helios 44-2 available here- www.ebay.com/itm/323260177666 helios 44-2 for nikon mount with full range focusing available here- www.ebay.com/itm/202650669505 helios 44 13 blades iris available here- www.ebay.com/itm/324071154931
I received my 13 blade 44-2 today from you. I am so happy the condition is perfect and I am shocked that is was made in 1962 and you adapted it for infinity focusing on Nikon. I will be buying more lenses from you. You are amazing. Thank you for selling me a wonderful lens.
Why is there so much difference in details in shadows at 17:08? Like there's some kind of post-processing on the right side, all the shadow details are smeared.
I have the silver Helios, the metal housing needed cleaning but I avoid polishing it down to smooth like you did and preserve the original machined surface line as much as possible. Silvo Duraglit applied in the same direction as the machined surface line then polish off the same way. For heavy corrosion I use small amount of gun oil on a piece of rag dab over the surface and leave it for a day or two it should help lift the corrosion.
Wonderful comparisons here. I really noticed the difference in the coatings as well as the sharpness in several of the scenes. Particularly the scene with the spruce tree with toy, there was a sun ray/veiling with the 44-2.
Please upload a video and share your knowledge on how to take a good photo with mir 1b 37mm lens. How it works and what tricks you know about taking good shots. Thanks
Hello Retro foto House. I have a question regarding your tests. Most Sharpness charts I have seen indicate that the sharpness of the helios-44-2 should be superior to the sharpness of the helios 44. Do you have an idea why this is the opposite in your test? Thank you for your time.
He switched the photos in the test ( 17:59 ) . You can see when he clicks button in the Lightroom X-Y (down right corner). So by clicking the button 44-2 photo example went left (in the position where all 44 13 blades photo examples were). Because all of the tests from 44 13 blades were on the left he said that it was sharper too, but that was due to the fact that he switched to photos to make it look like that. I downvoted this video because of this "problem". The 44-2 is in fact sharper :)
Hi! Just buy helios 44-2 and helios 44 13 blades and make your own tests. Helios 44-2 is a junk compared to helios 44 13 blades. I'm pretty sure you will notice it by yourself. I've repaired hundreds lens of both models and i know pretty well how they made inside. And what technological tolerances have both... Helios 44 was in production at the time when Soviets used to put in a jail everybody for low quality work. And helios 44-2 was in production in 80thies mostly, were all was about to start collapsing. It was made in huge quantitites just to fullfill production plans and nobody was really caring about improoving quality. And please do not listen for commentators here above, they just simply do not know what they're commenting. I have absolutlely no interest in changing results in any way. This makes nonsense.
Remember that on M39 Helios 44, since M39 flange focal distance is SHORTER than the M42 distance you can't get infinity focus with a simple M39 to M42 step up ring. You need to either get an M39 adapter for your camera or you need to modify the Helios 44 flange distance. In general it's much easier to get the correct adapter even if it costs a few dollars more. Other than that, good review.
Hi! I just bought and Silver Helios 44 13 blades M39 and I have a canon and a Sony. Should I get an M39-EOS or M39-E instead of a m39-m42 step up ring and then an m42 adapter? Please it would help me a lot
@@mulitaaaaa Yes, the flange focus distance for M39x1 (Russian Zenit) mount lenses is 45.20mm. The flange focus distance for M42 is 45.46mm, which is .26mm too long for infinity focus on M39. .26mm may not sound like much, but when you're talking about true infinity focus on a lens which has around 30-40 ln/mm of resolution you don't want soft focus to subtract from that. Also I've mentioned this before, but don't confuse this Russian M39x1 Zenit mount with either the M39/28mm (Zorki) or the M39/26tpi (often called the Leica L39 mount). Make sure you get the correct adapter. The flange focus difference between the true M39 and Canon EF mount is not very large -- just 1.1mm, so the adapter should be reasonably priced. I would use a separate M39 adapter for both the Canon and Sony cameras even if you have to pay more because any minor error in one or the other will stack up and it will be difficult to determine where the error is. I bought an M39 to Leica L adapter for my Blackmagic Pyxis which cost almost $50, but then again the Pyxis is a $3000 camera. No point in being cheap to save a few dollars and scew up the image. Good luck.
