Helios 44-2 vintage lens review - From Russia with swirly bokeh

Helios 44-2 is a vintage Russian lens of the Soviet era with German roots. The lens and its variations is based on the Carl Zeiss Biotar lens formula that was designed in the late 1930's. Originally it seems that Zeiss Biotar was a fast Double Gauss lens for cinema cameras. The family of the Helios lenses were manufactured between the late 1950's until the early 1990's (probably 1992) in the Soviet Union. Usually Helios lenses were the kit lens for Zenit cameras (M42 lens mount) but later some version were built to Japan for the Pentax K mount. Helios 44 is famous for its swirly bokeh effect (like Petzval lenses) and that unique "flaw" made it popular among photographers.

Images can be dreamy - Sony a6000 & Helios 44-2 - Sample photo

Helios 44-2 Specs

Mount: M39 (earlier versions), M42 (most popular) and Pentax K mount.

Minimum Focusing Distance: 0,5 meter.

Number of Aperture Blades: 8. The earlier model Helios 44 has 13 blades. Later models like the Helios 44 m7 has 6 diaphragm blades.

Aperture Range: F2 - F16.

Depth of Field Scale: F/ 2, 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16

Filters Thread Diameter: 49 mm and takes 52mm filters.

Optical Formula: 6 elements in 4 groups

Helios lenses were made by KMZ - Krasnogorsk Mechanical Plant, MMZ, - Minsk Mechanical Factory and Valdai Optical - Mechanical Factory. Helios lenses, below the thread on the front area have the manufacturer logo printed so you can check your own version. If you want to know more for your Russian lens logo click here.

Operation

The 44-2 has three rings.The first one is the preset ring at the front that allows you to select one of the fixed values. It is not smooth and you better use both hands. The one hand to hold the lens and the other to set the desired fixed value. The second is the aperture ring that allows you to select the aperture value that you want. For example if you set the preset ring to 5,6 you can then select an aperture value of 2, or 2,8 or 5,6. The aperture ring is not only smooth but also click-less and that makes it ideal for video. Unlike the 44-2 and the 44-3 the 44M series have one "normal" aperture ring but it is not click-less making the 44M lens better for photographers. The third one is the focusing ring and it is at the rear of the barrel. It is smooth and allows you to focus with precision. Keep in mind though that we are talking about vintage lenses and there is a chance that the focus ring can be stiff or even stuck and you may need to lubricate it or send the lens in for a service. In my case the focusing ring of the Helios 44m is really stiff.

Swirly Bokeh - Sony a6000 & Helios 44 2

Character

Helios 44-2 is really sharp in the center of the image even wide open. Its even sharper when you use a camera with a cropped sensor like the Sony a6000. The corners are softer than the center but if you stop down to F4 or lower the corners become much sharper, especially at F8. That means that you must put your main subject at the center of the image. Shooting at F2 the lens will give you dreamy and plastic pictures. Images are a bit soft and the object in the center has a nice separation from the blurred background which is not distracting. The lens will hide minor imperfections of the skin like pores or other blemishes. Wide open and under the right conditions the lens will provide its famous swirly bokeh, especially in full frame cameras. Even if you stop down the bokeh will remain interesting although you will not have that twisted - swirly effect. The contrast is a bit low but you can easily fix it in post processing.

Like all vintage lenses it is sensitive to light and prone to lens flares. So it is advised to use a lens hood or even your hand when you shoot with the sun in front of you. Or maybe not and use flares to your advantage...

Overall the lens can give you some really artistic portraits. Some photographers reverse the front element to produce even more interesting dreamy images.

Lots of footage including stills and video - An M42 to NEX adapter was used

Cinematography

The imperfections and the flaws of Helios 44-2 (swirly bokeh, bokeh bubbles, flares etc) and the vintage feeling that it creates makes Helios 44-2 very attractive for cinematographers. If you enjoy shooting video the click-less aperture is an extra reason to add this vintage Soviet lens to your collection.

Are Helios lenses radioactive?

No, not a single member of the Helios family is radioactive. It seems that the only Russian lens that is probably thoriated is one specific version of the Industar 61.

Helios 44-2 & Sony a6000 - Night Shot

Helios 44-2 - Bottom Line

Helios 44-2 is really fun to use because of its imperfections. Its unique characteristics like the swirly bokeh effect are hard to find in modern flawless - sharp lenses. Because the Russians mass-manufactured it you can add the lens to your arsenal without breaking the bank. In my opinion its overall the best value for money vintage lens and the first one that you should buy especially if you are shooting portraits or video.

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You can buy the Helios 44-2 from eBay: http://ebay.us/o3yd7A

From another eBay seller that i buy lenses myself and you can find special versions for filmaking and other lenses from the Soviet era: http://ebay.us/HdCjEP

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