HELIOS 44M 58/2 Review - More Than Just SWIRLY BOKEH 

TIME STAMPS BELOW: Had a blast shooting this review. I’ll miss the lens when I surrender it to the winner, but it makes me happy it might help some of you out there see for yourselves how these lenses can change your game. Good luck to everyone who enters. TC Stamps: 1:13: VINTAGE LENS FILES - DE-CLASSIFIED 2:06: BUILT QUALITY 3:19: Optical Quality Image Samples 4:24: An artist interpretation 4:57: Bokeh SWIRL 7:03: PRICE! 8:24: Patrick CAUGHT ME CHEATING!!!!!! 8:41: Music Credits

Litteraly found a camera with this lens in my closet. Yes, my dad used to be a photographer. And yes, I'm Russian.

I know that a channel will be good when I see that in the edition they took the time to create animated graphics to improve the narrative and not just limit themselves to video footage, it's good to see a fresh edition with its own personality, congratulations!, new sub, keep the good work!

"...minimum focusing distance of 0.55 feet..." Being a Russian lens, and then a German one before it, I think you might find that's in metres. This is an M42-mount (Pentax screwmount-like) lens, isn't it?

I love the documentary feeling that this video gives. Not so many people review cameras and lenses this way. Had a pleasure watching the video. Thanks!

I got a Zenit TTL with this lens from my grandmother, and I can't wait to go out again and shoot stuff

It's one of my favourite lenses. I already have three of them, a 44-2 and two 44-m. The 44-2 is older and has the preset diaphragm system, but they all render beautifully in a very similar way. Using it on a fujifilm aps-c sensor camera it is a great lens for portraits and detail photography. I'm using only vintage lenses, and the soviet ones are always a great shot for their price, and can be a real surprise, each lens has a very recognizable, distinct character. For example I like very much the Jupiter 3, a M39 mount lens for rangefinder cameras, a design based on zeiss sonnar. It's soft with a strong glow when completely open, but just stopped down a bit it's very nice. The Industar lenses are a must too, with the Industar 50-2 being the smallest and more compact zeiss tessar design ever made. It's a weird little lens with a great fun factor. Industar 26 and Industar 61 are also very good lenses, both sharing a Tessar like optical design of 4 lenses in 3 groups, but they are not exact tessar clones, and they can render very interesting shots, I love them both but I have aspecial thing with the 26, being the first soviet lens I bought a long time ago with a russian FED II ragefinder camera.

Russian here 😁 I have this lens from my Zenit 112 film camera Shot a "luxury" style event today with it. Can't imagine nailing the luxury cinematic look this good with any other lens tbh

Terrific review, Mark, as always. Loved that you reference the CZ Biotar 58/2 upon which this lens is based. So many reviewers fail to mention that fact. Also, just wanted to add one very cool bonus when shooting this lens on an APS-C camera: with 1.5x crop factor, this lens becomes, in effect, an 85mm, which is ideal for portraiture. Looking forward to trying this out on my A7II using APS-C mode. Could be fun! Anyhow, thanks for your brilliant vintage gear reviews. Keep 'em coming! :D

Mark you constantly impress me with these videos. You're 1000x better than some of the "top photographer you tubers" out there. How has Peter McKinnon (fellow Canadian) not reached out to collaborate with you yet? This is a lens documentary, not just a review. My eyes and ears thank you, even though this isn't a TAKUMAR.

Can we talk about the quality of this review!?? It’s good to see your putting so much effort into a RU-vid vid..super impressed!

I believe I haven't seen before such a...cinematic review of a lens!! Well done!

Your copy is one of the later ones. The mega swirly bokeh monster is the first version with de-clicked aperture ring. The bokeh is crazy but the lens is soft. The older iteration Helios 44M-7 has almost no swirly bokeh but is crazy sharp. Nice video Mark, really enjoy these vintage lens reviews.

Recently bought a GH5 and almost everyone is talking about this lens ! Now I know why ! Thanks for the video man !

I had some camera gear given to me over a year ago, in the bag was a Diramic R1 camera with a Helios 44 58f2 lens which I have finally got around to trying on my Pentax K-70 with the added m42 adapter for the screw mount lens! What a pleasant surprise! Great little lens and you have done it justice with your video review!

