Serviced helios 44-2 in EF mount www.ebay.com/itm/325646742275 Serviced helios 44-2 in MFT mount www.ebay.com/itm/225357242071 Serviced helios 44-2 in Sony E mount www.ebay.com/itm/224227836069 Serviced helios 44-2 in Fuji X mount www.ebay.com/itm/224038922946 Serviced and adjusted to infinity helios 44-2 in Nikon F mount www.ebay.com/itm/195347923190
About 4 years ago I watched this video to decide which Helios to buy. From your recommendation, I got a Belomo made 44-2 in very good condition on ebay for £55. A couple of years later I used it to make my first short film, which went on to win a six awards at some small film festivals. Two years later I am working on my 3rd and 4th short film and still use the Helios as one of my go to lenses, along with a set of Canon FD SSC's! Thanks for your advice, it was extremely valuable!
Excellent walk-thru - lots of facts and examples, simply explained and well worth a watch, for anyone interested in the commonest Helios lenses. I have one of these and although it's nowhere near as unusual or interesting as the earlier Helios lenses, it's better than not having a Helios at all !
Initially confused but for "modification" take it as "model" , "type", "version". or "example". A very in depth spec review of this popular lens. Thank you.
@@RetroFotoHouse I was going to say the same, "modification" is a bit confusing...makes you think of some "mod" or "hack" that allows for additional features (like your Mir-1V close focus "mod"). Model or version is more appropriate :)
Thanks for the video. I bought a KMZ & Valdai 44-2 and my Valdai version is better than my KMZ. The KMZ version has a loose focus ring, aperture ring & the aperture lock, while the Valdai is solid and only has minimal play in the rear element.
Excellent info! The 44-2 is one of those lenses that was so taken for granted back in its day and it's quirks not always appreciated. Now we have greater choice, those quirks are an asset. I have a KMZ version with white stop lettering, green DOF and yellow distance lettering. The serial number puzzles me though, it starts with 01. Pretty sure it came on a Zenit-E and was second-hand when I got it back in the 80's
According to some sources, the KMZ lenses starting with 0 and 00 were higher quality samples reserved for people of importance and 000 indicated what was basically a pre-production sample. I have several of these lenses, and my 00 sample has by far the most strongly coloured coating. The aperture mechanism is especially smooth too.
I just checked mine, it’s a KMZ in really good condition. The serial starts with 01 as well, and the quality of the image and much sharper and clear - unlike a few Valdai and BeLOMO i’ve used that had a washed out look
Thank you for your effort in clarifying the various modifications. It seems I have a copy of the last type (8) from 1988 (31 years ago). Even though it is rated lowest in quality compared to the earlier modifications, it is still decent build quality and capable of taking good photographs. I challenge the lens manufacturers of today to build something inexpensive and durable enough to last and still be usable in 2050 (31 years from now).
Great review! Initially I was confused by Belomo but I learned it's the same as MMZ (Minskiy Mechanichesckiy Zavod imeni S.I. Vavilova), founded in 1957 in 1971 became Belomo. I have type 5 (Belomo) and type 8 (Valdai) I confirm your assessment about the buil quality, still optical quality is good in both my lenses, zero chromatic aberration!
You are such an expert on vintage analog lenses, I appreciate all of your videos so much. I learned already so much. These videos are so great! Thank you very much! Such an amazing job!
Thanks for your guide. Digging out my old Helios 44-2 lenses from the drawer which I used back in the 1970s, reveals they both seem to be the type 1 KMZ version (from the logo). Although mine have some yellow lettering, not white, as yours do.
There really are al lot of different versions ! My version is a Zebra With the BeLOMO Logo and 0017241 Serial number. Thanks for the video, and also huge thanks for your other Helios 44 Lubrication guide, with that video I could easily restore mine !
Excellent stuff, thanks so much! I am going to go through all 15 of my Helios 44's now. ...I wish there was a video showing the difference between the 44m and all those other different versions too.
Thank you for the excellent video, it has been very helpful. Recently they gave me this lens and according to your video my lens corresponds to type 5, however the serial number is 74. It even comes with the guarantee sheet and instructions stamped with date of the year 1974. Thanks to your video I am going to buy an adapter and try to give this lens a new life. Thanks
Thank you for this. I will finally adapt my fathers type 6. All my childhood photos were taken with it and zenit et. He taught me basics of photography on it.
Apparently I have 89' kmz and my father's 76' mmz (BelOMO v5), was pretty interesting to compare to other models as well. Build quality it indeed superb and everything is working like a clockwork.
11:11 This may cause problems when used in Pentax cameras with adapter. I used abrasive paper to fix it:) Just use screwdriver to remove this ring and grind it a little bit:)
I remember I watched your video when I was thinking of buying one for myself. I used a few that I borrowed from my friends but they were Valdai & late BeLOMO versions. The vintage lens guy called me as he had only one piece in stock that just came in, I rushed to get it and I was lucky to get myself a pristine condition KMZ version!
This is an amazing review, and an amazing channel. Thank you. I have subscribed and am looking forward to your new videos! Hope you can also have real-world tests per lens!
