MY FAV LENS is $60- why everyone needs this cheap lens
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ต.ค. 2020
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![Updated gear setup [solo crew doc filmmaking]](/img/n.gif)
For those trying to purchase a Helios: Try to find a silver Helios 44 made in the early 1960's from KMZ optical plant. KMZ was the best factory for lenses in the USSR and they used actual Zeiss glass that was seized from Germany after WWII.
A lot of these lenses vary in quality from manufacturer to manufacturer, not to mention age and storage conditions. The symbol of the factory is printed near the front ring. You can find a list of the symbols online.
Yeah. I can see by the picture on his shop link that the one he bought was from Valdai. Definitely worth paying extra for a KMZ, even more so if you can find a vendor who commits to not oiling the blades.
Is the Helios 44M from KMZ plant also a decent lens? Or is the whole point that the improvements in coatings etc after the 44-2 make the 44-2 so desirable? I have seen a fair few Non valdai lenses so wanted to ask the question.
@@Hix066my 44M from KMZ is excellent. The aperture ring has stops though, so maybe not perfect for video. I mostly film myself on a tripod so the stepped aperture doesn’t bother me much but might be an issue for others.
played around with one a few weeks ago, love the character of the lens, all the imperfections make it really interesting, great video homie. Hope you're doing well
I saw that you had one! Loved seeing the swirly bokeh!
WHERE MY HELIOS USERS AT?! (Also: Look out for next weeks video as we'll be announcing the gimbal giveaway!)
Awesome video Mark! I've been wanting to get this lens for a while, my grandpa gave me his old zeiss-opton lenses and they've quickly become my favourite lenses to film with, they all just have such interesting characteristics! Thanks for this video 👍🏼
Is helios crew coming?
my first ever lens, even before I got into photography was a helios 44-m, I got it from my father and I shot one of my all-time favourite photos with it, of my wife and kid just staring at each other after feeding. I love this lens, It's now all beat up, the focus ring is stiff AF and regardless of aperture it's just hazy and "dreamy" (sometimes WAY TOO soft). I'm getting a new one and maybe it'll be the 44-2.
Helios is such a classic. Also love pairing it with an anamorphic adapter to get some really neat stylized footage
Check
Just looked through my dad's old lenses and wow, I already have one. Need to get a converter 😁
Dude Fotiox the with with the blue appature ring is pretty good and it’s 39 dollars.
Might have issues adapting to some cameras like Nikon or cannon
@@jeffbusha nope have one and it works perfectly, don't know what you did wrong
@@dubstepzsi could you use this adapter on a z cam camera too?
Hey Mark, you're probably aware of them...but there are individual step up filters like 49mm to 77mm. Creating that huge cone of step up rings that keep your ND filter so far from the front element will introduce extra bad flares...just for who doesn't know about them.
I loved the video, the Helios 44-2 was my first vintage lens for video and I still use it sometimes! Then I got addicted and I start to buy dozen of great vintage glasses 😂
Which cheap lens for a sony FS7 - S35 would you recommend?
As soon as I saw that first shot, I knew what the lens was. So unique. If you have a bit more money to spend, there’s an 85mm with more swirl too.
Mate I couldn't agree with you more. I've bought not one but two of this jewels a couple of years ago and still I'm impressed how interesting the image looks. Colors are juicy and intense, contrast is nice and fat, I love it for photography too. I'm so glad you decided to make a video about this little gem ❤
The Helios was my first vintage lens and while I don't use it much now, it's always a joy when I come back to it. Lovely lovely results with this little wonder and so cheap - everyone should have one, whether for video or still work.
I bloody love this lens, got mine from etsy and have been playing around with it over the past couple of days. it just makes things happen, so much character!
Good stuff! I love my Helios a lot, too. So thick and poetic.
I like your urgent/not overly produced tone with this channel, by the way. Thanks for putting the effort into it and making it available for the masses!
Love the Lens! I have been testing it for over a year now and it feels so retro and 70's to me. Thanks for sharing the love.
I'm literally waiting for this EXACT lense to arrive. I'm so pumped!
Mark, I just tried my Helios lens and I’m getting the same flares and artifacts that you showed here. I’m looking forward to using it for real. Thanks for posting this.
