Complete list of Helios lenses - getting closer

[no-X]

As promised, here is my actual list of Soviet Helios lenses...

Purpose of this thread is to map entire product range of Soviet Helios lenses with direction on Helios-44 series.

If you have some SLR Helios lenses, which are not pictured or mentioned, you can help by sharing this info:

1. lens name - e.g. Helios-44, Helios 44-3...
   
2. labeling - e.g. "2/58" or "5,8cm"...
   
3. special symbols - e.g. Π, T, MS...
   
4. serial number in exact form (last characters can be replaced by xxx): N°000xxx, N00xxx, N70xxx, 7812xxx etc.
   
5. number of aperture blades - typically 6, 8 or 13
   
6. system - M39, M42...
   
7. optinal: two or three pictures of the lens showing manufacturers ring and look of the lens body

Thanks!

==================================
forum links:

• Complete Helios Lens list anyone?

Helios 40 / 40-2 links:

• photos:
  
  • first shoots with Helios 40
    
  • Helios 40 8,5 cm f1.5 M39 sr:00230
    
  • Helios-40-2 - info and a few pics
    
  • Helios 40-2
    
  • Helios 40-2 (Bob)
    
  • Helios 40-2 - Spring
    
  • Was my Helios-40 worth...
    
  • Strange Helios 40
    
  • Helios-40 on OLYMPUS E-3
    
  • Helios 40 Craze
    
  • Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5 on 5Dmk2
    
  • Helios 40-2 Fujica st701 Ilford XP2 Anastasia C&C
    
  • Helios-40 1.5/85 Test shots
    
  • Helios 40 examples
    
  
  info:
  
  • Helios 40 8,5cm f1.5 M39 00213
    
  • Helios 40-2 85mm/1.5
    
  • helios 40--85mm/1.5
    
  
  
• hoods
  
  • Any options for a hood on helios 40?
    
  • Helios 40 Filter adapter
    
  • Helios 40 Hood
    
  • Pitch for the Helios 40 lens? 66mm x 0.75?
    

Helios 44 links:

• Helios-44 M39
  
• Helios-44 58mm f2 (Initial version)
  
• Helios 44 for Start SLR
  
• Helios-44 silver M39 first version
  
• "The Harvest" - Delta 100, Helios 44 (silver)
  

Helios 44-2 links:

• helios 44-2 on 5DII
  
• First BOKEH shots with a Helios 44-2 58mm f/2
  
• "00" Helios 44-2
  
• Yet another Helios thread....
  
• Old Helios 58 mm, f: 2 (1965)
  
• Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 factory-make variations?
  

Helios 44-3 links:

• Flowers with Helios 44-3
  
• Helios 44-3
  
• My Favorite Helios 44-3
  
• Day out with Helios 44-3
  

Helios 77M / 77M-4 links:

• Helios-77 50/1.8 - super Russian 50mm lens, review + IMG

==================================

Earliest Helios lenses lacked the numbering scheme. Most of them were designed for motion-picture cameras and offered very high speed...


Helios 25/2.0
- 16 x 22mm (cine)
- enhanced double-gauss, 12-121

Helios 35/2.0
- 16 x 22mm (cine)
- enhanced double-gauss (negative doublet as front element), 212-21 0

Helios 35/3.5
- 16 x 22mm (cine)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios 50/1.35
- 18 x 24mm (cine)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios 75/1.35
- 18 x 24mm (cine)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios 100/1.35
- 18 x 24mm (cine)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios 50/2.0
- 16 x 22mm (cine)
- double-gauss + zero lens, 12-21 0

Helios 75/1.8
- 16 x 22mm (cine)
- double-gauss + zero lens, 12-21 0

Helios 75/2.0
- 16 x 22mm (cine)
- double-gauss + zero lens, 12-21 0

Helios 100/1.8
- 16 x 22mm (cine)
- double-gauss + zero lens, 12-21 0

----------------------------------------------------


P-Helios-1 / R-Helios-1
- reprographic lens
- enhanced double-gauss, 12-212 (?)