Do you think the Red P is a lot better than the normal silver 13 blade version? I want to buy a 85mm 1.5 and also wondering on red P vs normal helios 40 silver version. Is red P worth it? They made a red P tair 135mm 2.8 and an mir 37mm! Trying to decide if I should go all red P!
I wish your shop were in the US. I am collecting these lenses, and I've had a really hard time finding good, honest vendors on eBAY and ETSY. It's been a heartbreak. I love these lenses!! The "Made in USSR" on the barrel will be a big hit here at parties in California....after the pandemic! Best regards! Your videos are EXTREMELY helpful. Do you have an online shop?
@@RetroFotoHouse I am waiting for the development of several tests that I am conducting of my Helios lenses, including one oily one from the factory that you say is not so good, and two Zenit cameras that I repaired. Those Zenit cameras have no functioning light meters, and that is frustrating. Ultimately, I wish to buy a good Zebra lens in very good condition for those ZENIT cameras - NO adaptor needed. If my Zenit cameras are a complete loss (I suspect that the drive is scratching the film), I would be willing to consider buying a good lens from your shop, in conjunction with a functioning ZENIT body in which everything works right.
Great content! I am going to buy a Helios 44-2 after seeing this. I wanted to ask, do you recommend the KMZ or MMZ version? I have to choose between the two and I cannot test them out myself, so was hoping for some expert advice before I make the plunge. There is also very little information comparing between 44-2 lenses, so maybe an idea for a future video as well :).
That exactly the video i'm working on actually :) Well, MMZ is more easely to find, and it is very good, though in my opinion KMZ version is slightly better
Wonderful video, you make very informative content, I’m very interesting in this creative lenses. Have you used it with Nikon Z6 cameras and what adapter would you recommend? Thank you very much for your help.
@@RetroFotoHouse Thank you so much for your info, do you have any lenses available at this moment in great conditions, if you do can you tell me the listing number?
great video man! I wonder if you have any info about other russian lenses: Zenit MC zoom lenses. Some of the later Zenits cameras came with this zoom as a kit lens. 35-70mm and 28-70mm. recently bough one and am doubting of its quality as i couldnt find any info on them. thank you, keep the good work!
Hello, very good video as usually ! I've 2 questions ,please : To put the m39 lens on an M4/3, is there better to use a m39>m4/3 adapter or to use m39/m42 ring and to put it on a m42 > m4/3 adapter ? A m39 Helios 44 with 8 petals is a real m39 or a "reconditionned" 44m-2 ? Have a good day.
@@RetroFotoHouse My camera is a Fuji XT3, I have adapters for M39 and M42. Can I get infinite focus with the 44 13 blades lens with the adaptation you make?
Awesome video. You explain things so well. I am thinking about buying the 44-2. DO you recommend it for D810? Will it hit the mirror? Is it safe to use it with D810? Thanks. Keep up the good work.
@@RetroFotoHouse i switch the lens... The other One was prepared to macro...but the One i have nos has another problem...the aperture ring doesnt move the blades...
@@RetroFotoHouse this doesn't say much :( If I have a regular 44m kmz how much is the difference compared to H44 13 blades version? Is it worth buying 13 blades version?
Great video, thanks! I have the 44 version on my Start camera. I've just a "problem" with infinity focus that I fix unscrewing a little bit the ring of the front lens. But so it stays not fixed. Do you have any idea and suggestion about that?
My Helios 44-2 has uncoated front and rear elements and coated internal elements, like my Jupiter-21m. My Jupiter-37a has an uncoated front element and my Jupiter-11a is like the silver Helios-44 (coated everything). However, my Jupiter-11a flares the worst, though is has the least chromatic aberrations and highest resolution. My jupiter-21m and 37a flare the least and are very, very sharp.
@@RetroFotoHouse Bought two LOMO T43s (black focusing ring for myself, and silver one for my friend) and a 16KP from your store, can't wait for them to arrive! Awesome channel and eBay store, BTW.
let me just point out that your version of 44-2 has the Valdai logo, and I know from my research that they manufactured the worst quality Helios lenses out there. For a more accurate comparison I'd suggest trying with both versions having the same logo from the KMZ factory,
helios 44-2 available here- www.ebay.com/itm/323260177666
helios 44-2 for nikon mount with full range focusing available here- www.ebay.com/itm/202650669505
helios 44 13 blades iris available here- www.ebay.com/itm/324071154931
How about the isue infinity focus on nikon body? Are these helios 44 and helios 44-2 lens get infinity focus on nikon body?