Thank you so much. I figured out that I've just bought a type 8 valdai modification of this lens. However, got it for $20 and still beats too many expensive lenses for the magical bokeh. Got a fotga M42-EOSM adaptor and using it on my recently bought Canon EOSM. I've got a 18-55 STM IS Canon kit zoom lens which is a lot more expensive than the Helios 44-2 prime. 44-2 is a 58mm prime and on an aps-c sensor on EOS M gives 92mm so I can use it for Portrait photography at a cheaper starting price since 80mm and above lenses used in Portrait Photography are expensive anyways and I get a dreamy bokeh as well with this.
top tip with the symbols, once you know its obvious. with the added tactile scence. one of my serial numbers starts with a 0 ? glad i have nearly got the full set. you should feel the build quality of the lens bundled with the km camera, 1999/2000. great video, thanks.
thanks a lot, I guess all are basically the same lens formula, as the image quality and swirly bokeh quality seems very identical. they only differ in the build quality and aesthetics.
I have a Valdai rare 44-2 Helios. My helios have a little oil on the blades. Valdai rare 44-2 Helios have low contrast and have low colors it's good for a post processing color correction.
I recently acquired the Valdai (Type 7 from your video). It is silver, and has very little wobble in the mount and no oil. I believe it has been modified, as it has 16 blade aperture (not 8, not 13). So far it has performed as expected. Mostly used for portrait and macro work. Excellent video.
Thanks for making this video. Especially explaining about the different plants. I've been looking on ebay, now I know what to look for. Rather than "modification" I think "version" or "variation" would be a better word.
I have two Helios 44-2 lenses, an MMZ with a serial of 83M, and a KMZ with a serial of 168K. The KMZ is by far much optically clearer with less haze and more contrast overall and sharpness than the MMZ, but the MMZ is still better than a Valdai which I'm very happy about
I have both versions too, and recently sold a late KMZ because I always preferred the look of the MMZ type 5 version, another difference was a slight yellowish color cast on the KMZ, the MMZ was "colder". I have a version 1 KMZ I just bought that I'm curious to test and compare with my MMZ.
@@zverispetras I also find a yellowish/warm colour cast on my Helios lenses, and all my vintage Minolta MD lenses as well, but nothing that a slightly cooler temperature in post doesn't fix
Hello, I never comment on TH-cam and i just found this video and your account, as filmmaker well done, for you work and thank you for sharing it. I'm looking for working on vintage look and thank to you, I have downloaded your video to compare frame by frame each type of Helios. This will help me to find my next cinematic lens. I will look at your others videos and Ebay for found this, thank you for your work and hope you are safe with the war
EXCELLENT video! You are right, there are many Valdai ones on ebay. I see a Belomo ordinary one, I am about to buy! It says "Helios" in english, I think it looks cooler in cyrillic but that is the least of my priority haha. Thank you!
Hi! Very good and informative videos! I have a question though. I recently got a 44-2, it is from 1973, has the KMZ logo but green and yellow focus range markings and the "made is USSR" text istead of white like in your video. Also the glass has a blue/violet coating. Any ideas on what I've found?
Hi! Difficult to say for sure, but there are 2 options: either it is kmz version that i ignore existence(low chances) or front ring with kmz sign was just changed by someone for unknown reasons
@@hackermis I also have 2 of those, one that starts with 73 and the other one with 75 . Also the distance is in feet only. I think that they were exports.
Thank you very much for your excellent video - I made notes the first time I watched it, and so I looked carefully online for the one I wanted - my type 5 Belomo lens arrived in the post today, from the Ukraine! I really appreciate your help
@@amursiberia Yes export I think. My 1978 Belomo has yellow and green markings and “HELIOS” in cyrillic letters, no “Made in USSR” marking on the barrel.
Great video. I think I have the #5 one, with the long green settings. I love it. I want to give one the same as a special gift to a young photographer friend in Iran. Can you ship to Iran? I have asked the question on Ebay on my husband's account but thought you might get this quicker here! Cheers.
I got a Zenit Camera with a Helios 44m 6 new in it's original box. They were never used. I don't what to do with it. I have another helios which I use and a jupiter 37a. I love them.
Fantastic video. Were there any other KMZ versions of the 44-2? I have just picked up one from the KMZ plant with Green, Red and Orange writing from 1975 with the serial number on the front name band.
11:44 This is exactly the problem of my lens (belomo Type 6), do you know how could I fix it?? I'm using the lens with an M42 to M4/3 adapter and the BMPCC 4K.. is there any specifique adaptar from M42 to M4/3 that solve this issue or at least mitigate the problem??
What about the Helios 44 K4, the Helios version with Pentax K-mount, or the Helios 81H with Nikon F-mount (or at least a Kiev mount modelled on the Nikon F-mount) ? These might also be interesting for those who don't necessarily want to use an adapter and also want to use Helios lenses on their Pentax or Nikon SLR cameras.