Helios-1 50/2.0
- 18 x 24mm (cine)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-2 75/2.0
- 18 x 24mm (cine)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-3 100/2.0
- 18 x 24mm (cine)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-23 35/2.0
- 18 x 24mm (cine)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-27 135/2.0
- 18 x 24mm (cine)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-31 40/1.4
- 18 x 24mm (cine)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-32 15/2.0
- 7.5 x 10.4mm (cine, narrow film)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-33 35/2.0
- 18 x 24mm (cine)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-34 15/4.0
- 7.5 x 10.4mm (cine, narrow film)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-35 15/1.5
- ? (cine)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-39 25/4.0
- 7.5 x 10.4mm (cine, narrow film)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-40 85/1.5
- 36 x 24
- double-gauss, 12-21
- models: 40, 40T, 40-2; see next post

Helios-41 150/2.0
- 16 x 22mm (repro)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-42 27/2.8
- small format cameras
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-43 19/1.5
- ?
- double-gauss + zero lens, 12-21 0

Helios-44 58/2.0
- 36 x 24
- double-gauss, 12-21
- models: 44, 44M, 44K and many others, see next post

Helios-49 75/1.5
- 16 x 22mm (infra)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-50 100/1.5
- 16 x 22mm (infra)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-51 200/1.5
- 16 x 22mm (infra)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-52 150/1.5
- 16 x 22mm (infra)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-53 200/2.5
- 24 x 36mm
- double-gauss + zero lens, 12-21 0

Helios-54 135/2.0
- 18 x 24mm (cine)
- double-gauss + zero lens, 12-21 0

Helios-55 200/2.5
- 18 x 24mm (cine)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-57 9/3.5
- small format cameras
- double-gauss + zero lens, 0 12-21

Helios-58 10/1.6
- small format cameras
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-61 80/2.5
- 60 x 60mm (medium format)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-62 29/1.8
- 7.5 x 10.4mm
- double-gauss + zero lens, 12-21 0

Helios-64 44/1.8
- 7.5 x 10.4mm
- double-gauss + zero lens, 12-21 0

Helios-65 52/2.0 (50/2.0)
- 24 x 36mm
- double-gauss, 12-21
- 35/14 res.

Helios-66 10/3.5
- 7.5 x 10.4mm (narrow film cameras)
- double-gauss, 12-21

Helios-67 200/1.5
- ?
- double-gauss + zero lens, 12-21 0

Helios-68 200/1.5
- infra lens
- double-gauss + zero lens, 12-21 0

Helios-70 52/1.9
- 24 x 36
- double-gauss, 12-21 (?)
- KMZ, M42

Helios-76 35/2.0
- 18 x 24mm (TV lens)
- double-gauss + zero lens, 12-21 0

Helios-77 75/2.0
- 18 x 24mm (TV lens)
- double-gauss + zero lens, 12-21 0

Helios-77M 52/1.8 (50/1.8 )
- 24 x 36mm
- double-gauss, 12-21
- models 77M, 77M-4

Helios-79 45/2.0
- 24 x 36 (rangefinder)
- double-gauss, 12-21 (?)

Helios-81 50/2.0
- 24 x 36
- double-gauss, lanthanum glass, 12-21 (?)
- models: 81N (Nikon), 81A
- MC layers
- e.g. 1990
- ZA

Helios-89 30/1.9
- 18 x 24 (half-frame rangefinder FED mikron)
- double-gauss, 12-21 (?)

Helios-94 50/1.8
- 24 x 36
- double-gauss, 12-21 (?)
- Nikon mount

Helios-97 52/2.0
- 24 x 36
- double-gauss, 12-21 (?)
- KMZ, 48/27 res.

Helios-98 28/2.8
- 24 x 36 (rangefinder Zorki 12)
- double-gauss, 12-21 (?)

