Helios 44-2 versus Helios 44, 44-3, 44M, 44M-4... Which is best?

[@Simonsutak]

A point of clarification on swirls (Since I can't edit the video). I'm aware that people have tested the swirls of different Helios 44 series from 44 to 44M-7, and found under controlled conditions that they swirl in the same way. If I could edit this video, I'd say that I've conducted my own head-to-head tests in a controlled situation and found similar conclusions. The Helios designers worked to improve coatings and reduce aberrations, but possibly did not try to eradicate swirls, over the series types. However, I still find that under less controlled, real world walk-around conditions that my early Helios 44 and 44-2s seem (for some reason) to swirl more, it's just my experience. Similarly, in most real-world conditions where I'd expect a Helios 44-2 to swirl, I'd say my early CZJ Biotar 58/2 doesn't swirl. But in a few exceptional situations, the Biotar will swirl quite a lot. I think these "real world conditions" make a difference. Personally, I find it harder to get swirls from the 44M lenses onwards. Again, this is just my experience, and understand if people disagree

[@stefpix]

I feel they swirl more or less the same, flare, corner sharpness, contrast can be different. I wonder if variations are model to model. I compared 44-2,3, M, M-4 and I do not really see significant differences. 44-3 and 44M-4 seem to have more contrast wide open. But these variations could not be due to condition, inside dust, cleaning marks, coating differences? I find the M series easier to focus and adjust aperture. with 44-2/44-3 it is easy to knock the fous while changing the aperture, especially with gloves. I have to decide what to keep, what to sell. 44M-4 seems the cleaners, 44M-3 smoothest ring but I get some flare lines (maybe some dust inside?), 44-2 has a stiff focus helicoid, 44-3 may be good for filming due to clickless aperture ring (the preset). I ordered a 44M-6. Probably I will just keep 3. While the 44-2 looks cool, the M series are more practical to use.

[@p4ul.f708]

@@stefpix Hey I have a chance to buy a 44 M6. So Id like to ask how do you like yours ?🤔

[@calebbarstadreels]

thank you sir, sick collection

[@Metal_Vistas]

I enjoyed your video and I agreed with most of it. I own quite a few of these lenses, including the 40, and the original 13 blade 44, as well as a 40-2 and 44m-4. My only disagreement is that I find my 44m-4 has lovely swirls to it, and is one of my favorite lenses. I would use it more, but the focus ring is so stiff that I have a problem with it unscrewing the lens from my adapter. It was so inexpensive, I purchased a second copy in the hopes of smoother focus, but it was equally stiff, perhaps due to caked lubrication.

[@nickykodak7536]

I use 44-2 lenses quite a bit and have done for years. Across years of manufacturing and across different factories of production they certainly do not swirl in any similar manner. Nor do they visually behave in similar fashion in terms of bokeh, infinity reach, image quality, close focus reach and depth of field across apertures. Use them of different cameras and they behave differently again. And that's just 44-2 lenses. I can only think folks who find not only 44-2 lenses, but many others from the Helios 58mm range, similar is simply because they are using a narrow range on the same camera while suing the same software settings to produce digital images.

[@LoveChristJesus]

I have first version, the 44-13 blades.I absolutely love this lens, it's very good for portraits.

[@54V4]

Me too. :)

[@נבובדק]

What’s model name? Year of release?

[@sertaysakizoglu5553]

the m39 mount 13 blades version is my favourite as well. unfortunately mine doesn't swirl a lot, but it delivers great sharpness and colors. it's my go-to portraits lens

[@paulsnaith9677]

Another really interesting and informative review of this particular series of lenses. Wonderful sample images too by the way Simon. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@oceansidesounddesign8770]

Thank you for the time to make this video. Incredibly helpful in navigating the Helios market.

[@legniak1]

Was a cheap lens until recently. Around $130-$200 for the 44-2 and a little less for 44M. Crazy jump in price considering it’s a pretty common lens. This and the vintage canon FD set are my favorite lenses ever

[@Itaketoomanypics]

I paid so much for canon Fd this year I hate it

[@nk__]

Really? I still see offers for 30-70€

[@legniak1]

@@nk__ it’s usually the worst manufactured one but it’s maybe a little cheaper in Europe 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@DigitalNinja3]

I purchased my first 44-2 based on your recommendation and I am extremely happy with the photographic results. Waiting to use it for video...thanks for your information.

[@bruchino]

this is what I was looking for! excellent review

[@stoffi]

A perfect review! Short, to-the-point and informative, with just enough personality to keep me interested.

