which Helios 44?

chris_zeel · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 9:44 am Post subject: which Helios 44?

Hello all,

After having read all the appreciation for the Helios 44 lens, I want to start looking for one.
Preferably in M42 since I already have adapters for that mount.

My question is, what copies should I be must looking for and which version should I avoid?
There are many version, the 44M has 8 aperture blades, not all of them are multi-coated, etc..

What is your advice?

Lightshow · Joined: 04 Nov 2011 Posts: 3666 Location: Calgary

The silver 44 with a red P(Pi)
44-2 KMZ
77M or 77M-4

or you could do a search, as this has been asked before.
http://forum.mflenses.com/viewtopic.php?t=51409

chris_zeel · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 10:11 am Post subject:

Thanks for linking that thread!
I already did a little search here but didn't quickly find that topic.

Sorry for the unneeded new topic. Any new opinions are welcome of course!

chris_zeel · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2013 10:18 am Post subject:

Little, additional question:

Which versions have an A/M switch?

peterqd · Expire: 2014-01-04

The 44M (nothing) has an A-M switch of unique design in my experience. It's the only version I know of, although I haven't tried many of
the later versions.

I'd recommend you go for a silver Helios 44 with M39 mount. The preset aperture mechanism gives smooth control over the degree of
blur and depth of field on an AE camera. You'll need the adapter ring to convert to M42. Maybe it's psychological, but the optics seem to
me to be better in this earlier type too. The M42 version 44-2 may have better coatings but the build and optical quality is more variable.

Drack · Joined: 27 Feb 2011 Posts: 735 Location: Lithuania

Lloydy · Expire: 2022-01-01

On my Pentax K10 I like the 44-M, the normal layout of the focus / aperture rings are easy, and the A/M switch makes it simple to use, although I do have one that I've jammed the pin down with a bit of Q Tip, and scraped some paint off to short out the pins so I can do 'catch in focus' with the lens, which is really very good on the Pentax.
On the NEX I prefer the 44-2, using it at waist level my left hand cradles the camera and lens, and I can turn the stop down ring easily with a fingertip. My right hand is on the camera and I press the shutter with my thumb, it's a very natural way to use it.
Optically ? I love them both, and find it difficult to tell them apart.

( I have got a Praktica EE2 that I was thinking of selling with a Helios 44-2 along with a Prinzflex 200 / 3.5 and a flash, all in a Praktica case. I might have a 28mm somewhere as well that I could include )

GaborF · Joined: 06 Nov 2012 Posts: 35

I have 44-2 and 44-3 Helios lenses. Both are amazing, and both have 8 blades (for smooth bokeh highlights) - post 44-3 (44-4 up to 44-6) you will get lenses with 6 blades. 44-3 is MC, and I converted it to have infinity on Nikon, this is the one I am using.
Love both 44-2 and 44-3, and these are not that hard to get hold of.

ferrick · Joined: 20 Apr 2012 Posts: 643 Location: Hong Kong

Gerris2 · Expire: 2014-01-17

This thread was very educational, thanks!

iangreenhalgh1 · Expire: 2014-01-07

I must have had a dozen Helios 44s, not had a bad one yet, my best one was a 44, black, M42, I kept it. I think just grab one and try it, probably the variation between copies is greater than the differences between versions.

Aanything · Expire: 2014-05-30

iangreenhalgh1 · Expire: 2014-01-07

That's true, the older ones are generally better. If sharpness is really important, skip the Helios 44 and grab a Zenitar 2/50, a very sharp lens indeed.

Pancolart · Expire: 2013-11-18

Buy 5 specimens that you'll find cheapest. Don't mind the body outside wear and model designations. Test and keep the best one.

Drack · Joined: 27 Feb 2011 Posts: 735 Location: Lithuania

chris_zeel · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 5:39 pm Post subject:

Thanks for all the useful replies!

I guess I will just try a couple and see what my experience is.
I just bought a 44M with aperture 8 blades, which is fairly new, and I'm also looking to buy an older 44-2.

I will post some shots when I have tried some.

skida · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2013 12:34 am Post subject:

As I said in the other thread:

flaviomaia · Joined: 15 Jan 2013 Posts: 120 Location: Portugal

chris_zeel · Posted: Fri Feb 01, 2013 2:55 pm Post subject:

So, I got the 44M recently and already liked, I quickly noticed the distinct bokeh.
However, the focus is a bit still and which made me more easily grab my Takumar 55/2 for it's smooth focus.

But now I have just received a 44-2 with preset aperture ring and a very smooth focus!
It's so nice to work with and I also like the preset mechanisms of the Russian lenses.
It is however a bit prone to flare, when sun directly hits the lens, all kind of haze and reflections appear.
It would really benefit from a hood at least!

Here is an example shot, a bit processed for contrast and colors.