Helios-103 53/1.8
- 24 x 36 (rangefinder Kiev/Contax)
- double-gauss, 12-21
- ZA

Helios-113 40/1.8
- 24 x 36 (rangefinder FED, Leica M mount)
- double-gauss, 12-21 (?)
_________________
(almost) complete list of Helios lenses

[no-X]

Helios 44 pre-set models (44, 44-2, 44-3)


Helios-44

- resolution: 35/14 or 36/17
- 8-13 aperture blades, pre-set aperture
- M39 SLR, sometimes appears as M42 model (possibly early version of 44-2 with old model ring)
- there is a KMZ prototype marked "Helios 44-1", but production models are always marked only as "44"
- serial numbers almost never corresponds to year of manufacture, nearly always begins by "N" or "N°"
- MMZ lenses with serial number beginning by "N40xxx", "N50xxx" or "N60xxx" are likely made in 1964, 1965 and 1966 (first number of sn very likely means year of 196x decade)

1. KMZ
   1. silver, Π, "5,8cm", sn "N°00xxx" or "N°000xxx", 13-blades - rare
   2. silver, "2/58", sn "N°0xxx" or "N°00xxx", 13 blades
   3. silver, "2/58", sn "N°0xxx", 8-blades
   4. black + white lettering, "2/58", sn "N0xxx", 8 blades
   5. black + white lettering, M42, "2/58", sn "N0xxx", 8 blades
   
   
2. MMZ
   1. silver, "2/58", sn "N°40xxx", 8 blades
   2. silver, "2/58", sn "N50xxx" or "N60xxx"
   3. zebra, "2/58", sn "N°xxx" (e.g. 1970)

Gallery:

44 model 1.a, Π, "5,8cm", 13-blades, M39






Helios-44-2

- resolution: 38/20
- 8 aperture blades, pre-set aperture
- M42
- manufactured from 1971 in KMZ and MMZ, in 1974 production moved to JOV, in 1982/83 production moved to MMZ
- serial numbers often corresponds to year of manufacture (with the exception of 0xxx / 00xxx numbers and "N" marked MMZ lenses)
- MMZ zebra lenses with serial number beginning by "N90xxx" or "N00xxx" are likely made in 1969 and 1970 (first number of sn very likely means year of 196x decade)

1. KMZ
   1. black + white lettering
      • v1: sn "N00xxx" - "N0xxx" (likely pre 1970)
      • v2: sn "00xxx" - "0xxx" (likely 1970-71)
      • v3: sn "xxx" (e.g. 1971)
   2. classic version: black + colored lettering (e.g. 1974)
   
   
2. MMZ
   1. zebra
      • v1: sn "N90xxx" or "N00xxx" (1969-70)
      • v2: sn "Nxxx" (e.g. 1971-72)
   2. black + white lettering, sn "xxx" (e.g. 1973-74)
   3. classic version: black + colored lettering (e.g. 1982-83)
   4. redesigned version - similar look to 44-3 (e.g. 1988-89)
   
   
3. JOV
   1. silver + black, "2/58"
   2. classic version: black + colored lettering (e.g. 1974-1982)
   3. classic version + SN located on lens barrel (e.g. 1983)

Gallery:

44-2 model 1.a.v1: KMZ black glossy paint + white lettering, sn "N00xxxxx":






44-2 model 1.a.v1: KMZ black glossy paint + white lettering, sn "N0xxx":






44-2 model 1.a.v2: MZ black glossy paint + white lettering, sn "00xxxxx":






44-2 model 2.b: MMZ black glossy paint + white lettering, sn "73xxx":






44-2 model 3.a: JOV, black + colored lettering, sn "77xxx":





---------------------------------------------------------------------------

other examples of 44-2 (courtesy of J.Vacek / jvtdesign - thanks)

44-2 model "2.a": MMZ "zebra" - same barrel as MMZ version of 44(-1)



44-2 model "2.b": MMZ - white lettering, black glossy paint



44-2 model "1.b": KMZ - colored lettering



44-2 model "3.a": JOV - colored lettering



44-2 model "2.c": MMZ - colored lettering



44-2 model "2.d": MMZ last design - new barrel





Helios-44-3

- resolution: 40/21
- MC
- 8 aperture blades, pre-set
- M42
- manufactured only by MMZ (replacement of 44-2)
- original price of 44-3 MC was 40 R.

