago.
@btsvasko
@btsvasko 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this video.
@snaj9989
@snaj9989 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@Tsudkyk
@Tsudkyk 3 ай бұрын
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
@josh33layne
@josh33layne Жыл бұрын
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.
@williamcurwen7428
@williamcurwen7428 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@agustinsapad7575
@agustinsapad7575 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you so very much Sir!!!!!!!....... (subbed!!!!)
@ushirogeri8085
@ushirogeri8085 6 ай бұрын
Thnaks a lot.
@retrophotolenses
@retrophotolenses 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@bolatepung
@bolatepung 9 ай бұрын
Thank you! Now I know 😊
@jerfareza
@jerfareza 2 жыл бұрын
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
@MathieuStern 2 жыл бұрын
Glad I could help!
@Kitsaplorax
@Kitsaplorax 2 жыл бұрын
I've got the MMZ version as well. Love everything about this lens..
@madmechanic7641
@madmechanic7641 2 жыл бұрын
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
@SteveWB
@SteveWB 2 жыл бұрын
Hello Mathieu great info!
@MathieuStern
@MathieuStern 2 жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@jessetimmmiller1870
@jessetimmmiller1870 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this, bro!
@MathieuStern
@MathieuStern 2 жыл бұрын
Any time!
@nikab6823
@nikab6823 2 жыл бұрын
Will you make a video on Super Takumar 55mm F 1.8? I would love to see it, love all your videos!:D
@konotoasita
@konotoasita 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@mifarr
@mifarr 2 жыл бұрын
what an amazing video thank you very much!
@MathieuStern
@MathieuStern 2 жыл бұрын
Glad it helped!
@cdl0
@cdl0 2 жыл бұрын
The videos by Retro Foto House provide excellent, detailed information about lenses made in the old Soviet Union.
@MathieuStern
@MathieuStern 2 жыл бұрын
Yep, thats why I worked with him :)
@sergical5
@sergical5 Жыл бұрын
Just picked up a 1980 version with the zenit camera and got out for a steal. Can’t wait to play! 📸
@koishooter
@koishooter 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@m.s.g1890
@m.s.g1890 Жыл бұрын
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.
@johnpeterson7264
@johnpeterson7264 Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@MathieuStern
@MathieuStern Жыл бұрын
thank you so much John
@glaurung666
@glaurung666 Жыл бұрын
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.
@Viking88Power
@Viking88Power Жыл бұрын
I love this lens.
@razzman038
@razzman038 2 жыл бұрын
I have the valdai version but i still love using it until now
@Moriarty2007
@Moriarty2007 2 жыл бұрын
I have got Helios 44-2 form my grandfather and i love it! (Krasnogorsk factory)
@benjamingentile1660
@benjamingentile1660 Жыл бұрын
get the silvery one. GOT IT! Thank you!
@fwiffo
@fwiffo 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@mutuslibertcmp
@mutuslibertcmp 8 ай бұрын
Thanks
@nakanishishizuka3459
@nakanishishizuka3459 8 ай бұрын
helpful video
@kajeellworth4746
@kajeellworth4746 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@chrisfielder7701
@chrisfielder7701 2 жыл бұрын
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?
@christianlainesse4281
@christianlainesse4281 2 жыл бұрын
I have a copy of the 13-bladed silver one, and it's sharp enough for the GFX cameras.
@acedia4453
@acedia4453 Жыл бұрын
I have a Valdai that has been cine modded and it is 100% clean and produces very sharp images.