[@deathbyvideo1620]

I have both the 44 and 44m4 and I love them both. The 44 is one of my favorites. Wide open the bokeh looks like a surrealist painting while leaving my subject beautifully separated and decently sharp in the center. The perfect budget friendly art lens 👌 My 44m4 is also a really nice lens, and I still am able to get some swirly bokeh in the right conditions, but it's dinette a much better all around fast 50 lens. Nice Sharon's and colors

[@marcstaples9930]

Came across your great videos after finding out that I had a Carl Zeiss Ultron 50mm/1.8 lens which was in my collection for 30 years and I never used it, until I started recently investigating the camera body and the lens. I then bought an adapter to use it on my Nikon Z7II, as I wanted to use the old vintage lenses I had in my day to day photography and I knew about the nice results (bokeh) you can get from them. I then started looking into where I can buy these old lenses and what information there is about them and must say, your videos are not only very informative, but also objective which helps a lot and as you say, not everything you read on the internet about the lens turns out to be true. I definitely am going to continue looking for more of these lenses and on my list are the Helios 44-2 and the Ashai Super Takumar 55mm 1.8. Hope to see more of yourr good videos especially where you perhaps can show more how to clean and reverse lens components as you did on the Helios - if possible. Many thanks

[@johnwest7228]

excellent- I have a number of these lenses and now I have a better idea of what to expect from each variation, I had been taking test shots with each to find my favorite for each condition you have saved me a lot of time

[@Simonsutak]

Many thanks. If you can, please let me know your conclusions - I'd be interested in what you think.

[@robertolouth7468]

Hello Simon´s utak! I´ve been keen on your KZbin pages for few days now, first saw one of your videos and Photos you kindly share to all, and the lens history behind every single image are a fest, Thank you for share such a passion for image and lenses. The luxury of such images and description on your own experiences makes your channel and videos very precious for me, Hurra!!

[@wreford07]

Thanks for this - great little mini overview of these. I have a 44-2 and 44m-4 (which i've just stripped, cleaned and re-greased.) Both lovely.

[@wreford07]

@Lucía Santos Eslava hi there. i'm not a film maker so I cannot really advise. I think the 44m4 has better image quality, but both lenses would need to have the aperture rings "de-clicked" if you were filming (i guess?)

[@ChristasGarden]

I have the 44-3 version that doesn't fit on the adapter correctly. I sanded the back of the lens mount using an orbital sander and now it fits very well. Thanks for the comparison video, it was helpful! Edit: The back of the focus ring is what I sanded down, not the mount.

[@Simonsutak]

Not for the faint hearted - glad it works!

[@itacatv2146]

I’ve got a 44m-4 and it does swirl. I guess that’s relative. It might not swirl as much as the older ones, but it does swirl more than anything else I have. I’ll try to find an older version and make a comparison. Mine is also pretty soft wide open, in particular the corners, but also the Center a little bit. The bokeh has a 3d effect and it screams for attention. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. It might easily attract more attention than the subject, if the subject isn’t something special.

[@johnharrison6161]

A terrific summary of the Helios 44's well done.

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you! Much appreciated.

[@fwiffo]

Retro foto house recently did a side-by-side of the 44-2 with the 44M-4, taking the same photos with both. The bokeh/swirl was identical, although there will always be sample variation. I trust his testing since he's handled thousands of these lenses. The physical construction of the 44M-4 is better and it's slightly sharper, and it's multi-coated. The main drawback is the 6-blade aperture vs. 8. The 44M-5 is the same lens as the 44M-4, with the same sharpness, but just received a new number when production moved to The Valdaj factory. The -6 and -7 were the same as the -5, except they tested the resolution as they came off the line and gave the -6 and -7 badges to the sharper copies. So they're effectively just "good" copies of the 44M-4. There are fake 44M-7 floating around. Some are re-badged 44M, which are obvious to tell because the 44M has an auto/manual aperture switch and the 44M-4,5,6,7 do not. Others are rebadged 44M-5 or 6. Since they are physically identical, and the history and release dates are very fuzzy, there's basically no way to identify them unless the badge is very poorly faked. I have a 44M-7, and it swirls just fine given the right conditions. I don't see a significant difference in that respect from the two 44-2 I own. It's entirely possible it's a fake, but it would be a rebadged 4/5/6, which are the same design.

[@Simonsutak]

Many thanks for providing these details on the 44m-4 to 44M-7. The most blatant fake 44M-7s I've seen, as you mention, are those with the 44M a/m switch! I've been trying out a 44M-7 recently (hopefully a genuine one) to see how it compares with the 44M-4. (I'm happy to stick with the 44M-4). On the swirls, yes, I've seen a couple of side by side tests, and they both found the bokeh/swirl is near identical. Quite frankly, I didn't believe these results, it doesn't match my real world experience, nor the experience of others I've read on-line. So I did my own controlled tests, and guess what? The swirls, or more specifically the arrangement of the oval bokeh-balls around the edges, were near identical! However, I still believe, maybe more in delusion, that when I take my earlier, lesser coated and more-bladed Helios lenses out in non-controlled conditions, less favorable conditions, I'm more likely get swirls from the the earlier lenses than the 44M lenses onwards. I've had a similar experience with the early 'parent' Carl Zeiss Biotar T 58/2. My own view is that this lens swirls less than the early Helios 44s. However, in just the right controlled lighting conditions I can get it to swirl a lot...the problem is that this is really an exception not the rule, driven by very favorable conditions and in many other situations it doesn't appear to swirl like a Helios.

