The helios is one of my favourite lenses ever, and the first lens I ever got after my kit lens. They run incredibly cheap in my country, I got mine for only 15$. Great video Griffin and Nick!
My modern lenses stay in a drawer, you're spot on getting an M42 adapter, you have access to the great Takumars like the 50mm 1:1.4 and Zeiss Jena's like the Pancolar.
Some timecodes for you: (Does everyone notice these now show up as chapters in the video player, to the right of the play button?) 0:00 The vintage Helios 44-2 lens 1:56 M42 mount + adapter 3:36 Swirly bokeh effect 6:50 The manual focus challenge 9:38 Would Griffin use this lens professionally? 10:35 Peter's camera is a Kodak Instamatic 104 12:28 Zeiss Biotar 2/58 13:21 Attempting to use the Helios 44-2 as a podcast shot 14:05 Nick's Tips for Child Photography 18:02 How to record audio without a boom? 23:22 New FAA drone pilot testing rule delayed 25:23 DJI's new FPV drone 27:32 Peter likes his bunny video
I know I'm very late with this comment, but the story about this lens is pretty fun. When Russia invaded Germany during WWII, they went by the Zeiss factories in Eastern Germany. They decided to just take whatever might be of value, so they stole the manufacturing schematics for the lens (and a few more I think) and also some of the gear to make the Biotar. That's why they could make it, since they stole everything needed to make it.
Obviously this isn't a lens for catching action. It is quirky and takes a minute to get used to. It's also sharp, interesting and provides nice images.
Good to know, def gonna keep an eye on the eBay listings, very interested in shooting video with it as the rokinon cp2 lenses I have are starting to look increasingly bland
Griffin, I have loved a Russian lens I picked up. Fun people shots with lights in the background. Use it on my GH5 and G85. BTW, are you shooting exclusively on full-frame Lumix cameras these days?
No, I'm still doing 95% of my work with the GH5 and GH5S. I just like the size, and have a lot of great m4/3 lenses. I'm occasionally using the S1 for photos.
For any of you who use the audio app Clubhouse, Nick and I will host a "Hey Indie Filmmakers" talkback on Thursday, March 11 at 2:30p ET. You're invited to join our conversation! www.joinclubhouse.com/event/xoe23zy5
The helios is one of my favourite lenses ever, and the first lens I ever got after my kit lens. They run incredibly cheap in my country, I got mine for only 15$. Great video Griffin and Nick!
My modern lenses stay in a drawer, you're spot on getting an M42 adapter, you have access to the great Takumars like the 50mm 1:1.4 and Zeiss Jena's like the Pancolar.
Let's GOO! I love this lens, first one (besides kit) I bought and 5 years later I still use it. glad people are hyping it up
The Helios 44-2 is great with a ND filter. But hey, Get the MIR-1 too!
Nice lens, I'm gonna try this vintange toy. Just bought it. Thanks Griffin for this review, I'll let you know how I like it 👍
Some timecodes for you:
(Does everyone notice these now show up as chapters in the video player, to the right of the play button?)
0:00 The vintage Helios 44-2 lens
1:56 M42 mount + adapter
3:36 Swirly bokeh effect
6:50 The manual focus challenge
9:38 Would Griffin use this lens professionally?
10:35 Peter's camera is a Kodak Instamatic 104
12:28 Zeiss Biotar 2/58
13:21 Attempting to use the Helios 44-2 as a podcast shot
14:05 Nick's Tips for Child Photography
18:02 How to record audio without a boom?
23:22 New FAA drone pilot testing rule delayed
25:23 DJI's new FPV drone
27:32 Peter likes his bunny video
Nice touch with the chapters @Griffin Hammond. You have to click the title of the chapter and then it appears on the right hand side of the video
They show up fine. To the right and in the scroll bar. They look sweet.
I got the helios 44-2 back in the early indy mogul days. Enjoyed a bunch of photo walks with my t3i and this lens, makes for some cool looking shots.
I've been using the helios for 10 years at least.. took it off of my dad's 88' Zenit. It shifts color in a nice way.
Thank you for including ultra adorable Peter in the video.
He was excited to participate!
I've got this lens in some newer version. I've got it with Zenit camera. Very popular camera and lens in Poland
Love this lens! ❤
I know I'm very late with this comment, but the story about this lens is pretty fun.
When Russia invaded Germany during WWII, they went by the Zeiss factories in Eastern Germany.
They decided to just take whatever might be of value, so they stole the manufacturing schematics for the lens (and a few more I think) and also some of the gear to make the Biotar.
That's why they could make it, since they stole everything needed to make it.
Obviously this isn't a lens for catching action. It is quirky and takes a minute to get used to. It's also sharp, interesting and provides nice images.
Good to know, def gonna keep an eye on the eBay listings, very interested in shooting video with it as the rokinon cp2 lenses I have are starting to look increasingly bland
Griffin, I have loved a Russian lens I picked up. Fun people shots with lights in the background. Use it on my GH5 and G85.
BTW, are you shooting exclusively on full-frame Lumix cameras these days?
No, I'm still doing 95% of my work with the GH5 and GH5S. I just like the size, and have a lot of great m4/3 lenses. I'm occasionally using the S1 for photos.
For any of you who use the audio app Clubhouse, Nick and I will host a "Hey Indie Filmmakers" talkback on Thursday, March 11 at 2:30p ET. You're invited to join our conversation! www.joinclubhouse.com/event/xoe23zy5
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Clubhouse today. That was fun!
My favorite lens!
I think Peter is going to be a filmmaker too 😀
Swirly Bokeh = Over-corrected for spherical aberrations.
Аборигены американские. Дорвались до советской оптики. Вам далеко даже до таких технологий!