I received my 13 blade 44-2 today from you. I am so happy the condition is perfect and I am shocked that is was made in 1962 and you adapted it for infinity focusing on Nikon. I will be buying more lenses from you. You are amazing. Thank you for selling me a wonderful lens.
Thank you as well! Can you please leave me a feedback? I'll do the same for you
@@RetroFotoHouse I did leave you 5 star feedback.
Awesome video! Seriously underrated channel
I just bought an 13 bladed Helios today. I'm so happy with it :) I might do a comparison video too sometime later.
Best channel for vintage lenses!
Why is there so much difference in details in shadows at 17:08? Like there's some kind of post-processing on the right side, all the shadow details are smeared.
there were no any postprocessing. Difficult to say why
Yes it's quite "strange" isn't it?
I have the silver Helios, the metal housing needed cleaning but I avoid polishing it down to smooth like you did and preserve the original machined surface line as much as possible. Silvo Duraglit applied in the same direction as the machined surface line then polish off the same way. For heavy corrosion I use small amount of gun oil on a piece of rag dab over the surface and leave it for a day or two it should help lift the corrosion.
thank you for your input!
Wonderful comparisons here. I really noticed the difference in the coatings as well as the sharpness in several of the scenes. Particularly the scene with the spruce tree with toy, there was a sun ray/veiling with the 44-2.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for an informative comparison. I just lucked into a 44, not so pretty on the outside but with wonderful optics on the inside.
Glad it was helpful!
how to check manufacture year ? I would like to find from 1965
helios 44-2 was not in production in 1965
Please upload a video and share your knowledge on how to take a good photo with mir 1b 37mm lens. How it works and what tricks you know about taking good shots. Thanks
Hello Retro foto House. I have a question regarding your tests. Most Sharpness charts I have seen indicate that the sharpness of the helios-44-2 should be superior to the sharpness of the helios 44. Do you have an idea why this is the opposite in your test? Thank you for your time.
He switched the photos in the test ( 17:59 ) . You can see when he clicks button in the Lightroom X-Y (down right corner). So by clicking the button 44-2 photo example went left (in the position where all 44 13 blades photo examples were). Because all of the tests from 44 13 blades were on the left he said that it was sharper too, but that was due to the fact that he switched to photos to make it look like that. I downvoted this video because of this "problem". The 44-2 is in fact sharper :)
@@n_drk8929 That makes very much sense! Kudos for noticing that and thanks for your answer :)
Hi! Just buy helios 44-2 and helios 44 13 blades and make your own tests. Helios 44-2 is a junk compared to helios 44 13 blades. I'm pretty sure you will notice it by yourself. I've repaired hundreds lens of both models and i know pretty well how they made inside. And what technological tolerances have both... Helios 44 was in production at the time when Soviets used to put in a jail everybody for low quality work. And helios 44-2 was in production in 80thies mostly, were all was about to start collapsing. It was made in huge quantitites just to fullfill production plans and nobody was really caring about improoving quality. And please do not listen for commentators here above, they just simply do not know what they're commenting. I have absolutlely no interest in changing results in any way. This makes nonsense.
Nice job.👍🏼 Be nice to see a comparison video of the Helios 44 8 blade vs the 13 blade.
it will come in the future for sure
Remember that on M39 Helios 44, since M39 flange focal distance is SHORTER than the M42 distance you can't get infinity focus with a simple M39 to M42 step up ring. You need to either get an M39 adapter for your camera or you need to modify the Helios 44 flange distance. In general it's much easier to get the correct adapter even if it costs a few dollars more. Other than that, good review.