[@fwiffo]

@@Simonsutak Fussing too much about the 4/5/6/7 is probably not worth it; as you mentioned, if your main concern is sharpness there are plenty of other better and faster fast-fifties. That's really not the point of this lens.

[@stefpix]

@@Simonsutak I find differences are more in flare and contrast wide open. Swirls seem very comparable from 44-2, 44-3 MC, 44M, 44M-4 MC. I tried also the Oreston 50, which seems cooler, still with smooth bokeh. At the end the only way to find out is to take the same photo with both lenses, best if on different bodies of the same FF mirrorless camera. Maybe the difference in flare makes you frame and compose in different ways with different Helios lenses. That and the contrast seem the most visible difference. Thank you for your video overviews. At the end you will get the Helios feel with any Helios. number of blades and position of focus ring. handling are important factors. too.

[@Sara-tp6zd]

thank you so much for this valuable review, I loved how beautifully you describe the lenses and their performances

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you for your kind words, much appreciated.

[@sebastiang7183]

The swirls are really such a tiny part of this lens, but they take center stage every time. The lens only swirls under certain conditions; typically around max aperture. The rest of the time the lens has beautiful smooth bokeh. When you stop down to f/4 the poor corner sharpness of f/2 and f/2.8 dramatically improves and it's sharp corner to corner. As for sample variation. My opinion is there was less sample variation from the factories than rumored. Most of the issues are from the type of life the lens has had. As for the Soviets making copies. It is my understanding after the German's lost the war the optical formula's were part of the reparations. Surprisingly I actually prefer the single coated version. I prefer the colors it produces and it gives more flexibility in post processing.

[@Simonsutak]

Yes, like you, I prefer single or lesser coating lenses. Some of my early lesser coated lenses have a magical combination of sharpness and very dreamy blur, as well as beautiful light/flare effects.

[@AfoteyAnnum]

What an amazing lens. It really should cost much more than it does. I've been shooting a bunch with my Sirui anamorphic lenses, but this video reminded me that I have a CLA'd anamorfaked 44-2 in my drawer that needs to be used lol Excellent work here. #Subscribed

[@HelpUsSaveLives]

Very helpful! I have both the 44-2 and the 44M so that is good to know. I find the blade smoothness buttery on the 44-2, similar to the Helios 33 which is 35mm f2 and I use both in video and film production as they both fit the K3 as well. The 44M while larger and takes 55mm filters has a courser blade construction I find and while 8 blades, nowhere nearly as smooth as the 44-2. I keep them both. One main advantage of the 44-2 is the stopless aperture for video and film, a Godsend compared to the clicks you experience on the 44-M.

[@Simonsutak]

Yes, the click-less aperture is so useful for video.

[@cristibaluta]

I bought 44-M thinking is 44-2, is it much difference in the swirl? I'm pretty happy with 44M but now i can't wonder if i'd like the other better.

[@MrChrissk]

I have a 44-M-4 2/58, and it's got plenty of swirl wide open at F2 with a pretty small focus area at the centre of the frame.

[@ariel_fpd7]

Yup, same here.

[@ranjang7]

Just got a 44-3 and am feeling happy with it😌

[@ShaiYammanee]

Thank you very much for this comparison This was just what I was looking for. Looks like my decision to get the 44-2 lens, mainly for its unique character, was the right way to go.

[@Ali.lensman]

Great review and tips, I recently moved to Moscow and about to try and buy my first Helios, now I know what to buy. Thanks

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you for your kind words. Happy hunting!

[@Ali.lensman]

@@Simonsutak thanks Simon, wanna ask u, some Helios has letters MS (МС), is it better quality indication or something?!

[@Simonsutak]

@@Ali.lensman Hi, MC stands for Multi-Coated (glass), and this means the glass should have better flare control and better contrast.

[@Ali.lensman]

@@Simonsutak Thanks again simon, you absolutely right, МС (многослойного) means multilayered, I just checked it now 😁

[@lukemarkert7172]

Great insight on the subtle differences of the different versions of Helios lenses.

[@nicholascover]

thank you for actually going in depth, much appreciated.

