Complete list of Helios lenses - getting closer

BurstMox · Expire: 2016-08-02

You can find an explaination here (use google translate if needed) : http://piskunoff.blogspot.com/2017/03/blog-post.html

Alex TG · Joined: 13 Oct 2019 Posts: 221 Location: Ukraine

cbass · Joined: 27 Jul 2019 Posts: 441

Thanks. I have a better understanding now, but I still have no reference.

I see two splits above: 10-0-1.5 and 11-0-0

How would the colors be different between 10-0-1.5 and 11-0-0?

The article calls 11-0-0 a rational fall and 11-0-1.5 almost perfect.

The post also says (translated): "However, the "golden mean" is a lot of lens optics of the old school without MC enlightenment."

Does that mean the single coated optics have better color? What is the golden mean?

iangreenhalgh1 · Expire: 2014-01-07

No, single coated lenses don't have better colour.

Golden mean: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_mean_(philosophy)

Indigo82 · Joined: 30 Dec 2018 Posts: 61

Dear colleagues,

Can someone please help me by giving me an advice?

I can obtain these two Helios lenses. I need you to tell me what are differences between them. Are coatings different maybe?

The first one is Helios 44 Zebra (https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/helios-44-58mm-f2.html) and from physical construction point of view it looks the same as Helios 44-2 (https://www.pentaxforums.com/userreviews/kmz-helios-44-2-58mm-f-2.html). They both have 8 blade aperture.

Should I be worried about something specifically when choosing between the two? Or perhaps they are mostly the same and nothing to worry about.

Thank you.

Alex TG · Joined: 13 Oct 2019 Posts: 221 Location: Ukraine

Zebra Helios-44 may have either Zenit SLR M39 or M42 mount - check before buying, as most of them are actually M39.
Helios-44-2 is always M42.

thanosss7 · Joined: 26 Nov 2020 Posts: 4

Hello to everyone here! I've been reading through this thread for some months and it was very helpful, while i was trying to make a choice in which model of Helios i would buy!

After a lot of search,about a month ago i bought from the same seller 2 Helios 44,one of 8 blades and one of 13 and both are 39 mount and with the bluish coating.

Finally today they both arrived!!! Smile

Fortunately they seem in very good condition,as was described!

I have a question about the year of manufacture... in the 44-2 etc lenses it's not that complicated,but in the 44, i can't say i really understood what is going on, even if i read many times post here... Sad

If someone of you can help me figure it out, it would be very kind! Not that it's important the year it was made,but just out of curiosity!

The No0296567 is the 8 blades and the No0174401 is the 13 blades.
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sergtum · Joined: 14 Nov 2016 Posts: 735

thanosss7 · Joined: 26 Nov 2020 Posts: 4

Thank you sergtum!

BurstMox · Expire: 2016-08-02

I would say between 1961 and 1965. To be more precise, you will need to find a passport of a lens with close serial number.

thanosss7 · Joined: 26 Nov 2020 Posts: 4

bkwphoto · Joined: 29 Jul 2013 Posts: 8 Location: usa

Hi all,

I have that rare copy of Helios 44-2 with distance in feet instead of meters. Here are some pics. It's a good performer!

thanosss7 · Joined: 26 Nov 2020 Posts: 4

We still have strict lockdown here,so i can't test the lens as i want,but the few chances i got to try the 8 blades silver 42,i am very surprised with the color rendering! I almost don't have to retouch anything in my Raw files and i am so impressed specially with clouds and sunsets photos,cause i get the correct colors of what i see with my eyes!
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blotafton · Joined: 08 Aug 2013 Posts: 1552 Location: Sweden

Good shots! Like 1

D1N0 · Joined: 07 Aug 2012 Posts: 2491

Found some pics of the Helios 44-7. A dedicated lens for the Zenit-7 Camera

Zenit-7-709 by Marat, on Flickr

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sergtum · Joined: 14 Nov 2016 Posts: 735

the Helios 44М-4 with the original A/M switch

Гелиос-44М-4 с репитером by Mr TTT, on Flickr

alex ph · Joined: 16 Mar 2013 Posts: 1571

I did not seem to see the link to this youtube video here, so maybe useful for some reason. A guy who collects and modifies Helios lenses explains his 8-groups typology of Helios 44-2 family.

sergtum · Joined: 14 Nov 2016 Posts: 735

alex ph · Joined: 16 Mar 2013 Posts: 1571

I haven't caught this bug. Just thought his ideas could be interesting from some practical viewpoint.

Shutterjunkie · Joined: 21 Mar 2021 Posts: 1

Hi all,

I really hope you can help me as I’ve been scouring resources online for hours on end to try and find an answer.

I have a Helios 44M lens which I use on my 5D Mark IV.. gorgeous lens and I love it. I’ve just purchased an early KMZ 44 M42 (8 blades) but I cannot find information to tell me whether I’ll be able to use this at infinity without it clipping the mirror. The buyer has kindly sent me a photo and it looks like the rear element protrudes by almost 4mm.

I’m hoping someone here has the same lens and has maybe used it on a 5D to give me some advice. Much appreciated in advance!

cbass · Joined: 27 Jul 2019 Posts: 441

I just picked up a copy similar to bkwphoto. Very early Helios 44-2 made by KMZ serial number N00700XX and the scale is in feet instead of meters. Yellow color instead of white.

Are we sure the Helios 44-2 with serial number N00XXX.. were made pre-1970?
It came with a camera made in 1971.
I could see it being made in 1970, but it might be a stretch to think it's pre-1970.
Then again I can't confirm that was the original lens to the camera so perhaps it is.
However, didn't Helios 44-2 production start in 1969?

Correction: Seems 44-2 production started in 1967.

alex_d · Joined: 19 Jan 2019 Posts: 322

if this matters for the data-list as I can not find a match with my model:

Top ring: HELIOS-44, 2/58, serial N*8012602, MMZ

Barrel: Black / Zebra, white letters, Made in USSR,

pre-set, m39 (Zorki foc.dist so filled down that alu ring for 0.7mm to reach ~)

So this is strange as I read here that MMZ had this lens in the '70 in production and this serial is '80 ..

MartinV · Joined: 09 May 2013 Posts: 67

alex_d · Joined: 19 Jan 2019 Posts: 322

thanx Martin,

that was a good year, however confusing with info

Doetuck · Joined: 24 Sep 2021 Posts: 8

I've just purchased a 44m 2/58 but it has no serial, just a KMZ logo. I'd like to have known the exact yeat of manufacturing. I'll post some pics when I get it.