Hi! I just bought and Silver Helios 44 13 blades M39 and I have a canon and a Sony. Should I get an M39-EOS or M39-E instead of a m39-m42 step up ring and then an m42 adapter? Please it would help me a lot
@@mulitaaaaa Yes, the flange focus distance for M39x1 (Russian Zenit) mount lenses is 45.20mm. The flange focus distance for M42 is 45.46mm, which is .26mm too long for infinity focus on M39. .26mm may not sound like much, but when you're talking about true infinity focus on a lens which has around 30-40 ln/mm of resolution you don't want soft focus to subtract from that. Also I've mentioned this before, but don't confuse this Russian M39x1 Zenit mount with either the M39/28mm (Zorki) or the M39/26tpi (often called the Leica L39 mount). Make sure you get the correct adapter. The flange focus difference between the true M39 and Canon EF mount is not very large -- just 1.1mm, so the adapter should be reasonably priced. I would use a separate M39 adapter for both the Canon and Sony cameras even if you have to pay more because any minor error in one or the other will stack up and it will be difficult to determine where the error is. I bought an M39 to Leica L adapter for my Blackmagic Pyxis which cost almost $50, but then again the Pyxis is a $3000 camera. No point in being cheap to save a few dollars and scew up the image. Good luck.
Are there different Helios 44 silver versions with worse/better coatings? I want to buy one from the internet but I can't see a blue coating on it...
blue coating is more on early helios 44 with 13 blades, in the meantime yellow or no color coating is on white helios with 8 blades
Do you think the Red P is a lot better than the normal silver 13 blade version? I want to buy a 85mm 1.5 and also wondering on red P vs normal helios 40 silver version. Is red P worth it? They made a red P tair 135mm 2.8 and an mir 37mm! Trying to decide if I should go all red P!
no, i don't think so. red P means that glass was enlightened in chemical way.
I wish your shop were in the US. I am collecting these lenses, and I've had a really hard time finding good, honest vendors on eBAY and ETSY. It's been a heartbreak.
I love these lenses!! The "Made in USSR" on the barrel will be a big hit here at parties in California....after the pandemic! Best regards! Your videos are EXTREMELY helpful. Do you have an online shop?
Hi! I can delilver to US without any problems. Just tell me what do you need.
@@RetroFotoHouse I am waiting for the development of several tests that I am conducting of my Helios lenses, including one oily one from the factory that you say is not so good, and two Zenit cameras that I repaired. Those Zenit cameras have no functioning light meters, and that is frustrating. Ultimately, I wish to buy a good Zebra lens in very good condition for those ZENIT cameras - NO adaptor needed. If my Zenit cameras are a complete loss (I suspect that the drive is scratching the film), I would be willing to consider buying a good lens from your shop, in conjunction with a functioning ZENIT body in which everything works right.
I have an amazing copy of a 44-m. Super sharp even wide open. Seriously great lens
Yes! i love helios 44m too!
Great content! I am going to buy a Helios 44-2 after seeing this. I wanted to ask, do you recommend the KMZ or MMZ version? I have to choose between the two and I cannot test them out myself, so was hoping for some expert advice before I make the plunge. There is also very little information comparing between 44-2 lenses, so maybe an idea for a future video as well :).
That exactly the video i'm working on actually :) Well, MMZ is more easely to find, and it is very good, though in my opinion KMZ version is slightly better
Do you have the Helios 44 13 blades I think the link is broken
Why didn’t early Helios 44-2 58 use Cyrillic letters?
Wonderful video, you make very informative content, I’m very interesting in this creative lenses. Have you used it with Nikon Z6 cameras and what adapter would you recommend? Thank you very much for your help.
To use it with nikon Z series, you need m42- nikon Z adapter. It is widespread
@@RetroFotoHouse Thank you so much for your info, do you have any lenses available at this moment in great conditions, if you do can you tell me the listing number?
Do you still have an old 44 to sell?
no i don't
great video man! I wonder if you have any info about other russian lenses: Zenit MC zoom lenses. Some of the later Zenits cameras came with this zoom as a kit lens. 35-70mm and 28-70mm. recently bough one and am doubting of its quality as i couldnt find any info on them. thank you, keep the good work!
Hi! No, i'm not familiar with those
Hello, very good video as usually ! I've 2 questions ,please : To put the m39 lens on an M4/3, is there better to use a m39>m4/3 adapter or to use m39/m42 ring and to put it on a m42 > m4/3 adapter ? A m39 Helios 44 with 8 petals is a real m39 or a "reconditionned" 44m-2 ?