[@SyntheticFuture]

1 year later the Helios 44-2 jumped to 70 to 90 EU :| I was glad to pick up a 44M for a "mere" 45EU. Don't have the adapter in yet, but I'm hoping to at least get some swirling out of it. Wish I had found this video before I went hunting but oh well. Crazy how the pricing has changed.

[@TheGanntak]

Great video, I own the 44M-4 and love it really nice lens. What camera were you using btw?

[@zethiel]

I've got exactly what I came for, precise title, video to the point, gladly liking the video and subscribing!

[@TheForeboding]

Simon, thank you for the work you put in. You're quite the vintage lens specialist, so I'd like to ask: could you list which of the ones you've had the pleasure with over the years, has a 52mm front filter thread? I'm asking because I'd love to try a few in front of the Aivascope for cinematic purposes. Cheers!

[@horeageorgian7766]

5:37 They are supposed to have oily blades. (Except the auto version, about which you talk later, but both the completly manual as the preset one must have oil on the blades.)

[@russbetts1467]

I bought a Zenit B with Helios 44 F2/58mm lens in a shop in Putney, way back in 1970. It's been well used, but also well looked after and still gives brilliant pictures. The colour saturation and contrast are very good and sharpness is maintained across the whole picture, except at the corners, when on F2. Manufacturer is MMZ. I have the Zebra version. Thanks for the information about Bokeh. I never understood the phenomena of the swirling background, not that I ever had much of it in my photos, due to the type of pictures I took.

[@gitithadani]

I have had and tested too the full series of helios 44. I share your analysis - the only variation is that I have a few 44M4 copies that are 8 bladed

[@alistairlambert3275]

I'm really enjoying my 44-4 and it seems to be glued on my XT-4 at the moment. It's surprising good at video.

[@shefinjose1203]

Are you using a focal reducer?

[@NullStaticVoid]

I've got a Zebra 44-2. I didn't like it at first. But I eventually wrapped my head around it. It is great for more stylized nature photography. Though I do find that like older Takumars you have to be careful about hard highlights in the foreground. It has some ugly flare and coma. Another thing I found out is that if you are on a crop sensor, get a speed booster. It's not that it isn't fast enough. But rather you need to get the whole frame onto your smaller sensor to appreciate the swirly character.

[@acalvillo35]

I just bought one and it doesn’t fit on my 44-2 adapter to sony that I have for my other Helios lens. Do you know where I can find the zebra 44-2 adapter ?

[@udopiarecords]

Great video. What did you mean at 2:41 when you said you "reversed the front element" for that shot? I loved how it came out.

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you! Have a quick look here - where I explain how I reversed the front element (glass). kzbin.info/www/bejne/h362oIOBYtSebrM

[@karol.falkiewicz]

I have KMZ 44-3. Great lens and best of 44-3 (KMZ produced most even ones). I was also thinking about silver 44 with 8 blades. May Maybe one day :)

[@tomaray_the_first]

I just got the 44-3 version and I think I've come across one of the types that doesn't bother with adapters. The 44-3 version is the model that best balances the sharpness, bokeh and contrast trilogy in my opinion. I would like to say this for those who are considering buying a 44-3 and are afraid of adapters. The copy I got is from the belomo factory as in the video and has a number like 91.....

[@Ni5ei]

8:36 Why is your overall recommendation the 44-2 when the 44M is better built, has a normal aperture (instead of preset), better corner sharpness, same swirly bokeh and can be found very easy?

[@Simonsutak]

Good question! To me personally, I like the preset aperture more, and I prefer the deeply set front element.

[@sugopaciugo]

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

[@remusn74]

I wonder how it took me so long to find this great piece of information about Helios 44

[@roberteubank8240]

will a M39>M42 >EF adapter chain work? always read the m39 cannot fit on ef / has issues with the clearance to the mirror/sensor

[@54V4]

Nice one! I had the 44-2 (my 1st Helios) - 5 quid, then came 44 - 10 quid, and this evening I got the 44M-4 + a Zenit SLX (like brand new - hard to understand how that's possible) - 15 quid (I know). :) Thx for clarifying the differences, great video. [SUB]

[@LeendertCordemans]

Nice review. Well done. I've got a Helios 44 black zebra with a m39 mount. It was delivered on a Zenit 3M which has also a m39 mount.

[@ataraxia4526]

My Zenit 44M-4 is very soft below f/4. From f/4 upwards it does get very sharp. For this reason I haven't used the lens in a long time. Instead I use Pentax-F 50 1.7 which is super sharp wide open.

[@Simonsutak]

Yes, the F 50mm f1.7 is at a different level, and it has AF.

[@D1N02]

Nice review. I think your voice sounds just fine. Maybe a bit fast but we live in fast times. This is a subject a lot of people obsess about. They should just get a 44-2. My copy focusses much smoother than my 44m and much much smoother than my 44-m6.

