My father used his Zenit 11 with this lens for most of my childhood (90s and early 2000s) and then switched to digital cameras. For so long Zenit was on display in our living room above tv, nice looking decor. Now I can use lens on dslr or even use that old Zenit (it still works). Thanks dad for respecting good stuff and not giving it away. Nice review and verry helpful.
I've bought this lens when I was 23 on recommendation of my friend professional photographer it was including Zenit camera made in USSR...I was taking the best pictures of my family,even when I spent half of my monthly income that time...I'm still using this lens including some of the best Leica Lenses...
In Czech repblic you can get one for 40 bucks with the Zenit camera. I love it. Russian lenses are so cheap. I just bought brand new Zenith FS12 with Tair 3 300mm F4 lens for 80 bucks. Thats incredible,
So glad I found this video Brendan. I have this exact lens that I used to use with my Zenit 11 camera and now I have an Olympus E-PM2 and I just ordered my adapter so I can use this and lavish in that sweet sweet bokeh.
Actually I started to use it yesterday (got adaptor ring) that lens I took from father's camera Zenit. Yeah, it's sharp and have nice bokeh, but you must tune manual focus each time and it's not allow to use it fast
In Europe you can find all of these version 44-2 44-3 44-5 44-6 even the 44-7 for less than 30€ sometimes. Relly nice lenses ans Yashicas, Rollei Planars, CZJ, Pentacon, Minolta Rokkor, Jupiter, Konica, Olympus Zuiko; Meyer Görlitz, Schneider-Kreuznach ...
Yes it is. The first is the 44-2 the classic. I love all of the except the 4, I don't know why. All are similars, only change the quality of the coating (newer = better) and the sharpness. The sharper is also the last. There are some other changes in design between 44-2; 44-3; 44-4 and 44-5,6,7, Those three ones have the same shape. Regards@@luuk441
Got one. Love it. My only initial problem was that there's a small rod that protrudes out of the back of the lens, which keeps the aperture wide open. Aperture blades only close down when the rod is depressed. If you're using a camera that this lens was designed for, it's not a problem. But I'm using it on Canon 5D bodies and on a BMPCC 4K - the adapter I was using didn't address this. I ended up MacGyver'ing it by taking off the back plate and looping some 12g copper wire around the rod to keep it permanently depressed, which keeps the aperture ring working all the time. Pretty easy. Anyway, _very_ much appreciate the video. It truly is a nice lens, built like a tank, with good optics and really interesting character. It makes a great photo / video lens and definitely a great addition to your kit. Cheers, mate!
Yes, I do mention that specific fix in the video. Took me a while to figure out, I think I even link the fix in the description. I cut and used a small chunk of plastic ballpoint pen tube to keep the rod pressed. Ive used it on Sony A7sii, Sony A6400, RED, Canon 5D Mk 4, works really great on many bodies! Glad you enjoyed the video John!
Not sure, you could always get a canon to fuji adaptor and then buy the canon ring adaptor. You might get vignetting though if you dont use a teleconverter
I use the same lens on my Nikon, and it was really hard to convert it to nikon mount with having ability to focus to infinity. (had to remove the back of the lens with thread and install adapter directly to the body with some other mods...) With Canon DSLRs there's no problems though. But I really love this lens, it's pretty unusual and distinct unlike modern lenses... Mine made in 1986, older than me but still in pretty good condition.
Can you share process how you managed to do that tweek for Nikon? I have this lens for 2 weeks already, but to get some sharpness on it is a real pain in the...back :)
Great review and i agree with you... these lenses are amazing! I also have the 44-2 -4 -7 and i love them! Oh and btw those are not oranges;) they are mandarins;)
Christos Serrano Thoma Thanks for watching! Yes, we have both trees in my backyard, so I got confused. Glad you also love these lenses. Next I'll be shooting 35mm with my Helios!
oh now it was on apsc? If yes then on 35mm you will love more the bokeh! You know i love people seeing people appreciating these lenses as they are unique and every lens has it's own character! Yea i have also both trees))))) Also i was thinking to do my own reviews cos i have maybe 20+ vintage lenses but i don't have a lot of time! But i have an Instagram account if that counts lol)))))))))
Christos Serrano Thoma I'll definitely give your Instagram a follow. I want to do a review on the Mir Lens as well. These photos were taken crop MFT because of my Canon T5i, but if you watch a newer video on my channel I put it on an A7sii and shot some video in 4k and photos on the full frame sensor. I think you'd enjoy it! Also, I meant 35mm Film! On my Minolta x-700! I think it would look amazing on film!
