I have these two lenses and everything you said are just like I felt with it. And I use Helios mmz version , I feel this version has more contrast compare to kmz version. Usually I prefer to use at sunset or for swirling background(so F beautiful), and the auto-takumar is for the daily use because it’s sharp enough for everything.
Thanks for the review. I just discovered your channel. I own a few early 44-2’s and a 44, a Biotar, a couple of Auto-Tak 55/2.2 and of course the 55/2. I love the Auto-Takumars for their build quality, handling and output. Which is why I also bought the 55/1.8, the 35/3.5 and the 135/3.5. I’m looking forward to seeing your other videos. :o)
The lenses I’ve mentioned are the tip of the iceberg. ;o) I love my f2.2’s and they render just like the f2 version. I mentioned on your 55/2 video that I haven’t tried it out yet but looking at the images you’ve coaxed from your copy, they’re very similar. I guess that the extra light it allows with the slightly wider aperture would have its uses? Once again, thanks for sharing your thoughts. :o)
The sample images you used were Very good for image comparison because it does the differences, instead of just using nice/cool photos but don’t do the job. Thanks!
@@neilpiper9889 It is only dangerous if it falls down and the glass brakes in pieces. Other than that it is safe to use. Also you might get yellow cast on the glass because of thorium, but if you leave it in UV or direct sunlight it goes away :)
There are way more version of the helios 44-2, than only the two you mentioned. My favorite one (and that I own),: the zebra helios :) Nice video, cheers!
Perhaps it's fairer to say the Takumar 55mm F2 lens' virtues are more subtle? For a start it was made in the Tomioka plant (not by Asahi) under contract, and they are renowned for their superb and superior lenses. There is a delicacy in the rendering of fine detail and perhaps more dimensionalty presence than with the other Taks? It is particularly good at handling lustrous reflective highlights, and the single coating's rendering has a lovely soft colour feel. It's nickname in Japan is Ma-Ki-E, means 'feeding fish', which is not a compliment. Exhibit-B the Helios- 44-2 by comparison is your drunken party bud...full of life in broad strokes and gushing with vitality, if a bit sloppy... So it's a sober Summicron to a Zeiss on vodka comparison as it were. After my first excursion out with the Tak 55 F2, I was smitten by it's charms.
In the case of USSR lenses, you always have to remember that they can be poorly assembled. Sometimes you will choose a good one out of 5 helios. Such a (well-assembled) Helios is a great lens. :)
@@tomaspofilms most of what you with find are those two. But I have Helios 44-2m from four different factories. In late 1978 quality dipped but they are still good to get. I also have a 44m a 44-4m, 44-7m and a few others. Thinking about picking up takumar lenses to match up with my Soviet lenses.
Great video man! Quick preference question for you. If both in excellent condition, would you rather have the Helios 44M or a Super Takumar 50mm 1.4 if you could only have one? Let's assume you have an adapter as well as a speed-booster to an APS-C camera. Thank you.
Hi, thanks for the question. I would go with Takumar, since it is more versatile imo. Helios have a particular look and a lot of character some scenes of Batman were filmed with Helios modified lens.
Hi Tomas! I'm thinking about getting Helios 2 to record my RU-vid channel: JoseTheVegan vids with, also for the character factor on my photography with the Canon M50. Thanks for the awesome review!
For me that bokeh of helios is horrible. Maybe because Í´m not a professional. Yo veo que en la telenovelas de Turquía se ven unas imágenes hermosas con un suave y bonito bokeh. Thats´s what I want.
How about made in USSR not in Russia? There were n such country as Russia back then, only USSR with 15 republics in it. At least read what's has been written on the lens.
On my Canon 5D classic it doesn't hit the mirror. There is a good site showing vintage lens compatibility, I cannot add links here but search for "panoramaplanet lens compatibility"
@@tomaspofilms thank you for your reply. I have a takumar 55 1.8, but I want to buy a super takumar 55 F2 to try. I read on the internet that someone took a vortex bokeh with an auto takumar 55 F2. My hat is the same as yours and h&m's is also green.