@daniel635biturbo
@daniel635biturbo 2 жыл бұрын
MMZ 0017241 "Zebra version" reporting in, from Sweden. Good condition, bought with stiff focus ring, but thanks to Retro Foto House DIY video I've did some maintenance lubrication 👌
@epiculo2
@epiculo2 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@ainhoasamford8046
@ainhoasamford8046 2 жыл бұрын
Tengo en funcionamiento la cámara Zenith con el objetivo Helios 44Mde KMZ f 2 58mm, buen objetivo de esa época analógica y lo uso en la OMD EM1
@fikryahmadg4865
@fikryahmadg4865 2 жыл бұрын
Omg, thanks for the information. I just realised that i have the first version thanks ✌
@MathieuStern
@MathieuStern 2 жыл бұрын
Enjoy it
@MrShanePhoto
@MrShanePhoto 2 жыл бұрын
Delighted to see mine is KMZ. Thanks for the great information
@MathieuStern
@MathieuStern 2 жыл бұрын
Any time!
@thejacal2704
@thejacal2704 2 жыл бұрын
I've got a silver KMZ, serial no 103883, it's beautiful. Also, I only paid about 20 euros for it.
@KathyXie
@KathyXie 2 жыл бұрын
It would be nice to see a comparison between the m42 and the later K mount version
@daveleo7248
@daveleo7248 2 жыл бұрын
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
@StefanMrsevic 5 ай бұрын
Hi! Have you used some speed booster to adapt it?
@StefanMrsevic
@StefanMrsevic 5 ай бұрын
Hi! Have you used some speed booster to adapt it?
@ConstantThrowing
@ConstantThrowing 2 жыл бұрын
I have a black kmz version and somehow the f2 of that is brighter than the f1.4 of my similarly sized canon ef (the nice heavy brass one). Always found that unusual.
@eos6912
@eos6912 Ай бұрын
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
@MathieuStern Ай бұрын
Glad I could help!
@sugopaciugo
@sugopaciugo 10 ай бұрын
Hi Mathieu, do you have some suggest to obtain a swirly bokeh on a medium format? Thanks!
@pauka13
@pauka13 2 жыл бұрын
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!
@esnide22
@esnide22 2 жыл бұрын
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
@ellyrion8173 Жыл бұрын
Hey - is it the zebra version?
@TheLeagueOfAnimalRescue
@TheLeagueOfAnimalRescue Жыл бұрын
I have also the MMZ version, "the zebra version", would love to know more about the story behind it
@TheLeagueOfAnimalRescue
@TheLeagueOfAnimalRescue Жыл бұрын
​@@ellyrion8173 any idea how good the MMZ zebra version is?
@ellyrion8173
@ellyrion8173 Жыл бұрын
@@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
@esnide22 Жыл бұрын
@@ellyrion8173 wow I'm sorry man Im just now seeing this. Mine is not the zebra
@ohjajohh
@ohjajohh 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@Hyalinaproductions
@Hyalinaproductions 2 жыл бұрын
Great info to know that I’ve been having the wrong one for more than a year.
@FaddyVFX
@FaddyVFX 2 жыл бұрын
👍👋Great video, interesting, there is alot to learn, your video is very great to watch,. , awesome
@MathieuStern
@MathieuStern 2 жыл бұрын
Many thanks !
@dobryanskiy
@dobryanskiy 11 ай бұрын
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.
@robertmathieson97
@robertmathieson97 2 жыл бұрын
There are many many versions, the Helios-44M-7 from the 80's or 90's? is often claimed to be the sharpest, I have a 44K-4 in native Pentax PK mount and a 44M converted to Nikon that are both great lenses on film and digital.
@kevindowdall3792
@kevindowdall3792 2 жыл бұрын
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......
@jaakkooksa5374
@jaakkooksa5374 2 жыл бұрын
I have a 44-3 and it was very easy to modify for infinity focus on Nikon.
@rocheuro
@rocheuro Жыл бұрын
your logo animation both stand out. really well done (I;m a designer)
@brouzo
@brouzo 2 жыл бұрын
I have the KMZ 1993 version and I love it
@gariklive9498
@gariklive9498 Жыл бұрын
Спасибо!