That would be great bro) Wow yes i didn't think of that, film would be great) Also mir 37mm is awesome) In my account you'll see some photos of the 44-2 trees and stuff... i am in love with the lens! Especially when i paired it with the a7:)
But in any case, it's a very good and cheep option. I like the 44-2 44-3 and 44-6, there are better, in my opinion Thant your 44-4m. Try one of them! If you like the swirly bike try also the Schneider-Kreuznach Curtagon 35 f2,8 Meyer Görlitz Trioplan 50mm f2,9 V (now it's expensive but I find one of the in a Flea Market for...10€) the Yashica ML 50mm f1,7 (It's the same as Carl Zeiss Planar) or the Rollei Planar HFT 50mm f1,8 (A same CZ but with Rollei trademark) and Schneider-Kreuznach Xenon 50mm f1,8. And of course, you should try the Takumar 135mm f3,5 incredible cheap, sharp and easy to use. And it has also the swirly bokeh. If you want you can check a lot of pictures made with these lenses in my instagram. Very good video! Regards!
@@timzovisuals yesterday, i bought it for 13$ also :) there are a lot of such lenses in Russia! But the best of the Soviet lenses is certainly not this one, but the "helios 40-2" (85mm f1,5)
Yeah. I guess I was trying to say it was soft as a whole, crisp on the edges, and distinct? I think I was stumbling on my words a bit. My first review ever and more than a few years ago now 😂🤦🏻♂️
I have a Nikon F3 and i bought the Helios 44M-4, you've mentioned that I need a Lens adapter for it to work, which you're right, but I have no idea what the name of the adapter is, there are so many different adapters for so many different cameras and lenses. I'm a bit lost, would highly appreciate anyone able to shine a light on this issue. Thank you :)
@@BrendanMiranda Thank you so much Brendan! Saved me alot of trouble. This might be impolite to ask but if I have any other questions, is there some place else I can message you on? I'm fairly new to film photography and trying to find my way around it. Thank you for your time.
Sorry if my english is not perfect, but I have a question about this lens. I had it just today with a Zenit XP and I still have to try it. I'm not an expert, so here my question. Can this lens be mounted on a Nikon D5500? Or can be used only with his Zenit? Thank you!
They're both good and have unique qualities. I prefer the 44M-4 simple because it's a bit newer and rugged. The effects are also not as extreme as you would find on the 44-2, but they're still very similar. Just get one or the other
Thank you for the answer. I also notice that some helios doesn't have "m" on them. Like 44m-4 and 44-4. Are they the same? and does the higher number have the best quality?
Если выбирать из линейки объективов то HELIOS 44M-4 не самый лучший вариант . Я бы вам посоветовал найти MS HELIOS-77M-4. 50mm F 1.8 !! Это самый лучший объектив из всей линейки данных объективов
They’re about the same. I think the 44-2 might have a tiny bit more but the swirly bokeh kind of depends on the size of your sensor more, you’ll see more on a full-frame sensor. I’d say just get whichever is priced better, the 44M-4 has a slightly more modern rugged feel to it, whereas the 44-2 feels a little bit older. Can’t go wrong with either imo.
Hello, would you say this lens is usable with a Bmpcc 4k, but without any speed booster, just an adapter ? It would made a 116mm lens with the crop factor if I'm not mistaken
Definitely usable but you’re going to lose a lot of character/swirl from the lens because you’re going to be shooting through a smaller spot in the center of the glass.
Brendan, I've become a fan of you! :) did you shoot this on the rebel t5i? or the 7sii...it looks like you used the sony but my question is, how do you color grade! I love it!
Carolina S Lol! Thank you! I shot this on my T5i! 😎 I grade in Premiere using the same set of LUTs that I've been using for almost 2 years now! Along with some other tricks I've learned along the way! Thanks for watching! 😊🙂👊
I literally just got the same lines but for some reason it mounts upside down on my Canon eos2000d have you got any advice or links to point me in the right direction for the right mount?
Crop Sensor for this video 1.3x or APS-C I have some full frame footage here shot in 4K if you'd like to see it! -------> th-cam.com/video/0xgzaLJhpEA/w-d-xo.html
@@BrendanMiranda it does pair very well with my legendary t3i hehe Despite all the footage I've seen on youtube, I'm still excited with what I got. Thanks for the tip, Helios is my "85" and I have a 35mm 2.0 as my"nifty fifty" . Cheers!
Besides from their aperture rings, do you know what the difference are between the 44M, 44-2, and 44-4? I'm looking to get this lens, but I'm kind of confused. Adapting it to my a7ii btw Thanks.
+Monk The difference is the time they were made, and the construction. The 44M-4 is a lot newer than the 44-2, and the optics were more perfected by the time it came out. With a 44M-4 you're getting newer and cleaner glass, and still getting the same effects you would with the 44-2 or 44-4 They are basically the same exact lens with differences in how the lens looks in construction and the time they were made. If you want an older more pronounced effect, go for the 44-2 but if you want clean looking glass and newer construction with the same effects go with the 44M-4 Also check out my "Best Budget Bokeh Lens" video, I put it on the A7sii and shot in 4K with the 44M-4
I just got a 44M-4 today. I also own a 44-2 and 44M. Looking at them the 44M-4 has six aperture blades and the other two have eight - this should give rounder bokeh balls when stopped down. I have not tried it out yet though.