The Helios 44M is full metal btw :) (i service them for years already and haven't found any plastic in it. The lens is build like a tank and designed for the cold weather in Syberia. the early 44's and 44-2 had the oil on the aperture blades, A lot of people complained about that oil but it actually had a function... well 2... because it was mass-produced they used oil to stick the aperture blades together so they can quickly assemble those babies. BUT they also used oil to "fight" the -40 degrees weather in Syberia, the oil could not freeze the apertures blades together so there was not way to destroy them. condense and other weather conditions could build of water inside the lens and the cold could freeze the blades together. so 2 flies in 1 hit. easy and quick assembly and q fuction for their weather. I got a bunch of 44m's including the 44M2, 44M3 44M4 etc... too (yes i got the biggest russian lens collection of the benelux) But I love the Helios 44's and 44-2's the most since some actually are equipped 13 aperture blades for the best smooth BOKEH! ballz and are more swirly than the 44M's. The Red N (T*) with extreme blue/purple coating are the most insane! sharp and also shitton of swirls... Ugh i love those russian and zeiss lenses. I love collecting and shooting with them... I actually sold all my modern lenses because i don't use them anymore. They all look and render the same... perfectly digital optical corrected and no character... while those vintage lenses and (lomography art lenses) are mad crazy with characters because these were calculated with hand and not perfect. oh btw the Lomography lenses are from KMZ / Zenit too :) and the Lomography 58 2 Bokeh Control is actually a modified Helios 44-2. Anyways again awesome video I just gonna sub!

Thanks, Mark, for a well produced, lively presentation and some fascinating "back story" on the ultimately East German Zeiss connection. I've subscribed to your channel as, like you, I have a great fondness for these vintage lenses, whether on film or digital cameras. If I turn out to be the lucky one, I'd appreciate a Canon EF adapter. Cheers!

Dude, great production on this video! Love the new style!

I must say that you really put effort into your videos! great quality content! thank you and well done

Excellent review of this vintage lens. I am currently shopping for one online and can't wait to get started shooting with the Helios. Thanks Mark.

One of my favourite lenses - although I have the 44-2. The Bokeh is great but what I really like about it is the colours. It’s one of my favourites for skin tones. Very flattering. I’m often happy with the result from it and many of my portfolio shots were taken with this lens

just starting to get into vintage lenses and have heard so much about this one. that swirly bokey looks so nice! (mine would be for an ef mount)

This video is great but what is greater is that unlike most other RU-vidrs, you say bokeh correctly. Thank you so much

Wonderful review! I always go to this channel to check on vintage lenses so comprehensive!

I was getting anxious after a seen that beautiful time line and now I’m finally relieved. Lol. Awesome video brother. I wonder how that lens would pair with my EOS r. Thanks for the time you invest in this videos🤘🏼🤘🏼

Just got myself an used A7S and spent most of my budget on it :P I've been scavenging local flee markets and thrift shops for lenses for a while now and finally got a SMC Pentax Asahi 50mm 1.7 in perfect condition today (for just 5 bucks). While I'm not much a fan of the very swirly bokeh, I would still love to have a Helios 44 just to try out 58mm and experiment with it. Greetings from Germany

I've been eyeing this for a couple of days now. Can't wait to get one and try it out soon.

“…it’s ready for a whole new life…” For me this is a big part of the appeal. Taking something from the past and seeing it’s beauty, usefulness and unique qualities is so exciting. Plus as you talk about they give a unique look to the video we can create and that’s very appealing and helps give us all those qualities. I’m also into vinyl records and have that same connection. I prefer the old vinyl, not a newly pressed one. They tend to sound better and the hunt to find them is much more exciting than just a simple, click and order from Amazon stock of thousands.

I just sold mine two days ago, I kept the Pentacon 50mm, it's a wonderful lens.

Yeah, I just bought one at my favorite little second hand shop in Brighton, England. Also picked up a nice Jupiter 135 f4. Now that’s a nice lens for portraits. Give that puppy a whirl someday.

My Helios 44M just arrived in the post today. Pouring with rain today, but can't wait to get out tomorrow and try it on the Sony 99. Great review Mark.

Thank so much for this video Mark! I got a Canon Rebel T6 and I really want to shoot a short with the helios 44m and hopefully some more vintage lens :D

I've been thinking to get this lens for my Nikon for a while now. It seems trendy but I really like the look of the images this lens takes.