@antoine7085
@antoine7085 2 жыл бұрын
Merci l'ami ! J'ai reconnu Meudon :)
@JordanElliottMcClure
@JordanElliottMcClure Жыл бұрын
This video helped me realize that I got the wrong lens. But for $40, it’s fine. Gotta find one of those early ones!
@4g0tten4
@4g0tten4 2 жыл бұрын
If oil on the blades is the only problem, then it is easy enough to disassemble the lens and clean some of that off.
@campanaro_99
@campanaro_99 5 ай бұрын
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.
@Twisted_Sound
@Twisted_Sound 2 жыл бұрын
I have perhaps a more rare version with Pentax K mount, whats your opinion for this one?
@SimeonKolev
@SimeonKolev 2 жыл бұрын
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
@loukashareangas4420 2 жыл бұрын
Well, rumour has it that the earliest ones were assembled from actual glass taken from the Zeiss plants in Germany, right after ww2
@SimeonKolev
@SimeonKolev 2 жыл бұрын
@@loukashareangas4420 it is a fact not a rumor :D
@MrGunzoller
@MrGunzoller Жыл бұрын
​@@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.
@xtiandank
@xtiandank 2 жыл бұрын
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.
@NandR
@NandR 2 жыл бұрын
Well that explains a lot. I got my M42 Helios in a giveaway from Arthur R (technologymafia). I thought it was just the quality of the lens but it’s the last model made so it has that softness. Maybe I’ll pick up an original M39 or even a Biotar.
@EricSantos
@EricSantos 2 жыл бұрын
What adapter do you use to attach the M39 Helios to a sony camera?
@thoughtcriminal7198
@thoughtcriminal7198 2 жыл бұрын
This is interesting but if you want one of the early types you could pay four times or more as much for it. I’m quite happy with my ‘74 kmz edition. The creamy lack of contrast could be described as ‘cinematic’.
@cmeluzzi
@cmeluzzi 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the video and explanations! My Valdai has some oil on the blades, but it works fine. I do like it because of the vintage, soft look, which most modern lenses don't produce. More sharpness in this case doesn't mean necessarily a better product for my use case.
Helios 44-2 versus Helios 44, 44-3, 44M, 44M-4...  Which is best?
9:19
Гелиос-44-2 - САМЫЙ ДОСТУПНЫЙ ОБЪЕКТИВ
16:13
MEGA BOXES ARE BACK!!!
08:53
Brawl Stars
Рет қаралды 32 МЛН
PINK STEERING STEERING CAR
00:31
Levsob
Рет қаралды 23 МЛН
Неприятная Встреча На Мосту - Полярная звезда #shorts
00:59
Полярная звезда - Kuzey Yıldızı
Рет қаралды 6 МЛН
10 Vintage Lens Mistakes (STOP wasting MONEY)
8:02
Mathieu Stern
Рет қаралды 69 М.
How to Clean a Vintage Lens with a Huge Fungus Infection
8:10
Mathieu Stern
Рет қаралды 373 М.
Helios 44-2
10:35
grainydays
Рет қаралды 164 М.
5 Weird Vintage Lens Adapters for Crazy Effects
6:18
Mathieu Stern
Рет қаралды 846 М.
The HELIOS 44-2 Was Used In THE BATMAN
9:15
Mark Holtze
Рет қаралды 189 М.
The TRUTH about shooting at ISO 100 that the PROS know.
11:41
Simon d'Entremont
Рет қаралды 1,6 МЛН
MY FAV LENS is $60- why everyone needs this cheap lens
10:18
Mark Bone
Рет қаралды 133 М.
The World wasn't ready for these Crazy Lenses
12:18
Cong Thanh
Рет қаралды 176 М.
iOS 18 vs Samsung, Xiaomi,Tecno, Android
0:54
AndroHack
Рет қаралды 81 М.
Обзор Sonos Ace - лучше б не выпускали...
16:33
cute mini iphone
0:34
승비니 Seungbini
Рет қаралды 4,4 МЛН