Any Helios 44 lovers here :)?

darkosaric · May 18, 2024

I was with a friend of mine couple of days ago on a photo walk, and he got his Helios on M4, and I got it on Canon SLR.
I really like Soviet lenses, but Soviet cameras not so much. Helios 44 is popular for its swirly bokeh, but this is a good general purpose lens (as almost any fixed 50mm lens anyhow) with some additional characheristics.

Buzz-01 · May 19, 2024

I have a 44-2 which I really like a lot!
On my EOS cameras it hits the mirror when focused at infinity though, making me use the lens not nearly as often as I should.

I do have 2 M42 Praktica cameras, but hardly ever use them. Basically only when I want to shoot the Helios.

Does every Helios hit a Canon's mirror? I remember reading about it somewhere but can't remember the details.

kl122002 · May 19, 2024

I once owned a Helios 44M back then. A sweet lens to play with and it's effect can't not be done by any filter.

Perhaps it's time to get it back and put it into use once more.

darkosaric · May 20, 2024

Buzz-01 said:
Does every Helios hit a Canon's mirror? I remember reading about it somewhere but can't remember the details.

Mine is ok, I have also adapter with electronic inside, it shows when in focus (when half pressed).

Ian Grant · May 20, 2024

I have a Helios 44M, it's not quite as good as the real thing.

My first SLR was a Zenit E with the 58mm f2 Helios, I shot my first magazine cover and newspaper front page image with the camera and lens.

I've used the Helios 44M and the CZJ Biotar on my Canon DSLR, the Zeiss T coating is more effective, the Helios can flare slightly, and it's in excellent condition.

Ian

Buzz-01 · May 20, 2024

darkosaric said:
Mine is ok, I have also adapter with electronic inside, it shows when in focus (when half pressed).

I also have one of those adapters, they work great with all my other M42 lenses. I remember something about some 44-2's being slightly longer than others (from the M42 thread inwards). Also heard about people shaving a bit off the back but that's a little too much for me.
Oh well, good reason to take out one of the Praktica's...

5BucksAtThriftStore · May 21, 2024

I am super interested in getting one of a Helios 44-2 with the 13 aperture blades. I am a sucker for swirly bokeh in general, but there is something about the look on those that is super compelling to me. Objectively, It seems that they're a bit shit with contrast and sharpness at wider apertures, but somehow I don't care. The dreamy effect outweighs the negatives and even if the image itself is pillow soft, it is absolutely a distinct look and worth it.

loccdor · May 21, 2024

Yes I enjoy the Helios, it can make wonderful portraits, in fact I need to make a point of using it more often. I have it in M42 for use on a Pentax Spotmatic or Canon T90/F-1 with adapter.

Any Helios 44 lovers here :)?

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