Hey Mark - I got myself one of these badboys a few month ago and love it. I use it on a XT3 and think it works better on a fullframe camera like yours. One tip in regards of filters - I bought a single step-up-ring to use it more convenient - like a 52-82.. you could also geht a cap for it then and leave it like that. Love the characteristics and your review on it ❤️
I like how you mentioned the grit that sometimes comes out of this lens. I've never heard anyone else talk about it, but for me it's one of the most prominent characteristics of the lens.
really inspiring video and so good to watch a visual person talk about image creation and it not be the latest kit review.
I just bought one- excited to use it.
Ok Mark... you got me. Been meaning to buy this for like 3 years. Just ordered. Sweet shots.
It's such a cool lens - I've used it for my wedding videos as well - looks amazing :)
Love this, just purchased one myself!
I have been eyeballing this lens for awhile! Just ordered one! Your videos are awesome, love your approach, keep it up!
The first 2 numbers of the serial number is the year of manufacture on Soviet lenses and cameras.
I have a 1971 Helios 58mm f2 4- 2 which I inherited from my father in law.
Love your videos man! After seeing your videos, I am developing an interest into Documentary Filmmaking. I have no idea where to start or how to start but watching your videos really gives me good tips and tricks. Keep Going man! And God Bless!
Thanks Franz! So exciting to hear you're interested in documentary. This is the right channel for you!
daaaamn finally found someone who digs soviet lenses, I am an owner of a MIR-24M 35mm f2 (+the extra poisonous coating), but never thought of the haze could be used so creatively!
What's the minimum focus distance of that MiR? My MiR 1b has 70cm...it's far!
@@LucaBono.Studio good question, just tried it on micro four thirds and it seems to be at around 30-35cm? sorry, can't really measure this accurately
@@unclejerry486 Thanks, that's way better, I'll look for that lens then!
Just adapted my Helios onto my Sigma FP, love this glass. The other big one for me is I just got a Mamiya 80mm f/1.9 medium format and boosted it onto my FP (my very first YT video was on this topic). The character and distinct looks these lenses provide is the exact reason I covet them so much. Loved this, keep up the great content.
thanks brother, I'll go check out your Mamiya video!
haha saw it and just had to have that lens, bought it straight away. Really inspirational videos Mark. For the first time in a while I really feel like I can learn something, thanks for that!
Finally sprung for one of these mostly because of the flare examples in this video! Ya I know the swirly bokeh...but the flaring is amazing! Thanks
Love the Helios! Looking to get one soon. I shot a live band shoot recently on some other vintage lenses and it came out so rad! Such a great way to bake in great stylizaation.
ahhh SUBBED. Yeah just the type of stuff I am into bro. Way cool. I wanna use my almost 100 year old Cine Kodak 16mm movie camera for this type of thing also and perhaps develop the film in beer or coffee in a bucket. I also wouldn't mind trying a Lomokino. I do have an EOS-M camera with Magic Lantern and I was looking at the 7 Artisans 18mm UFO lens or the Gizmon Utulens or the Helios... hmmmmmm
Thanks for the recommendation. Just ordered one!
Good choice!
Got mine from dad, who bought it waaay back in the 80's. Still a rock solid piece of metal and glass, and works perfectly! I was shooting with Nikon before, and you couldn't get it to focus to infinity, but with Canon body that I now use, the focus works like a charm.
I think you can buy m42 to nikon f mount with built in glass to get infinity for modern dslr
@@changeyrmind Yeah, you can, but the ones I had absolutely destroyed the image, so it was basicly useless to me.
@@timovehkaoja oh ok, good to know
@@changeyrmind Yeah, I was very disappointed to the result I got with that adapter.
Started with this lens and it is and was so good!
Nice to see Zach opening the video!!
yeah!!
Cool! I agree. I love this look.
I love mine!!! It makes for some rad photos too. Shooting with a camera with IBIS is so much fun.
Man - I like your videos and how you go about things -
You know that thing where they say, the edit should be where you cannot even tell it was edited - like, it just naturally flows and feels right, or it just fits without notice - I think thats how your videos are for me. Your personality isn't "Trying" it seems - it's just there lol.