1. 44-3 MC - old model - protruding focusing ring (e.g. 1986)
   
2. 44-3 MC - new model (e.g. 1993)
   
3. 44-3M MC - "M" after number "3" means Macro, lens can be mounted on macro bellows - rare (e.g. 1992)

red = surface, which should touch the M42 adapter
yellow = focusing ring
blue and green = different thickness of the focusing rings

The older version has register surface located deeper than the flange of focusing ring. It isn't a problem on Zenit cameras, but M42 adaptors and some M42 cameras don't handle it well...
_________________
(almost) complete list of Helios lenses

[no-X]

Helios 44 - auto-aperture models

Helios-44M

- M means M42
- MC (rare) or single-coated
- A/M switch
- 8 aperture blades
- resolution: 38/19

1. 44M - KMZ (e.g. 1981-82)
2. 44M MC - KMZ (e.g. 1981)

Helios-44M-4 / 44K-4

- M means M42, K means Pentax K-mount
- MC or single-coated
- auto only
- 6 aperture blades
- resolution: depends on model (see list)

1. 44M-4 - JOV, res. 38/19 (e.g. 1984-1989)
2. 44M-4 MC - KMZ, res. 41/20
3. 44K-4 MC - KMZ, res. 41/20

Helios-44M-5

- M means M42
- MC or single-coated (rare?)
- auto only
- 6 aperture blades
- resolution: 41/20
- e.g. 1991


Helios-44M-6

- M means M42
- MC
- auto only
- 6 aperture blades
- resolution: 45/25
- e.g. 1992


Helios-44M-7

- M means M42
- MC
- auto only
- 6 aperture blades
- resolution: 50/30
- protruding rear mechanism (can damage DSLR body)
- e.g. 1996
_________________
(almost) complete list of Helios lenses

[no-X]

Helios SLR lenses - other models

Helios-44-D

- resolution 41/21
- mount for KMZ Zenit automat D


Helios-44-7

- resolution 36/17 or 41/21
- 6 aperture blades
- special design (1971?)


Helios-77M 50/1.8 (52/1.8 )

- M means M42
- MC
- auto only
- 6 aperture blades
- resolution 45/25
- special design (1971?)

1. 77M - manufacturer unknown (e.g. 1992)
2. 77M-4 - JOV
3. 77M-4 - Vologda

Helios-40 85/1.5

- system: M39 SLR, M42
- resolution: depends on model (see list)
- pre-set aperture

1. 40 - silver, M39, Π, "8,5cm", KMZ, sn "N°xxx", resolution 32/16 (e.g. 1961)
2. 40 - silver, M39, "1,5/85" KMZ, sn "N°xxx" resolution 32/16 (e.g. 1962-66)
3. 40T - silver, "8,5cm", KMZ, sn "N000xxx" designed for TV cameras (best copies of Helios-40?)
4. 40-2 - black, M42, KMZ, resolution 36/17 (e.g. 1971-87)
5. Cyclop - night vision system, ROMZ (e.g. 1992)

_________________
(almost) complete list of Helios lenses

[martinsmith99]

Great work! Thanks for sharing and I'll keep this bookmarked.
_________________
MF Lenses User Real Names (add yours)
MF Lenses User Self Pics (add yours)
Gear: Canon 5Dmkii & 40D DSLRs and a stack of M42 mount cameras and lenses (mainly Russian)
ms-imaging
my blog
My Flickr

[Poolhall]

There is also the Helios 77-K 4 of which I have an example, - K mount version of 77-m 4, mine is Valdai made and the serial is 9112490. It came with a Zenit AM2 serial 95004043 the four year difference in serials is unusual but its in the passport and documentation for the camera

[Rolf]

Great work. Thanks for sharing

I own a Helios-44-2 MMZ Zebra white letters with Ser. No. N7210523.