[@Simonsutak]

Many thanks!

[@mrb692]

Simon's utak I liked your speed. Normally I watch videos at 1.25x or 1.5x speed, but this was just right for me

[@simonc4764]

I saw a Helios 44 for sale which looks like a 13 blades but the blades are aligned of folds the opposite way. How did this happen and can this be corrected?

[@barka648]

TY Simon for your review, I'm certainly buying one. But why in 480 resolution? It's 2020 (2021 now) and photography channel?

[@toddmphillips]

Well done and informative review of the family and great photography! Might I suggest a link over to your flickr? Just a thought.

[@Simonsutak]

Yes, that's a good idea - I'll put links to my Flickr albums in the description.

[@carloscipriani2438]

Excelente masterclass! Qué adaptadores se recomiendan para usar los Helios en Nikon Z full frame? Tengo un 44M. He visto un Fotasy M42-NZ. Y un K&F Concept.

[@mexmax1657]

Nice video, thanks. :) What about the Biotar 58 mm? Does it have the typical Bokeh?

[@Simonsutak]

Sometimes. That's my experience - it's not as swirly as the Helios lenses overall, but sometimes, in the right conditions, yes it can swirl. Here's an example: www.flickr.com/photos/95859572@N06/48652054491/in/album-72157649510390487/

[@smitharamgopal1687]

Great Video! Could you please share your perspective on the “Zebra” versions? Anything to watch out for other the play on the screw mount?

[@capture_the_stoke9646]

1.58 looks like Bracklesham, my local beach! Great video

[@Simonsutak]

Great spot!! It's the beach at West Wittering, looking towards Bracklesham.

[@xmeda]

I have M42 KMZ Helios 44M 58mm F2 (8 blades) and M42 Valdai Helios 44M-4 58mm F2 (6 blades). Both barely used looking like new. Since my 44M-4 was created for later cameras with aperture lever operating the lens, I had to put a bit of plastic tube on the aperture pin to block it into depressed position and be able to stop it down. Both are surprisingly sharp at F2 on APS-C center and have less cromatic aberations than some classic premium brand 50/1.4 lenses. F4-5.6 easily saturates 24Mpix AA-less APS-C sensor with fine detail. If only I had much more free time to play with all the lenses... :D

[@chak_dz6961]

Ihave the 44m from my grandpa ..and now I'm verry happy with it after watching this vid !

[@CryptikzChannel]

I keep seeing the helios 44-2 "Art Photo Group" is this a good one?

[@Vadinaka]

You are fantastic. I which I saw your video before buying, but now I have subscribed. Have a digital camera, but would like to restore my old f65, first camera I had. Can I use Helios lenses on it?

[@Simonsutak]

Many thanks! These Helios lenses have a M42 screwmount mount. So you'll need an adapter that fits the lens on the f65. Fortunately, adapters for M42 mounts and other camera mounts are quite common. The only exception in my collection is the early chrome Helios 44. and that has a M39 mount. A few lens/camera adapter combinations don't give a focus all the way to infinity, and I'm afraid I don't know whether that is the case with you camera. Have fun!

[@martinsinclair55]

thx for the review. what exactly is the Petzval mod? worth considering?

[@vasilisman78]

At 6:00 you say that we should search to internet for the versions that have problem.I have a 44-3. I searched the internet with all possible key words but i could't find what version i have.Also wich version of 44-3 have problems with adapters?Please help.Thanks

[@Simonsutak]

Hi, this thread should help... www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/77158-caution-helios-44-fans-potential-buyers.html The only sure way to tell is to ask to see a photo of the lens mount from the side. Regards, Simon

[@vasilisman78]

@@Simonsutak thanks very much for the info!

[@koszmiks]

Good video 👍🏽 BTW, Helios 44m 7 is sharpest then others before. 😎

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you!! I've got a 44M-7, and I'm planning to compare it with the Zenitar M 50/1.7, to see how sharp they are.

[@brysimm404]

@@Simonsutak I would like to know your results, qsince I also have a Zenitar-M and wonder about the 44M-7 (and 77M-4 too) 🤔

[@ivanzivojinovic1606]

@@Simonsutak Let me know if Zenitar does not satisfy and you wish to get rid of it :)

[@alhorton4396]

i wish i would have seen this earlier. I just bought a mint condition 44M-4 for wedding videos, for a unique look. I'll wait a couple of days until the adapter arrives for my Sony A73 to see how it does. It looks like i may have to sell this and get the 44-2?

[@stefpix]

probably the difference is negligible. Probably due to sample variation. If 44M-4 MC it will have better flare control and contrast wide open than the 44-2.

[@christophegonzales721]

I hear that the KMZ silver is top quality. And Valdai is the lower end. What are your thoughts about the Helios silver 58/2 MMZ?