Anyhow, you have given me a reason to consider something like this! Thanks, man! God Bless you!
Thank you Caleb! These are such kind words!
This looks great Mark, it's my birthday on the weekend was waiting out until your competition for the Sony FX3 but I'm on the hunt for one of these now, there are loads to choose from, cheers 🙂
Been using it for years. I freaking love it.
Love it!!
After watching this I went out an got one! Thanks for the tip! Love this channel
My pleasure Georg
I think I have most incarnations of this lens (approx. 10, from the Helios 44 up to the 44M-7 and some siblings like the Helios 103). I agree, the character of these Helios lenses is fantastic and these lenses are easy to handle and robust like a tank. Everyone must own one of these lenses. Luckily millions were produced. The best version (for me) is clearly the old Helios 44 in silver with 13 blades (from the 50s), which produces a great bokeh even when stopped down a bit. The more modern versions have a better coating but this reduces in several shooting scenarios the vintage character of the lens.
I really don’t need to spend more money, but...ah! This is super cool. I love your thoughts on “character” - I think that applies to so many things. I always learn so much from these videos!
My go to lens for the past year, the way it makes neon lights look is also top notch.
sick! can't wait to use it with neon lights
I have the IronGlass and standard 58. Love these lenses, they definitely have character! Nice review.
Yes they do! I'm buying some Ironglass also!
This lens and it's "cleaner sister" (Takumar 50mm 1.4) are gorgeous lenses on any system I've brought them forward with. Currently shooting with it on my Pocket 6K and the results are magical. Whoever said "old lenses can't resolve over 4K" are simply being dishonest, or at minimum: ignorant.
Also, love your channel, as always.
Be careful, as far as i know - takumar is radioactive due to lens "coating".
Awesome video as always.
I'd love to see video about your collection of vintage lenses. Maybe an idea for a feature video?
Stay safe
I need stop your video and actually plan my shot list XD too addicted!
Hello from Russia, comrade! KGB officers are happy with this video. We will transfer the promised money today.
lol
😂😂😂
As much as I hate to be a party pooper, KGB does not exist in Russia anymore. Also, where are jokes about the State Dept?
@@ArthurD Comrade, thank you for helping us make the world think there is no more KGB. Thank you for your service. Your salary will come to you in a red envelope this Thursday.
😂😂😂😂
Love your videos!!!
Funny, ordered one last week.. can't wait to use it after watching your video - 👍
This lens with an Tiffen Filter is just amazing.
I'm glad that I got mine b4 the price went up. I bought 1 last year I think for around $25 and it built like a tank. I use it for my Sony a6300 and my fujifilm xt1. You can search Amazon for them as well they're ranging from $50-$250, I've seen ppl add cine gears to them as well.
I just got myself a Zenit 122 + Helios 44m-2 58mm for R$350,00 in Brazil ($68). It might be a little bit different, but, I got a few test shots on my APS-C camera (SL2) and it was looking good. Hopefully in the near future I'll have a camera that will take better advantage of this vintage glass. Great video, Mark!
Just got mine after a month of waiting. Paid around $50 on etsy and it looks like new. Can't wait to try it out.
I have 34 helios 44-2 lenses alone without a body and like 20 more on my zenits. I buy them super cheap here on flea markets in super good condition. One zenit with helios is like 3 to 5 euros and just the lens is atound 2- 3 euros. I love it so much i buy them every time i see them.
Looovee the old Helios lens worth making them work every time!
I bought one of these just for lens whacking but it very quickly became my favourite lens for video and photography, and i picked it up for less than £50 here in the UK on ebay
Great vid! I own this lens too, check if you have some kind of fungus on your copy, the "overflare" might be caused by that
Very nice lens indeed! Mine is quite scratchy and has a lot of wiggle, but it still makes nice images. I have the type 5 Belomo. I also recommend Retro Foto House's review: Helios 44-2 lens. Ultimate buying guide.
Part of whats causing these crazy flares, is a metal ring inside which has not been blackened.
Hell yeah man. I shot my first short film with this lens and I love it.