My grand-grandfather had 44-2 and I still shoot with it occasionally :D By the way, Helios 44 actually isn’t the swirliest Helios: 40-2 is even swirlier than that! However, it’s overpriced by Russian standards because it was hyped at some point and it’s generally harder to work with being 85mm f/1.5 spinning machine: it’s a very soft lens, basically it works for portraiture in central composition only.

I'm writing youtube and letting them know you should be on trending with this content. Glad to see this one is getting some traction for you, but the work you put into these reviews is deserving of more eyeballs. That historical beat was so nicely done.

3 minutes in and subbing. This is excellent quality. Superb.

I recently came across your channel and really liked the content and the production level you deliver on each video! Also, I recently got a Sony a7II and was looking to get some vintage lenses because I heard they pair greatly with Sony full frames! Great video man 👍

Dude!! Seriously LOVE the Cold War visuals. Killer extra touch to the production value of the video. I didn't learn anything too new since I own this beast, but I watched this video because i like to be reminded how great a buy it was. Again, great video!

Thanks for this review Mark 👍🏻 Found this same camera and lens combination for £30 on a charity shop website last week. Looking forward to trying out the lens on both the Zenit EM and my GH5.

Whoa 😲 mark, you just changed the game!! Best video yet... insane. I’m also surprised you’ve not covered this one before. It’s the one I see must commonly over on EBay. To be fair I only look after one of your videos... they always make me GASy!! Loved it dude. Really awesome.

You should try out the Mir-1B with reversed front element mod ;) , also have a look at the Helios-89, Jupiter-9 and Tair-11A.

by the way, helios 77 was a dream for most of soviet photographers, hard to find at that time and expensive. 50mm 1.8

Thoroughly enjoyed your measured and logical treatment of the Helios lens. Your production values are top notch. I have subscribed because of your academic approach with controlled enthusiasm. A pleasure to watch and learn.

Recently just found your channel, and I really dig your videos! I'm loving the way you review gear, it feels like a TV documentary. I have a Helios 44-2 and it is definitely one of my favourite lenses. It works so well with flowers, and that bokeh is gorgeously swirly haha!

I have 2 helios 😂 and i love it! Do a review on jupiter lenses!! The jupiter-9 80f2

I prefer the Helios 44-2, de clicked aperture ring and really smooth focus ring from my experience.

Greatly appreciate your videos, Mark. It's all the little touches you add (like the Helios history, and music) that make the difference along with great editing. Keep up the great work! I find it interesting that the 44-M model has a regular aperture control, unlike my Helios 42 (1957 year) and Helios 44-2 (1975 year) models. Both of them are clickless and pre-set. One aperture ring is the preset and the other is the clickless one. I can't remember the year the 44-M first came out. I've entered the giveaway, and have a Sony A7ii.

I was given this lens from a friend of a friend who’s hubby was a photographer. Kept it in my cupboard for several years but then saw a photo with amazing bokeh on Instagram - taken by this lens. I quickly bought an adapter and have had so much fun taking floral shots with the most amazing bokeh. I’m making up for those two years it was stored in my cupboard!

Would love to add this lens to my collection. I have a Canon body. I’ve seen this lens before and have been curious about it. Thanks for your video.

half expecting you to say, “Hi my name is Mark and welcome to V-Sauce”.

I have a Canon M50 and there are so few EF-M lenses, I started using vintage lenses. Started with a hexanon 57mm 1.4, then a 50mm 1.7 and now I'm fully addicted. Cheap (usually) and small - perfect for the little M50. Your lens reviews are awesome and so informative. Thank you!

Mark, this is one of your best videos yet. Great work! (Also hi from another Canadian) :)

"Backstory makes everything more interesting" *Star Wars Prequel Flashbacks ensue*

If you are still looking for assembly and lubrication methods, along with adaptation, visit Retro Photo House here on RU-vid. Fantastic,and one of only a few sources for the Helios adapted properly to Nikon. Love the 44-2!

Thanks for the review Mark! Entered! Fuji X-T2 here. :) Looking forward to more vintage lens reviews.

its like watching a documentary. what a great video, youre talented

У нас в России такой объектив лежит у каждого в доме. И по несколько штук.😎

I would love to have one more to add to my vintage lens collection and use it on my Canon M50, but I have issues with my adapter and vintage lens on the canon m50...

BMPCC 6K EF Mount. I was researching the Helios 44m 58mm f2 and came across your channel and subscribed. This lens is a steal for the price, I hope to win this lens to use in my school documentary . Keep up the great work! Awesome review!