+brian sanderson Hell yeah dude! I'm pretty sure the 44M-4 does have slightly rounder bokeh, and that's a feature I like, it makes it even softer. Enjoy the lens! And let me know if you find anymore key differences!
+Agent Soshi IMO, definitely worth it. You won't get 1.4 but just the difference in price. It depends on you man. If AF and f1.4 is something you need, then that might be the glass to invest in for you. But for me I'm completely happy with this lens and I prefer shots with this lens over a Canon 50mm any day. The good thing though is that this lens is cheap so if you don't like it you can sell it, or be right back on track to get the 50mm 1.4 in no time if you really desire it.
No, no way. I own this helios and use it with adapter with my fuji. and while it may have a "character" mostly it is soft, finicky, unreliable focus lens. As a matter of fact I used this lens on a Soviet made Zenit E camera long time ago and now I sometimes using it with Fuji. Please, don't be naive, Canon 50mm is contemporary coated lens made by much more higher standards than this sub par Soviet made piece of glass.
Sergey Vasilishin Interesting POV, my lens however is not finicky at all when it comes to focus, so it could be something you might not see on every lens. I personally wouldn't call it subpar, you're not paying the same price as the Canon f1.4 so why would you expect this lens to even perform on the same level? People should consider this lens for it's character and price point, as well as the durability, it's obviously not going to be an amazingly engineered Canon lens with meticulously coated glass and perfect functionality in every single lens you find. You can't even put the two lenses in the same category, or price range other than their focal length. Don't expect $330 quality from a $50 Soviet lens.
Ok, you got me Brendan Miranda. Let me go outside and shoot some pictures with this lens. And what is more you may got newest addition of this lens so it maybe be better than mine since mine were of the first batches produced in 1980 eshh,.
Sergey Vasilishin You could be right. The later versions of this lens (Mine is from the late 80's/early 90's) we're made better and had glass coating. They were also made slightly different in the later tested years.
Made me think to get the lens. Which adapter will work for Olympus OMD EM5 when using Helios 44M-4 58 f2: Fotga M42-M4/3, Fotasy MD-M4/3, Fotodiox M42 M4/3? Thanks!
You can buy this adaptor for it. It's M42 Mount to Pentax K geni.us/pL5A Just remember if you're shooting on film, the built in camera metering might not be accurate since there won't be any electronics in the lens. You're gonna have to do it manually.
The best way is to buy a metabones speed booster. It sees the full image through the lens and squeezes it down to fit the APS-C sensor so you get maximum bokeh and swirl
You have to unscrew the bottom plate of the lens, where the mount screws on and put a piece of plastic tubing like from a pen under the aperture pin so it's always activated. Took me about 5 minutes to do
Adrian Diaz There's no strip to screw filters onto this lens, if you want to use one you'll probably have to hold it in front of it or use a rubber band/tape
To be honest with you, I've never been able to find a way to attach a filter to this lens, I usually just end up having to hold one in front of it or rig something up
Hey man. I am new to the vintage glass world. Any suggestion for best under $70 swirly bokeh for portraits from this brand other than this? Cause helios has different models right lol i am confused
adri sadira Helios Lenses do have different models but they are all basically the same exact lens. Helios 44M-4 is the one I recommend most, but the other Helios Lenses are practically identical.
Nice review. It's a really special lens indeed. One of my favs with the Leica r and Jena glass. On my channel you can find some videos on vintage lenses including a very extensive review on the techart pro module to Make them AF ;)
Hi from Russia, the problem with our lenses is that the build quality was affected by many factors such as production after payday when people drank and the quality was a little overlooked and from this almost all lenses do not look like each other and you need to choose, look for your own which will like the picture.Therefore, if your friend bought a lens and you liked how it takes off, it is not a fact that you will buy the same for yourself and the drawing will be the same .
In our country, not everything was so simple in those days .If you are looking for a lens of the USSR of those times here is a useful article in Russian but Google translator to help zen.yandex.ru/media/id/5d5270d792414d00ad0071b0/fotoobektivy-sssr-sovetskie-obektivy-5d52c4b1cfcc8600adda5703
My father used his Zenit 11 with this lens for most of my childhood (90s and early 2000s) and then switched to digital cameras. For so long Zenit was on display in our living room above tv, nice looking decor. Now I can use lens on dslr or even use that old Zenit (it still works). Thanks dad for respecting good stuff and not giving it away.
Nice review and verry helpful.
Awesome story! Thank you for sharing! :) Your dad has good taste!
I've bought this lens when I was 23 on recommendation of my friend professional photographer it was including Zenit camera made in USSR...I was taking the best pictures of my family,even when I spent half of my monthly income that time...I'm still using this lens including some of the best Leica Lenses...
Ross Kral Amazing! This lens is so much more than glass. It tells stories.
The color grading on this video reminds me of movies from the 70s. Classic and beautiful.