[@Simonsutak]

I don't know I'm afraid. My silver 44 comes from KMZ and that is my only experience. I do, however, also own at least three Helios lenses from MMZ - a 44, 44-2 and 44-3 and I'm happy with all three.

[@MD-wk3gj]

I now own a Helios M44 and have just begun using it. One small appreciation is that it’s made in the USSR. Growing up in the 70s in the US the USSR was seen as the enemy. We believed they couldn’t be trusted because they might start a war against us. That may or may not have been true but the reality is there were good people in the USSR making lenses. They were likely hard workers making a quality product. Likely going home to their family, trying their best. Here we are decades later and one of those lenses is in my home halfway around the world from where it started. It’s a reminder that in general, we are all on this tiny blue planet, trying our best and if we give it some time we can maybe wake up and realize we could be appreciating one another now.

[@NikitaGarets]

Actually, not. The quality in USSR was horrible, and all designs were stolen from the "outer world" countries. Regarding the Helios series, they produced them until late 90th with the same poor glass from 50th.

[@RememberTheTrees]

@@NikitaGarets Sure, but the point he made about good people trying their best in the USSR was not wrong. You'll find those everywhere.

[@CGW11]

Which lens hood would you recommended for the M39 version? What's the thread size of the filter ring for that model, 49 mm × 0.5? Or do you prefer to use it without a lens hood?

[@cristibaluta]

Damn, i bought 44M thinking is 44-2, the swirl is good enough for me though, definitely visible, more than that might actually be too much. I also saw 44-4 and that is way more smoother to use but i didn't bought because had fewer blades (although i'm shooting wide open all the time), now i'm glad i didn't because you say has even less swirl.

[@stefanorugolo]

An interesting review. Absolutely keep it up!

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you!

[@JSOWNMC]

I have the chrome one with 13 blades. Love it. I have it adapted to my minolta srt 101. Chunky metal beast.

[@steveember7259]

Hi Jon - A question you may be able to answer as you own one. I bought this very model as I liked the heavy build and the fact the greater number of blades would ensure smootlhy formed bokeh circles even at small apertures. My only disappointment was that the markings end up 90 degrees from conventional position when using an M42 to EOS adapter, thus making setting hyperfocal distance a bit awkward - i.e., all the markings for aperture, distance, d-o-f are at the 9 o'clock position! All my other Helios 44's line up just fine. Likewise the Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 58/2 on which the Helios models were based. Seller maintains this is because the original 44 had 39mm threads and adapting these to M42 causes that misaligned appearance. Just curious if this has been your experience when mounting to your Minolta. Many thanks!

[@stratan13]

I have a Helios 44-2 which has the same body design actually with the Helios 44-3, and I find it weird since the 44-3 has a redesigned body as you mentioned.

[@Simonsutak]

There are so many variations!! Part of the fun of collecting Helios 44 lenses.

[@paulagraviador6464]

That is the transitional body 😊

[@neilpiper9889]

I have a 58mm f2 Auto Cosmogon serial number 011911. It has a bayonet mount. I can't try it because it doesn't fit any of my bayonet fitting cameras. It appears to have 8 blades and is heavily purple coated. I have an old 44-2 pre set which I love.

[@_K.L]

HI ! Thanks for the great video! I really enjoyed it! I have a quick question do you know which of these have a click-less aperture? You mentioned the 44 does not but do any of the others & which would you recommend for video ? Thanks again!

[@Simonsutak]

Hello, glad you like the video. I hope I didn't mislead you! The 44, 44-2 and 44-3 all have click-less apertures. They all have a preset mechanism, with two rings - you set the limits to the aperture movement with one ring, and then the other aperture ring is click-less across all stops up to the limit set by the first ring. So they'd all be good for video. From the Helios 44M onwards, all the lenses have a single clicked mechanism. The 44-2 is probably the best value for money.

[@_K.L]

Simon's utak Thank you so much for your help! I understood from your video, that the 44 does not have the “clicking” due to an additional mechanism that will create a pre-defined aperture range (which influences a second aperture ring that does not click). Sorry for my previous phrasing. I ‘m sure it sounded unclear. Thank you again! It means the world!

[@MayaBaranP]

Thank you for this in-depth review. Any thoughts about the 44-2 as a possibly radioactive lens? (or are these just unfounded rumors/claims)

[@Simonsutak]

I've tested my own 44-2 lenses and none of them appear to be radioactive. I think it's just a rumour...however, I also have other lenses that are not supposed to be radioactive, but are, so you can never tell 100%.

[@pablok2854]

great video man. I wonder if you have any info about other russian lenses: Zenit MC zoom lenses. Some of the later Zenits cameras came with this zoom as a kit lens. 35-70mm and 28-70mm. recently bough one and am doubting of its quality as i couldnt find any info on them. thank you, keep the good work!