Just joined your contest and a Fujifilm user here cause lovin them vintage look and I believe this goes well with my xt20! I'm so glad I saw this vid and get a chance to win it cause I'm so tired goin from thrift to thrift shops looking for this lens. My soul is itching to have this *internet cries

Разрешающая способность по ТУ (центр/край): Гелиос-44 - 35/14 линий/мм Гелиос-44-2 - 38/20 линий/мм Гелиос-44-7 - 36/17 линий/мм Гелиос-44М-4 - 38/19 линий/мм MC Гелиос-44М-4 - 41/20 линий/мм MC Гелиос-44K-4 - 42/21 линий/мм MC Гелиос-44М-5 - 41/20 линий/мм MC Гелиос-44М-6 - 45/25 линий/мм MC Гелиос-44М-7 - 50/30 линий/мм Коэффициент светопропускания: Гелиос-44 - 0,81 Гелиос-44-2 - 0,82 Гелиос-44-7 - 0,80 Гелиос-44М-4 - 0,80 MC Гелиос-44М-4 - 0,85 MC Гелиос-44K-4 - 0,85 MC Гелиос-44М-5 - 0,85 MC Гелиос-44М-6 - 0,90 MC Гелиос-44М-7 - 0,90 Геометрическое виньетирование: 58% Формула цветности: Гелиос-44 (Старт) - 10--0--1,5 Гелиос-44 - 10--0--1,5 Гелиос-44-2 - 10--0--1,5 Гелиос-44-7 - 10--0--1,5 Гелиос-44М-4 - 10--0--1,5 MC Гелиос-44X-x - 11--0--0 Тип просветления: однослойное, химическое; многослойное (MC) Ближний предел фокусировки: Гелиос-44 (Старт) - 0,7 м остальные варианты - 0,5 м Пределы шкалы диафрагм: 1:2-1:22, 1:2-1:16 Количество лепестков диафрагмы: 13 (Старт); 8 (Старт, варианты без привода диафрагмы, Гелиос-44М); 6 - в последних модификациях (Гелиос-44X-4, -5, -6, -7) Рабочий отрезок: байонет Старт - 42 мм Гелиос-44 - 45,2 мм Гелиос-44C-4 - 44 мм Остальные варианты - 45,5 мм Соединения: объектива с камерой: Гелиос-44 (Старт) - байонетное Гелиос-44 - M39×1 Гелиос-44-2 - M42×1 Гелиос-44-7 - M42×1 4) Гелиос-44М, Гелиос-44М-x - M42×1 Гелиос-44K-4 - байонетное, оправа K Гелиос-44C-4 - байонетное, тип C для ввинчивающихся насадок: Гелиос-44 (Старт) - СпM40,5×0,5 Гелиос-44 - M49×0,5 Гелиос-44-2 - M49×0,75 Гелиос-44-7 - M49×0,5 Гелиос-44X-x - M52×0,75 для надевающихся насадок: Гелиос-44 (Старт) - ∅51 мм Гелиос-44 - ∅51 мм Гелиос-44X-x - ∅54 мм Габаритные размеры: длина объектива без крышек: Гелиос-44 (Старт) - 58 мм Гелиос-44 - 60 мм Гелиос-44-2 - 47 мм Гелиос-44-7 - 59 мм Гелиос-44X-x - 42 мм наибольший диаметр оправы: Гелиос-44 (Старт) - 60 мм Гелиос-44 - 60 мм Гелиос-44-2 - 60 мм Гелиос-44-7 - 62 мм Гелиос-44X-x - 64 мм Масса: Гелиос-44 (Старт) - 0,23 кг Гелиос-44 - 0,23 кг Гелиос-44-2 - 0,23 кг Гелиос-44-7 - 0,35 кг Гелиос-44М - 0,3 кг (270 г) Гелиос-44М-4 - 0,3 кг MC Гелиос-44М-4 - 0,3 кг MC Гелиос-44K-4 - 0,3 кг (258 г) MC Гелиос-44М-5 - 0,27 кг MC Гелиос-44М-6 - 0,27 кг MC Гелиос-44М-7 - 0,27 кг

just received one... loving it already. just one question : Does anyone know what's the use of the mini silver "M" / "A" wheel at the base of the lens ? Try both and no difference.