Thank You!
In Czech repblic you can get one for 40 bucks with the Zenit camera. I love it. Russian lenses are so cheap. I just bought brand new Zenith FS12 with Tair 3 300mm F4 lens for 80 bucks. Thats incredible,
just got mine in the mail yesterday & wow I'm blown away. using it on a canon sl2
How it with video on the sl2? I’m thinking of getting the sl3 body and this as my first lens
Wide open at *2, not 2.8
So glad I found this video Brendan. I have this exact lens that I used to use with my Zenit 11 camera and now I have an Olympus E-PM2 and I just ordered my adapter so I can use this and lavish in that sweet sweet bokeh.
It's an excellent lens straight out the box!🎬
Actually I started to use it yesterday (got adaptor ring) that lens I took from father's camera Zenit. Yeah, it's sharp and have nice bokeh, but you must tune manual focus each time and it's not allow to use it fast
Yeah, the focus ring can be a bit touchy sometimes, but it's a lens you have to be patient with, so it's not really well made for action shots
I got 44-2, 44-6, 44-4 these lens are amazing.... Thank you for the video.
In Europe you can find all of these version 44-2 44-3 44-5 44-6 even the 44-7 for less than 30€ sometimes. Relly nice lenses ans Yashicas, Rollei Planars, CZJ, Pentacon, Minolta Rokkor, Jupiter, Konica, Olympus Zuiko; Meyer Görlitz,
Schneider-Kreuznach ...
So the higher number is the newer version? i bought a 44-2
Yes it is. The first is the 44-2 the classic. I love all of the except the 4, I don't know why. All are similars, only change the quality of the coating (newer = better) and the sharpness. The sharper is also the last. There are some other changes in design between 44-2; 44-3; 44-4 and 44-5,6,7, Those three ones have the same shape. Regards@@luuk441
@@InigoPedruezaTV the newer ones are sharper but have less swirly bokeh. So the 44-2 is the one
It's true the 44-2 it's special, but the bokeh is really similar, always awesome!@@ChristofHeisler
Do they all flare the same?
LOVE that intro!!!!!!! And your transitions wtf so good
Thanks dude! Maybe one day I'll blow up! 😂
This really is awesome lens, still don't own one yet. And damn I really like your intro/filmburn/title thing. Keep up the good work.
JyrkiSorjonenVisuals Thank you much my man!
USSR lens, comrade
DARK MIRROR OF COURSE!! WE DRINK VODKA TO THIS LENS!!
Nice done😂
Да, товарищ
Actually a copy of the German Zeiss Biotar
@@39exposures согласен)
It is indeed my favorite Portrait lens. For nature too, Very popular here in Subarctic Finland..
I also have this Lens. It is amazing
Got one. Love it.
My only initial problem was that there's a small rod that protrudes out of the back of the lens, which keeps the aperture wide open. Aperture blades only close down when the rod is depressed. If you're using a camera that this lens was designed for, it's not a problem. But I'm using it on Canon 5D bodies and on a BMPCC 4K - the adapter I was using didn't address this. I ended up MacGyver'ing it by taking off the back plate and looping some 12g copper wire around the rod to keep it permanently depressed, which keeps the aperture ring working all the time. Pretty easy.
Anyway, _very_ much appreciate the video. It truly is a nice lens, built like a tank, with good optics and really interesting character. It makes a great photo / video lens and definitely a great addition to your kit.
Cheers, mate!
Yes, I do mention that specific fix in the video. Took me a while to figure out, I think I even link the fix in the description. I cut and used a small chunk of plastic ballpoint pen tube to keep the rod pressed.
Ive used it on Sony A7sii, Sony A6400, RED, Canon 5D Mk 4, works really great on many bodies! Glad you enjoyed the video John!
This lens seems incredible. I just ordered one for my Fuji x system. Do you think it will be easy to find a Fuji x adapter?
Not sure, you could always get a canon to fuji adaptor and then buy the canon ring adaptor. You might get vignetting though if you dont use a teleconverter
It’s M42, I think lots of M42 Fuji adapter, please check Haoge screw adapter and they are cheap as well
what a beautiful vintage lens!
great video!
I like your color grading brooo 😍 like watching a retro movie
Thank you! That's what I'm going for! 😎
Use on a smaller sensor camera and don't get the corner issues. Its golden!
I use it on an APS-C and don't get the corner issues, but it also makes the lens like an 80mm instead of a 50mm
@@BrendanMiranda Which is nice for portraits :D
💕💕💕this lens! I’ll be getting one soon. Amazing images! Thanks for sharing
Glad you enjoyed! No problem!
Nice review mate! Well done!
Mark Holtze Thank you!
Great quality & Great content on your channel keep it up
Markus Müller Thank you man! I appreciate that on another level. :)
Awesome review I gotta check out more of your videos. Good job. Thanks man!
Appreciate it! Would be honored if you checked out more of them!
