M“ is a designation for the type of mount used. In this case, the M42, 42mm screw mounting standard which was predominantly used on 35mm SLR cameras from 1947. When it was invented, until the 1970s when it became obsolete. Helios 44M-4 was originally coupled with Russian Zenit SLR cameras which used this type of lens mount. Today, the 44M-4 can be mounted on modern DSLRs using an adapter. Because it’s a simple screw thread, a plethora of simple adapters were (and are) available to allow mounting an M42 lens on to a camera with a bayonet mount, like Pentax K, Minolta MC/MD, Canon EOS or Contax/Yashica C/Y, to name a few. Helios ( Russian: Ге́лиос) was a type of camera lenses, made in the USSR. They were usually supplied with Zenit cameras and thus usable with other M42 lens mount cameras such as the Pentax Spotmatic. Some later Helios models were built also for the Pentax K mount. [cite 1]

Finally, the “4“ after the dash is an optical resolution index, which ranges from 2 to 7 depending on the lens version. In our case, the optical result ion index is 4. The new Helios 44M changes the aperture control and place completely, marking the transition from the old preset system to the new modern ring style. The new diaphragm control has now an Auto and Manual switch, which indicates that the lens can be used on automatic preset control or on fully manual control. Until the multicoated versions, resolution remained almost the same, but the light coefficient transmission was improved. Helios 44M with automatic and manual control switch. Later, this feature was dropped in favor of the older layout. The filter size for Helios 44-2 is 49 mm. Itis cool because you can use the same filters as Sony 50mm 1.8 and Canon 50mm 1.8 STM (post about this lens will come) Soviet lenses Facebook group You also won’t get as much of the swirly effect if you’re shooting on an APS-C camera. Below is a sample from the Sony A7rII’s full-frame sensor.

The Sony e-mount system allows you to adapt any kind of lens if you have the proper adapter. You can mount even the latest Canon, Nikon, Tamron, Sigma and other popular lenses without any problem. The Helios 44-2 is very popular for many Sony, Canon, Olympus and Fujifilm camera owners. These lenses are solid. They are a nice size, built well, and have a good heft. Despite some wobbles on the older ones, they are much more reliable, and often in better condition than many of the other vintage lenses I’ve seen – especially from the USSR. Bokeh I have had a few of these Helios 44M lenses and I have to say they’re fantastic. I shoot on a nice basic DSLR (Canon EOS 4000D) but used them on a Sony A7s Mk1 and I prefer the effect of the crop sensor because it tames the bokeh balls a little as opposed to full frame. Super proud moment for me as an up and coming photographer. Before I ramble on any further about this, it’s merely to prove a point. A lens is what you make it it. Any subject can be photographed with any lens. To what extent is a different matter. Don’t be afraid to try something new. The Helios-44M feels a bit more solidly build than the 44-2. It also weights more. Optically both lenses are on par. The Helios-M has a different type of aperture blades as these are bent upwards. this results in a less circular aperture, which in turn slightly degrades the bokeh. Contrary to the Helios-44-2, this version has a manual / automatic aperture switch.

The Helios 44-2 58mm was manufactured mostly in an M42 mount to be used with the Zenit camera but it was also made in a Pentax K and M39 mount as well. Speaking of which, let’s talk about the bokehlicious goodness that this lens produces. More bokehlicious goodness! Chances are, if you’re reading this review, you’re probably already aware of the peculiar, swirly bokeh that this old beast puts out.You should also know that the swirl will look the best when using a full frame camera. Be it analog or digital. This is because the swirl happens in the corners. When using smaller imaging areas ( like APS-C digital sensors ) they will be cropped out. You can still achieve some swirl but it will be a lot more difficult.

We know you’d like to see more sample images so there you go! This time is from Heidi Makkonen, 38 years old, self-taught photographer, constant beauty seeker and mom of two kids. I absolutely love this lens and you will get unique and beautiful images out of the Helios 44-2 58mm. I own the Helios 44M, which is built a bit more solid and weighs more but the optically the same as the 44-2. There are several colorized numbering engraved onto the 44M-4 which aren’t exactly fine quality but they are practical and the color never wears off. The overall design is somewhat unrefined, but this lens wasn’t built to win beauty contests. That said, we love the truly industrial design of the Helios 44. Handling Overall, these lenses offer impressive quality and performance for the price, making them an excellent non-radioactive vintage lens option.

The lens also has a reputation for the unique way it renders bokeh. Wide-open at f/2, the Helios 44M exhibits a signature bokeh swirl, something commonly associated with older lenses. This swirl has become a calling card for the lens and is one of the reasons the Helios has a cult following, but I personally find the effect a little jarring and its usage often gratuitous. Fortunately, the narrower-depth-of-field naturally provided by the 58mm focal length makes subject isolation available at a wider range of apertures, offering some control over how much swirl exists in a given image.

The majority are using Helios 44-2, but there are also people, who prefer bokeh and build of other modifications.And the most common mount was M42, developed in the late 1930s, and used extensively in the 60s and 70s especially by manufacturers like Asahi Pentax, Praktica, Fujica, Yashica, and Zenit. KMZ made Helios 44M. The overall design was changed and the focus ring was repositioned. The optical formula remained the same. Other than that, I would encourage anyone to try at least one Helios 44 lens and see what they can do. Its focal length is 58mm, so a longer “normal” lens on 35mm film, and getting towards more of a portrait or short tele lens when adapted to digital, depending on your camera/sensor. If you are unsure on what to buy, head over to a local store and ask a professional before spending money on something that won’t fit your camera.