helios 44k-4 is the same as helios 44m-4, but the mount. Helios 81H MC is nice little lens, however lens build quality of Arsenal plant where it was in production is worse than in ordinary helioses 44m or 44m-4
If I may give a few suggestions (for future videos): **It'd be great if you explained some less common mounts and how their adapters work.** For example, the Contax/Kiev mount for cine cameras...lenses that don't have a focusing helicoid (if I'm not mistaken) and the helicoid is built into the film camera (or adapter). **Perhaps explain the differences between the Mir-1 and Mir-1V (1B),** and which of them can be adapted; same for many other lenses that have various models depending on the mount. **You could make a video (or video series) talking about the history of Soviet lenses** and comparing them with their Zeiss counterparts. Talk about **glass coating** in Soviet lenses, and about the **radioactive Thorium lenses** people are so worried about...while they are harmless. **And obviously, we'd all appreciate more "mods" and "hacks"!** Either making lenses focus closer, or swapping elements to create more (or different) bokeh types (doughnut, bubble, swirly etc.); even building new DIY lenses from old elements and bodies. I suggest you check Mathieu Stern's Facebook group (Weird and Vintage Lenses Photographers), it's full of people that experiment with vintage lenses, disassemble them and mix them up. You could even promote your channel there!!! :D
I have the type 8 (Valdai) in silver and I find almost all of the lenses coming from Ukraine right now are all Valdai. As focus changes most of them get soft in the center while the edges get a halo/ring of sharper focus
That is a very good video, however I started watching it to see what you are going to say about my helios 44-2, but you didn't show such lens, mine has KMZ marking on the front, on the side it looks like the type 5 Belomo with Green and yellow, but on the opposite side of the aperture lines, it is written "Made in USSR" again in green. If you are interested I can send you pictures.
Nice and very detailed video, thank you. so we can imagine that the 75 green and yellow is part of the 15% production witch is a good and recomended one like you said ? On the number 5 production the contrast is a lot less compaired to 1,2,3 those ones has very nice bokeh and contrast colors.
I have a KMZ, built in 75, with green and orange markings. Focus range is orange but it is marked in feet not meters. This is obviously for export, but I can't find reference of it anywhere. Have you seen one of these?
-I believe I have type 5. But the aperture ring is stuck at f2. I feel I'd break the lens if I forced the ring. Any advice?- edit: I watched further and realized I had the type 8 Valdai with green markings. Guess I got ripped off. Thank you so much for this insightful video
Very interesting insights. Thanks for sharing these details. I understand now that I have two KMZ copies - but mine have green and yellow lettering. One has distance scale in feet the other in meters.
@@RetroFotoHouse I have several Helios and I have 2 models with KMZ logo and green/yellow marks, here are some pictures : drive.google.com/drive/folders/11Jp_JHysa0_plMdrNxFFdLT9JX9t76We?usp=sharing
Thank you for such a useful video! I am currently torn between a Belomo Zebra 44-2 and a KMZ 1971 44-2 - both lenses are fully serviced, in great condition from a good seller and are very similarly priced. I'm looking to use either lens on my Fujifilm Mirrorless camera for still and video - which one do you reckon would be better? I'm just concerned about the freeplay on the KMZ version, the seller has confirmed it has a very small play of around 1/100th of a CM. Thanks you :)
I have several but one is a KMZ 73 serial start with green markings. I don't think is in this list. No oil on blades and no play. I'm a lucky finder with this one?
I have a Auto Cosmogon 58mm f2 m42 serial number 011911. Any good? I also have Helios 44-2 from 1971 which is non auto but smooth and a great performer on my Nikon D300s with just a ring adapter for close work and portraits.
Very helpful video, thanks. I was just looking on eBay and saw a version with KMZ Logo, 75 serial, but "zebra" focus ring. Since it is listed as de-cklicked, I guess it is possible that it was assembled from a KMZ lens with a Belomo Zebra focusing block during de-clicking process?
Thank you for sharing this video. Awesome information! I bought a black zenit E with a helios44-2 type 7, has little grass on the plates, and a little free play on the rear, but the quality of the images is excellent. I use on a full frame nikon dslr. Some problems to focusing but unscrewing a few turns the rear elements I can focus on until infinite. I would like to ask you, Do all 8 variants has coated lenses? Thank you!
first of all thank you so much for this video, it was so helpful! second, ive got a question. Do you know if can put the rear element (last one) of a type 7 valdai in a belomo zebra instead of the original one? i want to do this beacause i have a zebra with a scratched rear element and a type 7 valdai with a perfect rear element.
Thanks you so much for your helpful video. I make the identification of my 44-2 MMZ of 1973, bought yesterday. The type 4 seems to be rare, as a specialist, what is your price estimation for a perfect aspect one ?
Thanks for making this video. I have seen Helios 44-2 KMZ lenses for sale that look like the housing of the Type 5 Belomo housing. Do you know of this modification? Is the housing as good as the type 1 KMZ? Is it able to have its front element reversed? Thanks!
i have another one thats different than these ones. There's also a manual/auto button on the bottom. Looks relatively new, like 80's/90's i'd say. Came on a Zenit with another 2.8/29mm
I have the lens with the Valdai logo, but it's different from the two shown in the video. On the distance scale, there are no dots, only numbers (e.g., 2.5 m). Serial number 7901XXXX. The lens is more like the Type 5 Belomo Ordinary, but it has 'Made in U.R.S.S.' written in green. Why? Thanks
I would like to express my appreciation for your unique tutorial and experience. I had bought the same like the 1st lens in this video, but the serial number starts with No 400xxx, I highly appreciate if you help with your experience to tell me which type my lens is, and if it is a good rare one or not? Thank you.
Very nice review and great lenses. I actually have a zebra from '91. The only issue it's the stiff aperture ring. Do you know if and how is it possible to lubricate it? Spasibo.
@@RetroFotoHouse Thank you. I've already opened the lens, cleaned it up, lubed the helicoid. However I didn't work on the aperture ring. I have to check if to take it off from the back or front the front of the lens.