Thank youuu
Got it for 18$ few days ago in Prague
I use the same lens on my Nikon, and it was really hard to convert it to nikon mount with having ability to focus to infinity. (had to remove the back of the lens with thread and install adapter directly to the body with some other mods...)
With Canon DSLRs there's no problems though.
But I really love this lens, it's pretty unusual and distinct unlike modern lenses...
Mine made in 1986, older than me but still in pretty good condition.
I remember reading that Nikon's have trouble focusing to infinity. I personally don't really like how this lens looks at infinity anyways.
Can you share process how you managed to do that tweek for Nikon? I have this lens for 2 weeks already, but to get some sharpness on it is a real pain in the...back :)
Great review and i agree with you... these lenses are amazing! I also have the 44-2 -4 -7 and i love them! Oh and btw those are not oranges;) they are mandarins;)
Christos Serrano Thoma Thanks for watching! Yes, we have both trees in my backyard, so I got confused.
Glad you also love these lenses. Next I'll be shooting 35mm with my Helios!
oh now it was on apsc? If yes then on 35mm you will love more the bokeh! You know i love people seeing people appreciating these lenses as they are unique and every lens has it's own character!
Yea i have also both trees)))))
Also i was thinking to do my own reviews cos i have maybe 20+ vintage lenses but i don't have a lot of time! But i have an Instagram account if that counts lol)))))))))
Christos Serrano Thoma I'll definitely give your Instagram a follow. I want to do a review on the Mir Lens as well.
These photos were taken crop MFT because of my Canon T5i, but if you watch a newer video on my channel I put it on an A7sii and shot some video in 4k and photos on the full frame sensor.
I think you'd enjoy it!
Also, I meant 35mm Film! On my Minolta x-700!
I think it would look amazing on film!
That would be great bro)
Wow yes i didn't think of that, film would be great) Also mir 37mm is awesome)
In my account you'll see some photos of the 44-2 trees and stuff... i am in love with the lens! Especially when i paired it with the a7:)
Christos Serrano Thoma Give me your Instagram and I'll follow you!
Great video Brendan! Thinking this would be a nice travel lens because of it's small size! :)
It's a very good travel lens. I've shot weddings with it
Nice Review man
great review and nice intro & outro style, love this!!!
I got one 44-2for 20 dollars, I love it very much!
Good price! Hope you enjoy it! Send me some photos!
But in any case, it's a very good and cheep option. I like the 44-2 44-3 and 44-6, there are better, in my opinion Thant your 44-4m. Try one of them! If you like the swirly bike try also the Schneider-Kreuznach Curtagon 35 f2,8 Meyer Görlitz Trioplan 50mm f2,9 V (now it's expensive but I find one of the in a Flea Market for...10€) the Yashica ML 50mm f1,7 (It's the same as Carl Zeiss Planar) or the Rollei Planar HFT 50mm f1,8 (A same CZ but with Rollei trademark) and Schneider-Kreuznach Xenon 50mm f1,8. And of course, you should try the Takumar 135mm f3,5 incredible cheap, sharp and easy to use. And it has also the swirly bokeh. If you want you can check a lot of pictures made with these lenses in my instagram.
Very good video!
Regards!
nice recommendation
Awesome video! Thanks for all the details.
No problem!
Great video! Gonna pick up some more vintage lenses soon
You won’t regret it!
M42 42mm Screw Lens to Sony NEX E-Mount Camera Mount Adapter (Black) It is compaitable with Helios 44M-4 Lense??
Yes
@@BrendanMiranda how can i autofocus to this lense?
@@Pronoobfilmmaker No autofocus, it's a fully manual lens. Autofocus didn't exist when the lens was made.
Amazing review. Thanks!
+MakeUpLikeThis No Problem! Glad you found it helpful!
Very nice video!
I bought it for 9 dollars :))
Where
Please provide a link
No link, i bought it from a local oldstuff shop
@@timzovisuals yesterday, i bought it for 13$ also :) there are a lot of such lenses in Russia! But the best of the Soviet lenses is certainly not this one, but the "helios 40-2" (85mm f1,5)
44-6, 44-7
Did you really say: "the bokeh is very clear, very sharp, very soft"? 😂
Yeah. I guess I was trying to say it was soft as a whole, crisp on the edges, and distinct? I think I was stumbling on my words a bit. My first review ever and more than a few years ago now 😂🤦🏻♂️
Nice review. I have a lot of those lenses. It makes me crazy. The bokeh like a great magic.
That's why it's one of my favorites. No other lens feels magical and dreamy like that
nice video bro, how about helios 44-2 58mm f2 or rokkor minolta mc 50mm f1.7 for video ?
Mandarins bro 😉
Yeah I think I was all messed up the day I filmed this. We have orange trees as well as mandarins so that's why I got confused
Hey will the 44m 4 and 44m 2 will use the same adapter? I have a canon 2OOD . Is it the good idea to use this lens on crop sensor ?