I got mine as a present from my older brother who was the one introducing me to photography. I love the Helios. At its sweet spot is a great lens. And in Argentina you can get them for 25 US$

I had a bit of money and was looking for a manual or film lens to mount to my EOS 6D Mark II, because they just have some sort of charm modern lenses don't have. I remembered watching this review not too long ago, so I picked it up. Super excited

I want to graduate from using the kit lens! I hope I'll win this lens Camera: Canon M50

Got my version for 10 euros, i dont even imagine why people even want more than 25 usd...

Mark, just came across your channel…amazing quality! I used to live near Ossington before I decided to move overseas 😊

AMAZING VIDEO AS USUAL, QUALITY BEFORE QUANTITY !!!

Great video!

I've seen that everyoane is after 44m-2, I will be testing the 44m-4, do you know of the differences? Thanks

So many Canadian camera reviewers. Love to see it. :)

I love the way you made this video! Badass editing.

I'd recommend you try out all of the other Russian vintage lenses, which I have a complete kit of btw. Mir-20m (20mm f3.5) Mir-1b (37mm f2.8) Jupiter 9 (85mm f2)

More than that, in Russia, you can buy it from 10$.

I have an earlier version of the lens, it looks so much different, completely different. I wish I had a way to add pictures to the comments, the camera that it came with is honestly a bulletproof one, easily 1Kg. Thanks for the quality content that you make, I love your vintage lens reviews.

I love how you put this review together from the lighting to the doc style when talking about its history. I'll definitely be entering, I have a Fujifilm XT-3 X mount!

Looking at these vintage russian lenses is my version of looking at car parts online... canon ef

Industar-61L/Z 2,8/50 is a great lens too.

The production value of this video is amazing

Thanks for the opportunity to win and good luck to everybody. I’ll be using this on my Sony A6400 if I win.

Try "Industar 61"

First time I see the swirly effect on a lens! Using this lens automatically makes you a Russian spy *commarade intensifies*

I am very new to Photography & videography. and I just got my first camera, sony a6000, last month. Vintage lenses are what I'm obsessed of. HELIOS 44M 58/2 is one of them

Awesome production value and well informed video bro! Keep it up with the great content! Love vintage glass and the character they provide.

A design so good, it got copied. 👌

43 mm is actually the dead normal focal length so 44 is one of the closest other than the pentax 43

Awesome review Mark... the best back story on the Helios I have ever heard! This is the channel to follow, especially if you enjoy vintage lenses :-) I shoot with a Canon 6D and T5i. Be well, stay encouraged, and keep up the great work!!!

That's it! You've got me hooked now. I'd love to see how this fairs on my Lumix G7. The video looked super nice on the BMPCC4K! 🔥

I dont call it "Russian".... I call it a "Soviet" lens. (I dont want to be impeached!)

Production quality, your likeness and overall feeling from the video - scored yourself a new subscriber. Looking forward to new content.

Great Video! really well edited, I learnt a lot about the lens thanks!

Another fantastic review. I caught the FUBAR reference. :) Nice. I agree, the Soviets made some seriously characterful glass. Always such a treat to see you’ve posted a new vid. They do not disappoint. Well done sir.

The black ops vibes in this video earned my sub

Deff getting this one. Currently have the Yashica Yashinon 50mm 1.7 and I love it.

Bro, the graphics and sound design is just fire!

the animations you threw in are dope. Really enjoy your videos. Been on a vintage lens spending spree lately...got some super taks and Pentax smc and loving them

A second one plastic unlike the steel version I got wouldn't be bad. The best lens for portraits I've used great video continue the work!

Great video. I own two 44Ms. I own an M-44 Zebra, and also an M-44 (start) The M-44 (start) is a mid-to late 50s lens. This lens, the (start) is the dream lens. It is wickedly sharp through the entire aperture range, and the bokeh is surreal. I also have a Jupiter-9 (type 1.) These two lenses are as close to the original Zeiss lenses as you are going to get - they may even have Zeiss glass. At any rate - I'm happy to work with you if you ever want to do a "then and now" comparison. The Jupiter-9 is a wonderful lens.

My favourite Soviet-era lenses for full frame sensors are Zenitar-M 50mm f/1.7, Jupiter 37A 135mm f/3.5 and Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5. The Tair 11A 135mm f/2.8 is great as well. Remember to use lens hoods with these for most of them are single-coated and extremely prone to flare.

Been using the helios 44-4 for a few years now, similar by the sounds of it. Back-lit portraits make for dreamy images with beautiful flaring... Its become my "first dance lens" at my friends' weddings!