Have a good day.
if you will use directly m39-m4/3 adapter it won't work. you need step up to m42 ring first than m42 adapter
@@RetroFotoHouse thank you very much
This lens has no infinite focus, was it an adaptation you made? Do you have 44 - 13 more blades to sell with this adaptation?
Yes, i convert such lenses for nikons with full range focusing. Please follow my eBay strore, they will be available soon
@@RetroFotoHouse My camera is a Fuji XT3, I have adapters for M39 and M42. Can I get infinite focus with the 44 13 blades lens with the adaptation you make?
@@contatofelipesoares Yes, you can
@@contatofelipesoares Ola Felipe, conseguiu resolver o foco infinito ?
Is the helios 44 8 blades any good? Or should I only go for 13 blades?
it is good, but 13 blades are netter, though more expensive and difficult to find in decent condition
@@RetroFotoHouse thank you for your input
good job Roman ..this is Toddy ..btw ..
Do you still have this Helios 44 silver for Nikon cameras? I would love to buy one from you
please check up my eBay stores:
www.ebay.com/usr/kosbik84
www.ebay.com/usr/retrofotohouse
Awesome video. You explain things so well. I am thinking about buying the 44-2. DO you recommend it for D810? Will it hit the mirror? Is it safe to use it with D810? Thanks. Keep up the good work.
Hi! It has to be tuned up to normally work onto your nikon camera.
Is it normal for my hélios to not focus beyond 2 meters?
what camera do you use?
@@RetroFotoHouse i switch the lens... The other One was prepared to macro...but the One i have nos has another problem...the aperture ring doesnt move the blades...
Very in-depth and technical analysis review.
Thank you!
I have the Helios 85mm 1.5 and I love it : )
Yeah, great lens!
How do I adapt the silver Helios lens to a Sony e mount mirror less full body?
you need to put m39-m42 step up ring and then use m42-sony e adapter
seems to be the colors on 44-2 a little bit warmer than with 44?
I wouldn't say so. I think helios 44 has more pleasant colours
I just ordered for one too I can't wait to put it on my Canon 5d mk 4
early version is better
Great video, thank you for making these videos. Keep it up 👍
hello, nice compare
in your opinion,what's the best swirly bokeh for helios 58 series? i know there is many version of helios..thanks :)
sembilan benua hi!
Helios early 13 blades. It is sharp and produces gorgeous bokeh
Very nice comparision with good info
Confused between 44 and 44m :D
Well, 44 is predecessor of 44-2, 44m is further development of 44-2. That's quite simple
@@RetroFotoHouse this doesn't say much :( If I have a regular 44m kmz how much is the difference compared to H44 13 blades version? Is it worth buying 13 blades version?
Great video, thanks! I have the 44 version on my Start camera. I've just a "problem" with infinity focus that I fix unscrewing a little bit the ring of the front lens. But so it stays not fixed. Do you have any idea and suggestion about that?
I'll go for helios 44 for very slight difference
But 44-2 is ok also
Great video, well explained. Good Samples.
Thank you!!
valcked can you please summarize the video for me? Which one is better?
@@elibenjamins no
My Helios 44-2 has uncoated front and rear elements and coated internal elements, like my Jupiter-21m. My Jupiter-37a has an uncoated front element and my Jupiter-11a is like the silver Helios-44 (coated everything). However, my Jupiter-11a flares the worst, though is has the least chromatic aberrations and highest resolution. My jupiter-21m and 37a flare the least and are very, very sharp.
I agree with you, old russian lenses are very good! That's why i'm promoting them via my eBay store
@@RetroFotoHouse Bought two LOMO T43s (black focusing ring for myself, and silver one for my friend) and a 16KP from your store, can't wait for them to arrive!
Awesome channel and eBay store, BTW.
Looking forward to have mine 44 for my fuji...!
Great information.. thank you for your time to explain the differences!! :-)
let me just point out that your version of 44-2 has the Valdai logo, and I know from my research that they manufactured the worst quality Helios lenses out there. For a more accurate comparison I'd suggest trying with both versions having the same logo from the KMZ factory,
What a great video ,it is very informative many thanks to you Retro Foto House
My pleasure!
Amazing, thank you.
Subscribed.
Choose a good mic ,you are destroying our ears with this one
Thank you for your input, will do