It’s an amazing video, thank you it help me a lot because I’m thinking to buy this lens, the only question I’ve got is how can I realize that is a type 5 belomo, in almost everywhere I found this lens to buy it’s not specified, thanks again and sorry if it’s a dumb question
Thanks for the great review, and especially test photos. It looks like the bokeh is very similar on them. I could not see one with more swirl than the others. Is this correct? It is difficult to choose which model to get. Thanks
@@RetroFotoHouse having watched this video a few months later, I can now see some noticeable difference between a few of them. Interestingly, I though the 5 version didn't look as nice as some of the others and I thought the 3rd looked the best. Is this a question of batch or individual unit quality or version quality? Thanks
the best for video is modified one, without a pre-set aperture and with follow focus gears and without any backlash onto a mount. www.ebay.com/itm/224055088013
Hi. I have 1974 44-2 KMZ version with green letters. In your video, it has white letters. Were they produced in both versions? :) as mostly I saw green letters on Valdai production :) But my sample is tiny ;) thx for your videos, they are very educative and helped me when buying my lenses :)
Mine doesn't seem to match up with any of these. It has a KMZ logo but it has the green and red focus markings with a serial of 7352142. Any idea which type this would be?
Retro - I have pentax systems mostly and some Nikon. Both film and digital. I became interested in shooting the old lenses just recently. Ive purchased several M42 lenses and a few M39s. Ive had conflicting info out there on adaptors and the adaptors don't allow infinity focus. I wont know this for sure until I get everything in hand, but am I going to have issue in using these old lenses with a pentax body? Do the adaptors allow infinity focus? Thanks for your time. regards,, Dave W
Hello, Retro Foto House, thanks so much for these tutorials and well-researched reviews of vintage glass. I have a Helios 44 - 2 58mm f2 lens m42 mount, the one you reviewed first. I don't see any screws on this particular lens. Is there any way you could help me declick this lens? I intend to use it on a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
Serviced helios 44-2 in EF mount www.ebay.com/itm/325646742275
Serviced helios 44-2 in MFT mount www.ebay.com/itm/225357242071
Serviced helios 44-2 in Sony E mount www.ebay.com/itm/224227836069
Serviced helios 44-2 in Fuji X mount www.ebay.com/itm/224038922946
Serviced and adjusted to infinity helios 44-2 in Nikon F mount www.ebay.com/itm/195347923190
Best review! I have the type 5. Unfortunately with a few scratches and wobble. Is there a way to get rid of the wobble in the rear element?
@@stevestrasser6833 it is almost impossible, unfortunately...
@@RetroFotoHouse So how is it connected?
Aren't there any screws you can tighten so the free play disappears?
i just bought one of these but i have what looks like a tyype 5 but made in kmz factory in 74
About 4 years ago I watched this video to decide which Helios to buy. From your recommendation, I got a Belomo made 44-2 in very good condition on ebay for £55. A couple of years later I used it to make my first short film, which went on to win a six awards at some small film festivals. Two years later I am working on my 3rd and 4th short film and still use the Helios as one of my go to lenses, along with a set of Canon FD SSC's! Thanks for your advice, it was extremely valuable!
i'm glad it helped!
Excellent walk-thru - lots of facts and examples, simply explained and well worth a watch, for anyone interested in the commonest Helios lenses. I have one of these and although it's nowhere near as unusual or interesting as the earlier Helios lenses, it's better than not having a Helios at all !
Man, You make insane and so productive work for all looking for reliable buying tips, thanks !
Initially confused but for "modification" take it as "model" , "type", "version". or "example".
A very in depth spec review of this popular lens. Thank you.
Thank you for your input! I will correct this in my next videos
@@RetroFotoHouse I was going to say the same, "modification" is a bit confusing...makes you think of some "mod" or "hack" that allows for additional features (like your Mir-1V close focus "mod"). Model or version is more appropriate :)
Thanks for the video. I bought a KMZ & Valdai 44-2 and my Valdai version is better than my KMZ. The KMZ version has a loose focus ring, aperture ring & the aperture lock, while the Valdai is solid and only has minimal play in the rear element.
Excellent info! The 44-2 is one of those lenses that was so taken for granted back in its day and it's quirks not always appreciated. Now we have greater choice, those quirks are an asset.
I have a KMZ version with white stop lettering, green DOF and yellow distance lettering. The serial number puzzles me though, it starts with 01. Pretty sure it came on a Zenit-E and was second-hand when I got it back in the 80's
According to some sources, the KMZ lenses starting with 0 and 00 were higher quality samples reserved for people of importance and 000 indicated what was basically a pre-production sample. I have several of these lenses, and my 00 sample has by far the most strongly coloured coating. The aperture mechanism is especially smooth too.
I just checked mine, it’s a KMZ in really good condition. The serial starts with 01 as well, and the quality of the image and much sharper and clear - unlike a few Valdai and BeLOMO i’ve used that had a washed out look
Thank you for your effort in clarifying the various modifications. It seems I have a copy of the last type (8) from 1988 (31 years ago). Even though it is rated lowest in quality compared to the earlier modifications, it is still decent build quality and capable of taking good photographs. I challenge the lens manufacturers of today to build something inexpensive and durable enough to last and still be usable in 2050 (31 years from now).
Yes, i agree with you. Thank you for your intput!
Great review! Initially I was confused by Belomo but I learned it's the same as MMZ (Minskiy Mechanichesckiy Zavod imeni S.I. Vavilova), founded in 1957 in 1971 became Belomo. I have type 5 (Belomo) and type 8 (Valdai) I confirm your assessment about the buil quality, still optical quality is good in both my lenses, zero chromatic aberration!