They use the same adapter. Yes they look great on a crop sensor
I have a Nikon F3 and i bought the Helios 44M-4, you've mentioned that I need a Lens adapter for it to work, which you're right, but I have no idea what the name of the adapter is, there are so many different adapters for so many different cameras and lenses. I'm a bit lost, would highly appreciate anyone able to shine a light on this issue. Thank you :)
You would want to buy an M42 to Nikon F Mount Adapter 👍🏻
@@BrendanMiranda Thank you so much Brendan! Saved me alot of trouble. This might be impolite to ask but if I have any other questions, is there some place else I can message you on? I'm fairly new to film photography and trying to find my way around it. Thank you for your time.
@@khalotristan I’m on Instagram as brendanmvisuals
Good job comrade
just got mine. Waiting for the adaptor.
Thomas Windfeld Enjoy!
Great review. I want to buy a lens hood for them. How many mm should it be so it can fit?
Can I use nd filter with a filter thread on about 52mm onto this lense?
What camera and lens are you using for this video? It’s beautiful!
Michelle Moody Canon T5i and a 70-200 Canon L lens. Certain B-Roll with Helios 44M-4
Brendan Miranda thanks for responding. I want a Helios but not sure where to buy it. Any trusted recommendations?
Check out the links in my description!
Sorry if my english is not perfect, but I have a question about this lens. I had it just today with a Zenit XP and I still have to try it. I'm not an expert, so here my question. Can this lens be mounted on a Nikon D5500? Or can be used only with his Zenit? Thank you!
+Karkenji It can be used with an adapter on Nikon. Link in description
great video bud, deff earned a sub
Denis Belya Glad you enjoyed!
I have just purchased a Helios 44k-4 58mm f2 lens. Is this one same optically?
Yes
Helios 44k-4 one same Helios 44М-4, только Helios 44k-4 имеет крепление под байонет Pentax KAF, KAF2
Hello. Thank you for video. :)
Hello. You’re welcome for video. :)
Может продать тебе HELIOS 44M-6 или HELIOS 44M-7 ?
Have you tried zenitar-m 1.7/50? It's pretty good, I think
I haven’t. It’s likely good though. A lot of vintage lenses have the same look and feel
im totally getting this beast! what's the difference between this and the 44-2 58mm?
michelle tan This one was one of the later models of the Helios Lenses so better engineering/cleaner glass
Your review is awsome, would you review the canon fd 50mm f1.8 ?
Subscribed! Is this better than the 44-2?
They're both good and have unique qualities. I prefer the 44M-4 simple because it's a bit newer and rugged. The effects are also not as extreme as you would find on the 44-2, but they're still very similar. Just get one or the other
Thank you for sharing this video. What's the difference between 44m, 44m-2, 44m-4?
Shi Shu Years of production
Thank you for the answer. I also notice that some helios doesn't have "m" on them. Like 44m-4 and 44-4. Are they the same? and does the higher number have the best quality?
Shi Shu Higher numbers generally have better glass/internals. But they're all very similar
Если выбирать из линейки объективов то HELIOS 44M-4 не самый лучший вариант . Я бы вам посоветовал найти MS HELIOS-77M-4. 50mm F 1.8 !! Это самый лучший объектив из всей линейки данных объективов
I'm ok with it not being the best
Do you suggest the Helios 44-2 or Helios 44-4 for more of that swirly bokeh?
They’re about the same. I think the 44-2 might have a tiny bit more but the swirly bokeh kind of depends on the size of your sensor more, you’ll see more on a full-frame sensor. I’d say just get whichever is priced better, the 44M-4 has a slightly more modern rugged feel to it, whereas the 44-2 feels a little bit older. Can’t go wrong with either imo.
just bought one in good condition for 13€ in a road market in Rome
But what lens are you using for your talking scenes?
Canon 70-200 L
How to get infinity focus?
Hello, would you say this lens is usable with a Bmpcc 4k, but without any speed booster, just an adapter ? It would made a 116mm lens with the crop factor if I'm not mistaken
Definitely usable but you’re going to lose a lot of character/swirl from the lens because you’re going to be shooting through a smaller spot in the center of the glass.
@@BrendanMiranda okay I see, thank u for the answer !! The center of the glass is the sharpest part, isn't it ?
Did you use this lens to film this video????? If not what lens did you use? Really nice video 👌🏼
Shots of the lens and me were Canon 70-200 L and the shots of plants and the stills were with the Helios
Thank you 🙏🏼
Brendan, I've become a fan of you! :) did you shoot this on the rebel t5i? or the 7sii...it looks like you used the sony but my question is, how do you color grade! I love it!
Carolina S Lol! Thank you!
I shot this on my T5i! 😎
I grade in Premiere using the same set of LUTs that I've been using for almost 2 years now! Along with some other tricks I've learned along the way!