I always stop mine down to 2.8 (Bokeh still circle) and put a rubber band around it. Takes that over-hazing effect down and makes it very sharp. Just looks and feel cinematic. I also got a 44M which has a click aperture, less rounded blades, heavy like Russian tank, adds a tad bit of rusty color (not radioactive) to the image and is a bit more controlled wide open, but still lots of character. Great video! Great advice!
I’ll have to check out the 44M!
Sweet! Love that lens and others like it. give so much character and feeling to the image. And thanks for sharing! :)
"as much as Uber Eats costs for dinner": $60.
Dude!
Sounds pretty accurate to me lmao
@@itsbeiko that's interesting :) here in Europe (France, Germany, Netherlands, Greece) we pay like 10$-20$ for a proper meal incl. drink incl. delivery excl. tip for UberEats (or similar services)
Thank you
When the Sony a7III first cam out it was the first lens I got. it has been with me ever since on every photo or video shoot I've done. I want the full Iron Glass Russian rehoused lens set.
Yeah I have the 44-4 and absolutely love it. I also have an old vintage sigma 28mm too. My only recommendation to people with these lenses is to get a monitor too. Sometimes it can be hard to see whether you have nailed the focus and although it doesn’t have to be perfect, you want to be able to hit focus perfectly when you need to.
True, the monitor or a great EVF is mandatory with them
You may use your phone or ipad with an app of your camera, thats what I do for any lens when needed
Mine came with a “distressed” front element and coating virtually removed courtesy of the Russian seller on eBay. “Mint!” Makes lovely flares.
Great information
Love my blue anamorphic moded 44.2 helios!
Love my Helios for photo and video. I’ve been considering scooping up the iron glass version. Faster movement can really make the scene feel dream like or out of body.
me too! I'll be buying the iron glass version real soon
You given out the gems in this one
Yes have 2 of them, one 7 blade and the other 13 blade. Both are great on GH6
I accidently got the 44-4 instead a few months ago but I still love it. I just did an engagement shoot and my favorite shot was with that lens.
revision of the same lens, not better or worse, sample variation is greater than the difference between variants like 44-2 44-3 44m-4 44m-5 even tho later ones probably have better coatings, same optical formula for all 44 series, minor changes in housings and possibly coatings and thats it.i am shocked that people are getting hyped over it, yeah it is really good and you should own one but it is already everywhere, i guess the states dont have as much helios' floating around compared to europe or russia
Amazing lens! I struggle with manual focus! U should do some video tips tutorials to help us! Thanks Mark
Watched this video a while ago, and just bit the bullet now, bought one finally
I got a Helios lens with a vintage camera body for 18 USD here in Kashmir. I was out to buy a surround system when I saw the camera with Helios lens hanging on the wall of the shop. I asked the shopkeeper if he would sell it. He was happy to get rid of the gem. Using it with the FOTGA M42-NEX adapter for my Sony mirrorless camera.
I use it a lot on my EOS R to have something more smooth and organic to match my C100 mkii footage !
Such an amazing lens !
I just have to add contrast pretty heavily to match my kind of grading.
Thanks for sharing Mark, take care !
So sick! Would love to see a link to any of your footage!!
@@markbone sure, here is a video where i explain how i shoot
th-cam.com/video/VXE7dQnY8UQ/w-d-xo.html&s&ab_channel=Rise
@@markbone and here is a link for a teaser i shot for a wedding.
The Helios is used on the tight interview shots at 1:03 ( i have used a lot of those tight shot in the main wedding edit)
th-cam.com/video/3yW8kBfHWnk/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=Rise
Mine gets way better if I close it to F2.5 with contrast while keeping the character and rounded bokeh...your lens doesn't do that? Maybe try to get another copy...
Interesting. I really like the characteristic it has.
I have some of these, found years ago at fora markets in east europe. Also an M6 which does not overflare but swirls a bit less
I've been shooting in the Helios 44-M for years, best lens ever. Got it from my dad, it came with his old Zenit film camera
This is why I buy scratched up lenses and damaged lenses sometimes it adds real cool characters to the lens and you can buy the lens for like two bucks
where for 2 bucks?