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you! I'm sorry, I've never used these zooms - and I've never seen anyone I know on-line use them either. I'd be interested to see the results.

[@crookedfilms4190]

I have the opportunity to get a Helios 44, 44-M4, 44-M6. Can you suggest me which one should I buy? I want to use it for short films

[@thomasd.mchugh6240]

Thank you for a informative review. I purchased a custom 44-3 zebra with 16 blades it has better and more unique bokeh than a 50mm1.2L.

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you. Sounds like a great lens! I'm constantly surprised how good these lenses are - how centre sharp they are, and how good the bokeh is.

[@txusicB]

I just received my helios 44-2 from MMZ 1983 rusian markings.. very sturdy and well built, no problems with the glass.. a bit of movement in the focusing ring, that does not affect the picture or the focusing... but i cannot make the b-stard swirl... what am i doing wrong? have I've been duped?

[@Simonsutak]

I hope you haven't been duped. Try and find a path or road made of gravel (i.e. small stones or pebbles). Focus on something (or and imaginary object) around 1m from the lens, with the gravel behind or below the object. If the gravel doesn't swirl....I'd be very surprised if it didn't. Then it's a question of trial and error with different backgrounds, mostly with the object in focus 1 to 3 meters away. Good luck!

[@dutu000]

do the 44-2 and 44m have the same thread mount diameter?

[@karliskristianskringelis3612]

Really great review, thank you very much! ❤

[@bryonwright]

i had to subscribe.. i have been shooting for a while but clearly missed a few memos in creative style. i just picked up a lens lot from Russia with 4 versions of this lens including a few rolls of Smena 64 film and 3 other lenses.. i find this video helpful as my lenses are currently in customs in Belarus.

[@francescofasulo7464]

Hi... Do you suggest using a lens hood?

[@jakasampuna30]

I have a helios 77m-4, what's the difference with the helios 44m-X version

[@jaminkrinsky453]

Thanks, great review. Saved me buying a 44m-4... I have a 44-2 which I find has really ugly flare. One of the reasons I wanted the lens was for flare, but on this copy at least it's all striated and strangely grainy looking. Haven't heard this mentioned anywhere and wondering if I should try a different copy.

[@stefpix]

44M-4 MC and 44-3 MC are qute better at controlling flare.

[@jaminkrinsky453]

@@stefpix Thank you Stefano, I'll have to think about giving one of those a shot!

[@meanwhileinespoo1265]

Hi. Which one doesnt need the pin pushed in for the focus wheel to be free..... and is there an easy hack for the pin to be pushed in all the time

[@Simonsutak]

The best source for hacks is Retro Foto House. He shows how to keep the pin pushed in...without using super glue!! The 44 and 44-2 don't have the pin issue.

[@davidlao9012]

Thank you for your video. I am using a 44-2 lens which I got from a Zenit B camera. I bought an adaptor for Nikon D5100, and it seems to work for short distance focusing, but lens won't turn for longer distance, as if it's hitting the back of the camera.Is it the lens, or the adaptor that's the problem?

[@Simonsutak]

Oh that doesn't sound good. I don't use Nikon cameras, but a quick search on the internet suggests that it could be the adaptor, and you need to find an adapter that allows infinity focus (with a slight loss of image quality).

[@aman681]

I use it on Nikons. The problem is that Nikons have the largest flange distance out of all other DSLR brands so most vintage glass (other than Nikkors) will not give you infinity focus. I have modified my Hellios M42 58mm buy pulling the rear element 2mm back. Gives me infinity focus but you have to be careful as it can hit the mirror while taking pictures. So I focus the lens so that the rear element is away from the mirror and turn on liveview and then take pictures. Again before turning liveview off I move the focus ring take it back to where it was so that it doesnt hit the mirror. You can very easily open the lens, put a thin (1-2mm thick) piece of wire and screw the lens back on. It shud work.

[@LeendertCordemans]

Standard lens on the m42 Zenit camera's. Not the early m39 Zenit's, they had a Industar lens. Not all the versions can be reversed the front lens, because the thead is to short. You can find a lot of info on Retro Foto House in youtube. Its a lensmaker and knows everything about it.

[@GeronimoJak]

Hey I saw this video and you had just uploaded it recently/started your new channel. I think my biggest piece of feedback would be to increase the resolution of your videos. I can only see this at 480p at most (old tube TV resolutions) and it's nearly impossible to tell the difference or see what your pictures (which are really nice) actually look like since the videos resolution is so low. If you can work or reupload this at 1080p it would be a major help :)

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you so much for this, it's really helpful advice. Do you know whether I can simply re-upload this video...or do I need to re-direct people from a link on this screen?