Same as SN 73XXXXXX 44-2model 2.b ?
Many thanks for your assistance.


_________________
Rolf

New images here
http://www.foto-bochum.net/New-Pictures/Most-recent/13106343_UzUJt#946853195_RNKvm

[no-X]

updated - added pictures of 44-3, 77M, 44 silver red-P and list of links to interesting threads
_________________
(almost) complete list of Helios lenses

[Kram]

No-X, thanks for all your hard work! That's the reddest coating I've ever seen on the 77M! Reminds me of Rollei HFT.

I just bought my first Helios 44-2. I'm a bit confused as to which version it is. Any idea?



So the serial number may mean that it "reserved for factory syndicat leaders (réservés aux responsables syndicaux d'usines) " via TheMoleman342.

[torbod]

Very nice list.

I think my KMZ made 44M-4 is missing, image attached on my sample, SN 832872.

Regards
/T
_________________

For Sale or Trade: M42 Helios 44M-4.

Manual Lenses: Flektogon 35 2.4 | Helios 44M-4 | Elmarit-R macro 60 2.8 | Sonnar 135 3.5 | Jupiter 21M | KOHBEPTEP K-1 | Loans: Takumar SMC 55 1.8 | Silver Helios 44 (M39) | Silver Jupiter 9 (M39) | Fujinon T EBC 135 3.5 |
Wish List: Sonnar 180 or 200 | Camera: Sony A700 |

[kds315*]

Very intersting, thanks for all your efforts to assemble this info!
_________________
Klaus

http://www.macrolenses.de for macro and special lens info
http://www.pbase.com/kds315/uv_photos for UV Images and lens/filter info
http://photographyoftheinvisibleworld.blogspot.com/ my UV diary


Currently most FAV lens(es):

Zeiss UV-Planar f4/60mm
Nikon UV Nikkor f4.5/105mm
Rodenstock UV-Rodagon f5.6/60mm
Voigtländer (Cosina) Apo-Macro-Lanthar f2.5 125mm SL

[no-X]

Kram: I'd guess your lens is 1970 or early 1971

torbod: is your silver Helios 13-bladed?

Rolf: yes, I included it in the list, thanks

kds315*: Thanks!

---

as for the serial numbers - it seems to be more complicated, than many website suggested - at least for Helios lenses:

Jupiter Optics Valdaj:

- first two digits always mean year of production: e.g. 82124381 = 1982 (early silver/black hybrid 44-2 lenses could be an exception, but I have no SN data)

MMZ

- for silver lenses: first two digits ar often 40, 50, 60 etc. - I think it means year of 196x decade... e.g. 4003215 = 1964
- for zebra lenses: zebra lenses were made around 1970 - early zebras use the same scheme, as silver lenses: 90 means 1969, 00 means 1970 and 10 means 1971... this system was changed in 1971 in MMZ, so later zebra lenses use standard system, e.g. 7103215 = 1971
- all later models use also this system... in theory 00 could mean year of production 2000, but MMZ stopped production of Helios lenses in nineties (Zeiss bought this factory)

KMZ

even more complicated:

- since 1971 they used the standard system, where first two digits means year of production: e.g. 7103215 = 1971
- earlier lenses don't use it: silver models and some black+white models
- silver models are typically 000, 00, 0: oldest models ("red-P / 5,8cm") are 000 or 00, while later ones (58mm) are mostly 0
- 13 blades vs 8 blades: 000 and 00 lenses have 13 blades; lenses with serial number lower than 022... have 13 blades and higher tha 029... have 8 blades; no data for 022-029; I'm not sure, if this is true for every lens, but for many of them it seems to be OK
- black+white models are 00 or 0... later use standard system

so... my guess (only for KMZ Helios 44/44-2 lenses!):