Very nice, my grandpa gave me his Zebra type from 72. I knew it felt special but 2%, that's another level :D
I just got it today for 30 bucks on Ebay 😅
yes and if it is m42(not m39 mount) and starting serial number 0,00,000 than speak another story
Thank you so much for taking the time to produce this video. I greatly appreciate your efforts ✌
My pleasure!
Thank you for walking through these lens variants. Very helpful.
You are such an expert on vintage analog lenses, I appreciate all of your videos so much.
I learned already so much. These videos are so great! Thank you very much! Such an amazing job!
Glad you like them!
Thanks for your guide. Digging out my old Helios 44-2 lenses from the drawer which I used back in the 1970s, reveals they both seem to be the type 1 KMZ version (from the logo). Although mine have some yellow lettering, not white, as yours do.
There really are al lot of different versions !
My version is a Zebra With the BeLOMO Logo and 0017241 Serial number.
Thanks for the video, and also huge thanks for your other Helios 44 Lubrication guide, with that video I could easily restore mine !
Thank you!
I have Valdai from 1976 but I'm rther satisfied with it.
Excellent stuff, thanks so much! I am going to go through all 15 of my Helios 44's now. ...I wish there was a video showing the difference between the 44m and all those other different versions too.
Video with helios 44m will come soon, please subscribe. Thank you
Thank you for the excellent video, it has been very helpful. Recently they gave me this lens and according to your video my lens corresponds to type 5, however the serial number is 74. It even comes with the guarantee sheet and instructions stamped with date of the year 1974. Thanks to your video I am going to buy an adapter and try to give this lens a new life. Thanks
Thank you for this. I will finally adapt my fathers type 6. All my childhood photos were taken with it and zenit et. He taught me basics of photography on it.
Apparently I have 89' kmz and my father's 76' mmz (BelOMO v5), was pretty interesting to compare to other models as well.
Build quality it indeed superb and everything is working like a clockwork.
11:11 This may cause problems when used in Pentax cameras with adapter. I used abrasive paper to fix it:) Just use screwdriver to remove this ring and grind it a little bit:)
I remember I watched your video when I was thinking of buying one for myself. I used a few that I borrowed from my friends but they were Valdai & late BeLOMO versions. The vintage lens guy called me as he had only one piece in stock that just came in, I rushed to get it and I was lucky to get myself a pristine condition KMZ version!
This is an amazing review, and an amazing channel. Thank you. I have subscribed and am looking forward to your new videos! Hope you can also have real-world tests per lens!
Thank you very much for your kind words!
Thank you so much. I figured out that I've just bought a type 8 valdai modification of this lens. However, got it for $20 and still beats too many expensive lenses for the magical bokeh. Got a fotga M42-EOSM adaptor and using it on my recently bought Canon EOSM. I've got a 18-55 STM IS Canon kit zoom lens which is a lot more expensive than the Helios 44-2 prime. 44-2 is a 58mm prime and on an aps-c sensor on EOS M gives 92mm so I can use it for Portrait photography at a cheaper starting price since 80mm and above lenses used in Portrait Photography are expensive anyways and I get a dreamy bokeh as well with this.
Extremely helpful! Thanks for making this video!
top tip with the symbols, once you know its obvious. with the added tactile scence. one of my serial numbers starts with a 0 ?
glad i have nearly got the full set.
you should feel the build quality of the lens bundled with the km camera, 1999/2000.
great video, thanks.
thanks a lot, I guess all are basically the same lens formula, as the image quality and swirly bokeh quality seems very identical. they only differ in the build quality and aesthetics.
I recently purchased a photosniper camera and it comes with a Helios 44-2 lens, awesome video, and thank you for some history on my Helios lens
I have a Valdai rare 44-2 Helios. My helios have a little oil on the blades. Valdai rare 44-2 Helios have low contrast and have low colors it's good for a post processing color correction.
Thank you so much for this video, it really helps when searching for hours and hours.
Exceptional review. Very helpful for helping choose the correct version. Photos at end are also very good. Thank-you.
Thank you for your kind words!
I recently acquired the Valdai (Type 7 from your video). It is silver, and has very little wobble in the mount and no oil. I believe it has been modified, as it has 16 blade aperture (not 8, not 13). So far it has performed as expected. Mostly used for portrait and macro work. Excellent video.
yes, modified. Valdai never produced silver version. I think it was just polished.
A lot of work was put into this video! Subbed!
Thanks for making this video. Especially explaining about the different plants. I've been looking on ebay, now I know what to look for. Rather than "modification" I think "version" or "variation" would be a better word.
thank you for your input!
I have two Helios 44-2 lenses, an MMZ with a serial of 83M, and a KMZ with a serial of 168K. The KMZ is by far much optically clearer with less haze and more contrast overall and sharpness than the MMZ, but the MMZ is still better than a Valdai which I'm very happy about
I have both versions too, and recently sold a late KMZ because I always preferred the look of the MMZ type 5 version, another difference was a slight yellowish color cast on the KMZ, the MMZ was "colder". I have a version 1 KMZ I just bought that I'm curious to test and compare with my MMZ.
@@zverispetras I also find a yellowish/warm colour cast on my Helios lenses, and all my vintage Minolta MD lenses as well, but nothing that a slightly cooler temperature in post doesn't fix
Fantastic explanation of Helios 44-2.. I am also a customer. I purchased a Helios with purple flare modicication.
Thank you!