Thanks for watching! 😊🙂👊
I really liked this video. Which lens u used when you were explaining things (blogging) +1 sub
dhaliwal lambi Thank you for the sub my man! Lens used in A-Roll and B-Roll was the Canon 70-200 L f/2.8
I literally just got the same lines but for some reason it mounts upside down on my Canon eos2000d have you got any advice or links to point me in the right direction for the right mount?
Can you describe furthermore?
Look great, going to grab 1 soon :D
Is the M42 Adapter ring will fit on Sony FE A7ii? :O
If you get M42-NEX adapter. I have one linked in the description
@@BrendanMiranda Thank you bro! Got it now, keep it up on your video :D
Very good review, but a crazy question, works the lens with autofocus? =)
+Dany Van Dudeson No Autofocus. Fully manual
One question: did you use a full or a crop frame sensor? Thank you. Great video
Crop Sensor for this video 1.3x or APS-C
I have some full frame footage here shot in 4K if you'd like to see it! -------> th-cam.com/video/0xgzaLJhpEA/w-d-xo.html
@@BrendanMiranda what camera has a 1.3x crop?
@@itacatv2146 meant 1.6x 😅🤦🏻♂️
Nice one
How can i get Infinity focus without pushing a glass element?
Memo Gee Not sure exactly, but my specific lens focuses to infinity with just the ring adapter I'm pretty sure
I think my lens is old idk i didn't get the adapter yet we will see
Hey so I have a 44m-4 with my g7 do you know what adapter I need to connect them
Should be one in the description
Nice video! Your talking part, did you actually shoot it with this lens? Leaves do look swirly or is it just wishful thinking?
A-Roll was a Canon 70-200 L lens on a APS-C sensor Canon T5i
@@BrendanMiranda respect! Will squeeze the hell of my t3i in 2021 next week when my 44-4 arrives. Thanks for the reply!
@@Cool_Brazil It pairs well with the Rebel series canons, just keep in mind that the crop sensor makes this lens closer to a 90mm instead of a 58mm.
@@BrendanMiranda it does pair very well with my legendary t3i hehe
Despite all the footage I've seen on youtube, I'm still excited with what I got. Thanks for the tip, Helios is my "85" and I have a 35mm 2.0 as my"nifty fifty" . Cheers!
everyone!! i have a question, What mount/adopter should I buy for it to work on sony a5100??
Jerald Cris E Mount to M42, should be a link in the description
go to f8 for sharpness all over f16 you will get diffraction which is probable cause for your noonday image weirdness.
+neil piper Perfection 👊
Besides from their aperture rings, do you know what the difference are between the 44M, 44-2, and 44-4?
I'm looking to get this lens, but I'm kind of confused. Adapting it to my a7ii btw
Thanks.
+Monk The difference is the time they were made, and the construction.
The 44M-4 is a lot newer than the 44-2, and the optics were more perfected by the time it came out.
With a 44M-4 you're getting newer and cleaner glass, and still getting the same effects you would with the 44-2 or 44-4
They are basically the same exact lens with differences in how the lens looks in construction and the time they were made.
If you want an older more pronounced effect, go for the 44-2 but if you want clean looking glass and newer construction with the same effects go with the 44M-4
Also check out my "Best Budget Bokeh Lens" video, I put it on the A7sii and shot in 4K with the 44M-4
Brendan Miranda Thanks for the info! Will do, I'll check out your other reviews.
I just got a 44M-4 today. I also own a 44-2 and 44M. Looking at them the 44M-4 has six aperture blades and the other two have eight - this should give rounder bokeh balls when stopped down. I have not tried it out yet though.
+brian sanderson Hell yeah dude! I'm pretty sure the 44M-4 does have slightly rounder bokeh, and that's a feature I like, it makes it even softer. Enjoy the lens! And let me know if you find anymore key differences!
Was this video filmed on the lens?
Some of the shots.
Lol, 5$ in RUSSIA
That sounds nice
Would this be worth getting over one of the Canon 50mm f1.4 FD lenses?
+Agent Soshi IMO, definitely worth it. You won't get 1.4 but just the difference in price.
It depends on you man. If AF and f1.4 is something you need, then that might be the glass to invest in for you.
But for me I'm completely happy with this lens and I prefer shots with this lens over a Canon 50mm any day.
The good thing though is that this lens is cheap so if you don't like it you can sell it, or be right back on track to get the 50mm 1.4 in no time if you really desire it.
No, no way. I own this helios and use it with adapter with my fuji. and while it may have a "character" mostly it is soft, finicky, unreliable focus lens. As a matter of fact I used this lens on a Soviet made Zenit E camera long time ago and now I sometimes using it with Fuji. Please, don't be naive, Canon 50mm is contemporary coated lens made by much more higher standards than this sub par Soviet made piece of glass.
Sergey Vasilishin Interesting POV, my lens however is not finicky at all when it comes to focus, so it could be something you might not see on every lens. I personally wouldn't call it subpar, you're not paying the same price as the Canon f1.4 so why would you expect this lens to even perform on the same level?