@@DIGIHENDRIX300 thrift stores eBay camera shops auction them off
@@HelamanGile bless lol
Hi, aperture is not loose. There is a preset ring at the front of the lens and the apeture moves freely from wide open to preset. A feature designed to allow composition wide open and manually shut the diaphragm in a split second. But you are right, these lenses have character.
It feels crazy how much the price of these lenses has been going up. I got my first Helios for under $20 and the second I got for free from a friend. IIRC I later sold both because I got tired of them. Now people are setting these for $50 to $70 depending on the model.
I think it's still a great lens and beats more modern cheap plastic primes in quality.
The "milky fog" is from the excessive oil on the aperture blades. Your version seems to be made on Jupiter plant in Valdai and this plant is famous for overdoing the oil on it's lenses aperture blades
Wow! Didn’t know this
@@markbone @Mark Bone
Thanks for the reply! Love your videos
They also didn't paint some parts inside the lens black and I've heard you can reduce the fog by painting them black with a sharpie
amazing lens! This came on an old and cheap Zenit. You can get Zenit cameras on Chile for something like 20 or 30 dollars. I have some Helios and some of them have hexagonal bokeh and other circular and sharp bokeh. A must!
I use Helios 135 mm f 2.8 on sony a6500, what a lens!
Helios lenses are fun to use, got one for 30€ on eBay, perfect condition. Just a bit tricky to use in video with an X-T3 without stabilization
The Helios is cool...
Love all the dings in the lens
I saw this on Kijiji the other day and didn't pull the trigger. I will now! I also have an old Minolta that is nice too shoot with too.
I own the Helios and I have it acting as a taking lens for my EIKI Anamorphic 16-F 2x lens (anamorphic setup). But personally I prefer my canon fl 55mm f1.2. I don’t hear a lot of people talk about it in general, but man is it a beautiful lens. Shot so many videos on it, and it’s truly a dream.
The main problem of the Helios is the lack of colour saturation...the premium vintage lenses are way better, like the one you have!
@@LucaBono.Studio yeah personally I wouldn’t really know, my Helios is attached to EIKI Anamorphic 16-F 2x, in editing I do all the work to make it look how I want, and I shoot in a flat profile. So it could be true, but I wouldn’t really know.
And that's why I'm staying with micro 4/3 (BMPCC4K), because I can use the amazing f0.95 Voigtlanders that have amazing character and swirly bokeh wide open, but closed down they get really sharp. Especially the 17.5mm and 42.5mm.
I use it with my century anamorphic adapter 🔥
You are absolutely right Mark.
I rather spend $60 on this instead of Uber Eats.
Awesome review.
How do you counter the yellow cast from these vintage lenses? Or do you just embrace it?
I already have one. It's a great lens.
The Helios 44 adapted for M43 can rock your world.
Any suggestions for M42 wide angle lenses to accompany the Helios 44 on a M43 Mount?
@@Chokoman55 German wide pentacons are nice, also mir 1 and wide takumars
Don't overpay for any of those, they're really cheap
@@O4KAST thanks for the reply!
At this point, I own a tokina 28mm f2.8 and fujica 28mm f3.5, both old photo lenses adapted to my BMP4K through the Metabones .71, they produce a nice image. still, they become around 40mm which is not wide enough. I am looking for something that ends up as a 24mm on my mft sensor. but apparently fast lenses around 16mm only entered the game through Laowas contemporary wide primes, right?
@@Chokoman55 well, the only cheap ultrawide fisheye I know of is a russian m42 zenitar 16mm f2.8
Should set you back around 70$
Jut bought the Canon FD 50mm need the Fotiox converter the one with the blue ring. But now after seeing this I want this one now.
awesome! thanks
Using stepup rings to accommodate your ND and CPL is economical but distance between the lens front optic and filter has consequences
Interesting. How do you feel about matte boxes the
What are the consequences?
I bought 1 for under 40 euros with a Zenit camera incl. shipping this week.
I love my vintage lens. It also taught me to not rely on auto focus.
Hey Mark,
Have you seen the modified anamorphic version of this lens? I believe it runs for about under $200. It adds even more of that cinematic look to your film if you’re interested in checking it out there are a few reviews on TH-cam.
watched!
I'm back to studying ;)