N°000xxxx - N°0017xxx -> silver, 5,8cm red-P, 13-blades
N°0018xxx - N°0072xxx -> silver, no data, likely 13-blades
N°0073xxx - N°0225xxx -> silver, 2/58, 13-blades
N°0226xxx - N°028xxxx -> silver, no data
N°0297xxx - all later SNs -> silver, 2/58, 8 blades

N 0075xxx - N 0521xxx -> black+white (pre 1970)

00854xx - 011xxxx -> black+white (1970 or early 1971)

71xxxxx - xxxxxxx -> standard numbering system (1971 and later)

as for the system:
000 - prototypes
00 - politics
0 - factory leaders

I'm not sure... maybe it's true, but not for pre-1970 Helios lenses, which were routinely marked by zero numbers. Anyway, all pre-1970 soviet lenses I have ever tried are optically excellent copies, so I still prefer them
_________________
(almost) complete list of Helios lenses

[JWH]

I started my MF Craze with Helios 44's and I still am on the lookout for them. Some how I love these little things to bits and the urge to collect all variations is .. enormous.

I don't know if I can add to this topic, but I'll just post a photo here.





Left to Right:
44-2 / SN0009141 / 8 Blades - 44-3 MC / SN9084728 - 44M / SN8052896

I also came across someone selling a Helios on eBay and this Helios 44 looks a bit odd. It has a brownish finish as it seems at the top.
Click here to see on Ebay

[larsr]

There seems to be a limited edition green colored 44-3 model which was shipped with the Zenit ET, see following:


(in this photo seen from the top)
_________________
Lars


My photos on Flickr


Bodies:
DSLR: Nikon D200
SLR: Nikon FA, Pentax Spotmatic SPII, Zeiss Ikon Icarex 35TM
35mm: Voigtländer Vitoret

Nikkor MF
24/2.8K AI'd, 28/2.8 AIS, 35/2 AIS, 50/1.4 AIS, 50/1.8 AIS, 50/2 AI, 55/2.8 Micro, 35-70/3.5 AIS, 85/1.8K AI'd, 100/2.8 Series E, 105/2.5 AI, 105/2.5 AIS, 135/3.5 AI, Nikkor 180/2.8 ED AIS, 200/4-Q AI'd, 300/4.5-H AI'd

M42
Misc: Vivitar 28/2.5, Chinon 28/2.8, Cosina Auto Cosinon 50/1.8, Revue Auto Revuenon 50/1.8, Mamiya 50/2, Auto Flex 55/1.7, Cosina Cosinon 135/2.8 MC, Vivitar 135/2.8, Petri 200/3.5 CC Auto
Zeiss: Carl Zeiss (Ikon) Tessar 50/2.8, CZJ Tessar 50/2.8, CZJ Pancolar Electric 50/1.8 MC, CZJ Biotar 58/2 T, CZJ Sonnar MC S 135/3.5
Asahi-Pentax: SMC-Takumar 55/1.8, Super-Takumar 105/2.8, SMC-Takumar 135/3.5
USSR: Mir-1 37/2.8 (1958 GP), Helios 44-2 58/2
Pentacon/Meyer: Pentacon 29/2.8 MC, Pentacon 50/1.8 MC Electric, Meyer Görlitz Oreston 50/1.8, Meyer Görlitz Orestor 135/2.8, Pentacon 200/4

Nikkor AF
50/1.8 D, 60/2.8 Micro, 55-200/4-5.6 G VR, 70-300/4-5.6 ED, 18-70/3.5-4.5 G

Wantlist
Nikkor 105/1.8, Nikkor 135/2

[Poolhall]

Interesting -there have been a few bronze coloured plastic Zenits mostly from MMZ like the ET there, and some bronze lenses too but the only ones I have seen were K mount mirrors from KMZ- so a bronze 44-3 is very unusual nice find