[@GeronimoJak]

@@Simonsutak you'll have to go back into your video editing software and export the video so it has a higher resolution, and then reupload it to youtube. Itll be a separate video with an entirely separate link. You could delete this or unlist it, or just direct people to the new link in the description of this one. Your videos are pretty good for a newer channel and reminds me a bit of the channel Zenography. You should check him out if you're looking for guidelines on how to model your stuff :)

[@GeronimoJak]

@@Simonsutak another good resource for russian lenses and history of them is RetroFotoHouse. He repairs sells modifies and maintains old Soviet and German lenses, so he knows a lot and I've learned a bunch from him.

[@Simonsutak]

@@GeronimoJak Yes, he's excellent. I stripped down and repaired a very rusty/blades stuck together Yashica Yashinon 5cm f2 after watching his videos - it gave me the courage to do it.

[@Simonsutak]

@@GeronimoJak Many thanks for your encouragement. I'll take a closer look at Zenography.

[@noufelkessar2757]

Amazing review, full of infos but what if the money doesn't matter what's the best lens to get ?

[@Simonsutak]

If money doesn’t matter, I’d recommend the earliest (lowest serial number) silver Helios 44, M39 13 blades version you can find!

[@gotzeichendorf874]

Hello! As far as I know the lensnumbers up to -7 depend on the resolution they had when they were tested in the factory. -7 should be the best resolution. I´ve seen it a couple of times in the i-net, but i`m sorry I don´t remember where. greets Götz

[@3SGrover]

Make a review on Zenitar-M 50/1.7, please

[@Simonsutak]

I will...

[@johnwheat5199]

Great information, many thanks. 👍

[@brysimm404]

I recently acquired a 44-3 from Russia and am surprised it is significantly sharper and has better contrast than my KMZ factory made 44M-4. I’m now a 44-3 “believer” 👍

[@Simonsutak]

Yes, it is a really good lens, thanks for your comment.

[@seelyw.4818]

Thank you. Very good review.

[@archonoff]

Did you really work in St.P? I live there now :)

[@bradmiller9993]

Hm. This video convinced me to buy one of these lenses which I did through ebay. It came from the Russian Federation, took a long time to get, but showed up today. Of course the first thing I did was try to reverse the front element. It behaves as though the front element, when reversed, sits up higher above the retaining ring threads than it does when in it's normal position.....and so I can't seem to get the ring to thread back onto the lens. Dang. Any thoughts? Thanks for the video.....

[@Simonsutak]

Oh no. Sorry to read this. I've not seen this problem with my versions. You could try asking Retro Foto House on KZbin. I think he's had experience with all Helios 44s.

[@Andrey.Balandin]

What about 44K-4 version?

[@anangfahmi437]

Hey sir, I just bought Helios 44-3 because of your recommendation. I use it on my sony A6400. But I have a problem with it, I cant focus to infinity, I can't focus to subject more than about 3 meters from the lens. please help me, how can I get it to focus farther?

[@Simonsutak]

Hi, it could be an adapter issue, but more likely it's because there are two versions of this lens. One version (the one I have) is fine for infinity, the other is not. You need to first check whether you have the version with a longer rear mount design that won't focus to infinity (there are articles on the web about the two different versions and what they look like). If you've got a version that should focus to infinity, then its an adapter problem. If not, then look at the modification on this thread - it should help: www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/284609-helios-44-3-mc-58-2-best-kept-secret.html All the best.

[@fantestec]

Sorry if I've missed the information but, can you help me with the 44K-4? Is it comparable to the 44M-4?

[@Simonsutak]

The 44K-4, the Pentax K mount version of the 44M-4, essentially produces the same results. There are some reviews and fans of this lens on PentaxForums.

[@cstbb568]

Thank you for your time, that was most useful

[@Simonsutak]

You're welcome!

[@slrzd2187]

Hey, thanks for the video. I got mine 2 months ago. 44m-4 kmz one and i have a question, is it the best one out of all variations of 44m-4?

[@Simonsutak]

You know...this is a loaded question, and I personally don't know the answer because I've not tried all the variations. There's a KZbinr call Retro Foto House who is excellent and may know the answer.

[@slrzd2187]

@@Simonsutak thanks for the reply. I also wanted to ask another question. Mine has Russian font instead of english helios. And is it genuine ?

[@vme3000]

Do you suggest getting a 49mm lens hood for the Helios 44-2?

[@Simonsutak]

A hood can help with the 44-2 in extreme sunlight, but I personally don’t use one as the front element is recessed enough. (I use my hand to shield the lens instead if needed!).

[@vme3000]

@@Simonsutak thank you very much. I will use my hand to shield it as well if needed. It is a small lens by the looks of it and I can't wait for it to arrive from ebay. Do you use any ND filters or anything else with lens like u filters? Or it just works nicely?