I have one Helios 44-2 58mm
Thank for your review
Hello, I never comment on TH-cam and i just found this video and your account, as filmmaker well done, for you work and thank you for sharing it. I'm looking for working on vintage look and thank to you, I have downloaded your video to compare frame by frame each type of Helios. This will help me to find my next cinematic lens.
I will look at your others videos and Ebay for found this, thank you for your work and hope you are safe with the war
Great vid!! Could you do one the different helios 58mm f2 lenses, comparing 44-2, 44-4, 44M etc etc
I can tell you all about them.
EXCELLENT video! You are right, there are many Valdai ones on ebay. I see a Belomo ordinary one, I am about to buy! It says "Helios" in english, I think it looks cooler in cyrillic but that is the least of my priority haha. Thank you!
Hi! Very good and informative videos! I have a question though. I recently got a 44-2, it is from 1973, has the KMZ logo but green and yellow focus range markings and the "made is USSR" text istead of white like in your video. Also the glass has a blue/violet coating. Any ideas on what I've found?
Hi! Difficult to say for sure, but there are 2 options: either it is kmz version that i ignore existence(low chances) or front ring with kmz sign was just changed by someone for unknown reasons
@@RetroFotoHouse I took pictures of it here: imgur.com/a/knPHwW0
Looks to be real KMZ glass with the blue coating. maybe focus ring has been changed?
@@hackermis I also have 2 of those, one that starts with 73 and the other one with 75 . Also the distance is in feet only. I think that they were exports.
Une revue très complète et très détaillée .Good job very nice review.
Thank you very much for your excellent video - I made notes the first time I watched it, and so I looked carefully online for the one I wanted - my type 5 Belomo lens arrived in the post today, from the Ukraine! I really appreciate your help
you're welcome!
@@amursiberia
Yes export I think. My 1978 Belomo has yellow and green markings and “HELIOS” in cyrillic letters, no “Made in USSR” marking on the barrel.
Thank you! Made me buy one !! What filter thread iscthe Helios? 49mm?
yeah, 49mm
@@RetroFotoHouse thank you 🙏
Superb introduction. Thanks !
Great video. I think I have the #5 one, with the long green settings. I love it. I want to give one the same as a special gift to a young photographer friend in Iran. Can you ship to Iran? I have asked the question on Ebay on my husband's account but thought you might get this quicker here! Cheers.
I got a Zenit Camera with a Helios 44m 6 new in it's original box. They were never used. I don't what to do with it. I have another helios which I use and a jupiter 37a. I love them.
Donate it to me
Fantastic video. Were there any other KMZ versions of the 44-2? I have just picked up one from the KMZ plant with Green, Red and Orange writing from 1975 with the serial number on the front name band.
yes, this one is genuine one, at the moment of recording a video i was not aware about its existence.
Wow, amazing video, thank you so much for the clear explanations and visuals !
Thanks for putting together this video, I couldn't find this much information anywhere else. Great job!
Glad it was helpful!
11:44 This is exactly the problem of my lens (belomo Type 6), do you know how could I fix it?? I'm using the lens with an M42 to M4/3 adapter and the BMPCC 4K.. is there any specifique adaptar from M42 to M4/3 that solve this issue or at least mitigate the problem??
@Retro Foto House any advice would be very much appreciated.. thanks ;)
Hi! The focusing ring has to be removed from lens and cut the rear side using a lathe machine. This is how i make it work.
@@RetroFotoHouse Hi there! Thanks for your answer. Yeah, it hurted me more than the lens but I did it an it works perfectly! :)
Great video ! I learned a lot about the different models.
What about the Helios 44 K4, the Helios version with Pentax K-mount, or the Helios 81H with Nikon F-mount (or at least a Kiev mount modelled on the Nikon F-mount) ?
These might also be interesting for those who don't necessarily want to use an adapter and also want to use Helios lenses on their Pentax or Nikon SLR cameras.
helios 44k-4 is the same as helios 44m-4, but the mount. Helios 81H MC is nice little lens, however lens build quality of Arsenal plant where it was in production is worse than in ordinary helioses 44m or 44m-4
Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge! 🙏
You saved me from making a grave mitake!!! Thank you soooooo much for this!
Glad it was helpful
If I may give a few suggestions (for future videos):
**It'd be great if you explained some less common mounts and how their adapters work.** For example, the Contax/Kiev mount for cine cameras...lenses that don't have a focusing helicoid (if I'm not mistaken) and the helicoid is built into the film camera (or adapter).
**Perhaps explain the differences between the Mir-1 and Mir-1V (1B),** and which of them can be adapted; same for many other lenses that have various models depending on the mount.
**You could make a video (or video series) talking about the history of Soviet lenses** and comparing them with their Zeiss counterparts. Talk about **glass coating** in Soviet lenses, and about the **radioactive Thorium lenses** people are so worried about...while they are harmless.
**And obviously, we'd all appreciate more "mods" and "hacks"!** Either making lenses focus closer, or swapping elements to create more (or different) bokeh types (doughnut, bubble, swirly etc.); even building new DIY lenses from old elements and bodies. I suggest you check Mathieu Stern's Facebook group (Weird and Vintage Lenses Photographers), it's full of people that experiment with vintage lenses, disassemble them and mix them up. You could even promote your channel there!!! :D
Thank you for your input, will definitely use some of your suggestions for future videos.
