The Lens details of a series of images taken by Steve Cushing on mirrorless camera.

Fitting is a 42mm mount with a 45.46mm Flange Distance - this lens will fit and achieve focus to infinity mirrorless cameras and on most DSLRs.

Lens History

The Helios 44 58mm f2 is one of the most mass produced lenses ever. It is based on the lens formula of the Carl Zeiss Biotar 58mm but differs slightly as the Zeiss Biotar is made with German Schott glass which was not available in the Soviet Union so the optical formula has to be slightly modified for the Helios copy of this lens.

Much has been written about this Russian "bokeh monster". Back in the end of World War II, the Russians occupied East Germany. The left with the Biotar formula and many of the toolset. Because the Helios 44-2 58mm is one of the most mass produced lenses ever made and can be acquired rather cheaply, I have four of them!

It’s far from being a perfect lens but the bokeh and dreamy look wide open is quite something. The Biotar formula creates a swirling bokeh that is just stunning. This is why it’s called the “Bokeh Monster“.

The Helios-44 is a good lens in its price range without ever excelling. The Helios has serious issues under sunny condition. It can produce “glowing” images. If you want to obtain super sharp images you really need to stop the lens down quite a bit. I would recommend using a lens shade to minimise flare.

As all lenses that are based on the Biotar formula, the Helios 44 has an interesting twirling bokeh. The lens itself is also reasonably sharp when stopped down. The focal length of 58mm is a bit unusual but comes in handy for portraiture shots. The Helios 44 is also very much appreciated among artistic photographers who relish its bokeh and colour rendition. Lomographers will love this lens. If you want an inexpensive lens to experiment I would recommend getting this lens. The Helios is also great if you want to try experiments and more artistic things.

Lens In Use

• Lens Elements: 6
• Aperture blades: 8
• Minimum Focusing Distance: 55cm
• Weight: 296gr

PROs:

• compact
• interesting bokeh
• inexpensive
• easy to find

CONs:

• flare prone
• needs to be stopped down
• a bit heavy for its’ size
• chromatic aberration

Summary

The Helios-44M feels a bit more solidly build than the 44-2. It also weights more. Optically both lenses are on par. The Helios-M has a different type of aperture blades as these are bent upwards. this results in a less circular aperture, which in turn slightly degrades the bokeh. Contrary to the Helios-44-2, this version has a manual / automatic aperture switch. This lens is very creative and great fun. For its price it is excellent value for money.


For images using this lens click HERE

For general information on lens design and lens elements go to the homepage HERE