People should consider this lens for it's character and price point, as well as the durability, it's obviously not going to be an amazingly engineered Canon lens with meticulously coated glass and perfect functionality in every single lens you find. You can't even put the two lenses in the same category, or price range other than their focal length.
Don't expect $330 quality from a $50 Soviet lens.
Ok, you got me Brendan Miranda. Let me go outside and shoot some pictures with this lens. And what is more you may got newest addition of this lens so it maybe be better than mine since mine were of the first batches produced in 1980 eshh,.
Sergey Vasilishin You could be right. The later versions of this lens (Mine is from the late 80's/early 90's) we're made better and had glass coating. They were also made slightly different in the later tested years.
Can I use it for video? I got a Sony A6300.
Alonso Domínguez Caro Yes. Just be mindful that it has no I.S. so it's better when really steady
Made me think to get the lens. Which adapter will work for Olympus OMD EM5 when using Helios 44M-4 58 f2: Fotga M42-M4/3, Fotasy MD-M4/3, Fotodiox M42 M4/3? Thanks!
Daizy Lar Go with Fotodiox
Thank you for quick response. Would the other two work ( they are much cheaper)?
Daizy Lar Fotga should work as well! 😊
Thanks again!!
Daizy Lar No Problem! Check out my other stuff, I've done some more stuff with this lens!
Can I use this lens on a Pentax MX SLR?
You can buy this adaptor for it. It's M42 Mount to Pentax K
geni.us/pL5A
Just remember if you're shooting on film, the built in camera metering might not be accurate since there won't be any electronics in the lens. You're gonna have to do it manually.
I brought one of these for the swirl bokeh. I use it on my sony 6300 and i seem to have a hard time getting that swril bokeh anyone have any advice?
Since the a6300 is not full frame, you won't get as much swirl. Try having the subject a bit further away.
@@BrendanMiranda
I was thinking that might have been the reason but wasnt entirely sure. Thank you very much.
The best way is to buy a metabones speed booster. It sees the full image through the lens and squeezes it down to fit the APS-C sensor so you get maximum bokeh and swirl
How did you make your aperture ring actually work?
You have to unscrew the bottom plate of the lens, where the mount screws on and put a piece of plastic tubing like from a pen under the aperture pin so it's always activated. Took me about 5 minutes to do
The video tutorial is linked in the description
Brendan Miranda Thank you very much!
Hey Brandon, which size filter does this lens take? 52mm?
Adrian Diaz There's no strip to screw filters onto this lens, if you want to use one you'll probably have to hold it in front of it or use a rubber band/tape
I have 44-4 with 52 mm filter thread.
Is this lens will attach with my nikon 7200
Yes, with a Nikon ring adaptor
Pretax tokina 50mm 2.8 is better methinks.
Hey mate, what filter thread is this? Struggling to find it
To be honest with you, I've never been able to find a way to attach a filter to this lens, I usually just end up having to hold one in front of it or rig something up
@@BrendanMiranda oh right okay. So there is no filter thread?
@@thehumanstoryfilms4007 There isn't one on my lens, it's smooth
Hey man. I am new to the vintage glass world. Any suggestion for best under $70 swirly bokeh for portraits from this brand other than this? Cause helios has different models right lol i am confused
adri sadira Helios Lenses do have different models but they are all basically the same exact lens. Helios 44M-4 is the one I recommend most, but the other Helios Lenses are practically identical.
Brendan Miranda alright, thank you for the answer man!
adri sadira 👊
this lens crop or fullframe ?
Alişahin iliş Full
What adapter do I look for?
Mike Floyd Check that description fam! 👊
Brendan Miranda word! I guess I should have used my 🧠. 👊🏼
Mike Floyd No biggie! Glad you asked!
Brendan Miranda I just purchased a close to mint condition one!
+Mike Floyd Good stuff!
A lot of people have it on empty attic for 7€, so 8$
Nice review. It's a really special lens indeed. One of my favs with the Leica r and Jena glass.
On my channel you can find some videos on vintage lenses including a very extensive review on the techart pro module to Make them AF ;)
is there an anamorphic version ?
Stéphane Sann No, but there's a really good DIY option. I've used it myself it looks amazing. There's a good video on it
Ok thanks !
Hi from Russia, the problem with our lenses is that the build quality was affected by many factors such as production after payday when people drank and the quality was a little overlooked and from this almost all lenses do not look like each other and you need to choose, look for your own which will like the picture.Therefore, if your friend bought a lens and you liked how it takes off, it is not a fact that you will buy the same for yourself and the drawing will be the same .
Every lens is different. Just cause mine looks really nice doesn't mean my friends will look exactly the same.
In our country, not everything was so simple in those days .If you are looking for a lens of the USSR of those times here is a useful article in Russian but Google translator to help zen.yandex.ru/media/id/5d5270d792414d00ad0071b0/fotoobektivy-sssr-sovetskie-obektivy-5d52c4b1cfcc8600adda5703