I have the type 8 (Valdai) in silver and I find almost all of the lenses coming from Ukraine right now are all Valdai. As focus changes most of them get soft in the center while the edges get a halo/ring of sharper focus
That is a very good video, however I started watching it to see what you are going to say about my helios 44-2, but you didn't show such lens, mine has KMZ marking on the front, on the side it looks like the type 5 Belomo with Green and yellow, but on the opposite side of the aperture lines, it is written "Made in USSR" again in green. If you are interested I can send you pictures.
I have the same, curious to know more about it too. I have also a belomo type 5 but didn't have the time to compare both yet.
Very helpful video. A similar one on the Helios 77m would be great if similar variants exist.
Well, it is possible, but the problem that it is very difficult to gather all version at once. There are 4 i guess
Nice and very detailed video, thank you.
so we can imagine that the 75 green and yellow is part of the 15% production witch is a good and recomended one like you said ?
On the number 5 production the contrast is a lot less compaired to 1,2,3 those ones has very nice bokeh and contrast colors.
If you can, get 1,2,3 but they quite rare to find
Thanks for the analisis of the fantastic Helios!
I have a KMZ, built in 75, with green and orange markings. Focus range is orange but it is marked in feet not meters. This is obviously for export, but I can't find reference of it anywhere. Have you seen one of these?
yes, it is a genuine one, at the time of making this video i was unaware of it's existence.
-I believe I have type 5. But the aperture ring is stuck at f2. I feel I'd break the lens if I forced the ring. Any advice?- edit: I watched further and realized I had the type 8 Valdai with green markings. Guess I got ripped off. Thank you so much for this insightful video
I'm looking to buy a Helios 44-2 as well. How do you differentiate between the two?
A really fantastic resource for what is becoming a very popular vintage lens. Thank you!
Very interesting insights. Thanks for sharing these details. I understand now that I have two KMZ copies - but mine have green and yellow lettering. One has distance scale in feet the other in meters.
Can you please show your copies? Because i never saw a green scale KMZ helios. Sometimes, it happens that a front ring is simply exchanged
@@RetroFotoHouse I have several Helios and I have 2 models with KMZ logo and green/yellow marks, here are some pictures : drive.google.com/drive/folders/11Jp_JHysa0_plMdrNxFFdLT9JX9t76We?usp=sharing
Retro Foto House Sure thing. Here’s a link. => drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-xBVMB2V_YOVhZB-EOSA1bfVc3eytfH0
Excellent video, really helpful, thank you.
Thank you for such a useful video! I am currently torn between a Belomo Zebra 44-2 and a KMZ 1971 44-2 - both lenses are fully serviced, in great condition from a good seller and are very similarly priced.
I'm looking to use either lens on my Fujifilm Mirrorless camera for still and video - which one do you reckon would be better? I'm just concerned about the freeplay on the KMZ version, the seller has confirmed it has a very small play of around 1/100th of a CM.
Thanks you :)
Pick up Belomo zebra and you will be happy
Thank you for another informative video! Is there any way to fix the wobble on the rear flange mount? My Helios suffers from this.....
it is difficult without turning lathe machine, as inner tolerances were often not resected
I have 1982 BeLOMO from Belarus, awesome.
I have several but one is a KMZ 73 serial start with green markings. I don't think is in this list. No oil on blades and no play. I'm a lucky finder with this one?
it seems it is genuine one. At the time of making this video i hadn't a chance to get it im my hands
I have a Auto Cosmogon 58mm f2 m42 serial number 011911. Any good?
I also have Helios 44-2 from 1971 which is non auto but smooth and a great performer on my Nikon D300s with just a ring adapter for close work and portraits.
auto cosmogon is an export name for helios. It is rare and good
Thanks for the extensive video - Very informative and really enjoyed learning more about this glass. Thanks!
Thank you for watching and sharing! :)
Very helpful video, thanks. I was just looking on eBay and saw a version with KMZ Logo, 75 serial, but "zebra" focus ring. Since it is listed as de-cklicked, I guess it is possible that it was assembled from a KMZ lens with a Belomo Zebra focusing block during de-clicking process?
these lenses were never de-clicked in factory
Thank you for sharing this video. Awesome information! I bought a black zenit E with a helios44-2 type 7, has little grass on the plates, and a little free play on the rear, but the quality of the images is excellent. I use on a full frame nikon dslr. Some problems to focusing but unscrewing a few turns the rear elements I can focus on until infinite. I would like to ask you, Do all 8 variants has coated lenses? Thank you!
no they don't. all these lenses are singlecoated
Great video. What would you recommend for photography only? Thank you
try helios 44-2 type 1 you won't be disappointed
Thanks for your video i got the one from 75 what a swirly bokeh beast and very sharp as well in the center
first of all thank you so much for this video, it was so helpful! second, ive got a question. Do you know if can put the rear element (last one) of a type 7 valdai in a belomo zebra instead of the original one? i want to do this beacause i have a zebra with a scratched rear element and a type 7 valdai with a perfect rear element.
try and you will see. And please share your experience with out audience
Thanks you so much for your helpful video. I make the identification of my 44-2 MMZ of 1973, bought yesterday. The type 4 seems to be rare, as a specialist, what is your price estimation for a perfect aspect one ?
It depends of your luck, sometimes you can get it on eBay for 25 bucks
@@RetroFotoHouse thanks for your answer, happy New year 😊
Great video, do you have some suggest to obtain a swirly bokeh on a medium format? Thanks!
Yeah, try VEGA-12B and you'll have swirl on your medium format, however not as much as with helios
Thanks for making this video. I have seen Helios 44-2 KMZ lenses for sale that look like the housing of the Type 5 Belomo housing. Do you know of this modification? Is the housing as good as the type 1 KMZ? Is it able to have its front element reversed? Thanks!
yes, i do. This is a late KMZ production, At the time of making this video i was unaware of it
i have another one thats different than these ones.
There's also a manual/auto button on the bottom. Looks relatively new, like 80's/90's i'd say.
Came on a Zenit with another 2.8/29mm
You mean helios 44m i think
@@RetroFotoHouse exactly, my bad. Are these any good compared to the 44-2?
I have the lens with the Valdai logo, but it's different from the two shown in the video. On the distance scale, there are no dots, only numbers (e.g., 2.5 m). Serial number 7901XXXX. The lens is more like the Type 5 Belomo Ordinary, but it has 'Made in U.R.S.S.' written in green. Why? Thanks
please show it. retrofotohouse@gmail.com
I would like to express my appreciation for your unique tutorial and experience.
I had bought the same like the 1st lens in this video, but the serial number starts with No 400xxx, I highly appreciate if you help with your experience to tell me which type my lens is, and if it is a good rare one or not?
Thank you.
is it helios 44-2 or helios 44? please look at front ring
@@RetroFotoHouse It is written Helios 44 only
@@RetroFotoHouse it is only written Helios 44
@@GeorgiosKalaydjian you have answer to your question. It is not helios 44-2, so my video is not about it
@@RetroFotoHouse Thank you 🙏🏻, but what is your personal opinion about my lens, is it a good and rare one?
Great video! Tnx man this helps a lot!
hello. I seem to have a type 5. But it is made in 87 but it doesnt have the valdai logo
11:00, the 6th type is actually just a helios 44-2 modelled on heliso 44-3
no, helios 44-3 is more recent lens, so it was based on type6 with some enchacement added
Very nice review and great lenses. I actually have a zebra from '91. The only issue it's the stiff aperture ring. Do you know if and how is it possible to lubricate it? Spasibo.
you need to open it and put a grease onto aperture ring thread inside
@@RetroFotoHouse Thank you. I've already opened the lens, cleaned it up, lubed the helicoid. However I didn't work on the aperture ring. I have to check if to take it off from the back or front the front of the lens.
It’s an amazing video, thank you it help me a lot because I’m thinking to buy this lens, the only question I’ve got is how can I realize that is a type 5 belomo, in almost everywhere I found this lens to buy it’s not specified, thanks again and sorry if it’s a dumb question
you need to look at the factory sign on the internal ring, near front optical element.
Thanks for the great review, and especially test photos. It looks like the bokeh is very similar on them. I could not see one with more swirl than the others. Is this correct?
It is difficult to choose which model to get.
Thanks
Yes, bokeh is the same. Main difference is a build quality
@@RetroFotoHouse having watched this video a few months later, I can now see some noticeable difference between a few of them. Interestingly, I though the 5 version didn't look as nice as some of the others and I thought the 3rd looked the best.
Is this a question of batch or individual unit quality or version quality?
Thanks
Will you make a buying guide for the Helios 44M-series? :)
It will come soon, please subscribe
Hello. Very useful guide.
Do you have a guide like this for Mir 1B?
Not yet
Just bought a type 5 and didn't know it was made by BeLomo. Excited to get it, even though there is a little oil on the blades.
update. Really amazing lens to use and loved it for "fun" shots!
Really nice thank you!. I which one is the best one for video?
the best for video is modified one, without a pre-set aperture and with follow focus gears and without any backlash onto a mount.
www.ebay.com/itm/224055088013
Retro Foto House thank you
great tutorial. Thanks a lot man !!
Hi. I have 1974 44-2 KMZ version with green letters. In your video, it has white letters. Were they produced in both versions? :) as mostly I saw green letters on Valdai production :) But my sample is tiny ;) thx for your videos, they are very educative and helped me when buying my lenses :)
yes, you have a late KMZ production. But serial near front element is mandatory, otherwie it is a fake one
Mine doesn't seem to match up with any of these. It has a KMZ logo but it has the green and red focus markings with a serial of 7352142. Any idea which type this would be?
probably front rings were changed by someone, i do not have another explanation...
@@RetroFotoHouse I have one too. Serial No 7327556. Green markings on barrel. Yellow distance scale. KMZ logo.
I found the type 1 kmz, I hope it will shoot well
Make one vedio for different types Helios 44M-4 58 mm f 2 lenses.
Retro - I have pentax systems mostly and some Nikon. Both film and digital. I became interested in shooting the old lenses just recently. Ive purchased several M42 lenses and a few M39s. Ive had conflicting info out there on adaptors and the adaptors don't allow infinity focus. I wont know this for sure until I get everything in hand, but am I going to have issue in using these old lenses with a pentax body? Do the adaptors allow infinity focus? Thanks for your time. regards,, Dave W
you won't have infinity on m39 SLR lenses, as flange focal distance is 45.2mm instead of reqiured 45.5 for proper use via moder adapters
Hello, Retro Foto House, thanks so much for these tutorials and well-researched reviews of vintage glass. I have a Helios 44 - 2 58mm f2 lens m42 mount, the one you reviewed first. I don't see any screws on this particular lens. Is there any way you could help me declick this lens? I intend to use it on a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4k. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
it is difficult to de-click a helios 44-2 lens, as it is pre-set aperture lens. You need to take it apart almost completely