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Helios 44 58mm f2 M42 MC lens review
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A well known M42 mount lens from the former Soviet Union which performs very well optically. It has a reputation for excellent build quality, and is available in many variants. Models with an A/M switch make this lens easy to use on almost any camera. Many people have started to use manual focus lenses again because they've found a cheap Helios in a local shop or on the Internet, and its quality has amazed them.

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Fact Sheet

 

Vendor name Type Compatible camera systems
KMZ
 Helios
 Basically all SLR camera
Focal Min(mm) Focal Max(mm) Focus Min(cm)
58
 58
 50
Aperture Max Aperture Min. Barrel length(mm)
2 22
 42
Elements In Group Diaphragm action Weight (g)
6 in 4
 auto|manual
 30
Filter Size (mm) Push on diameter (mm) Angular field
52
 54
 40,28

Gallery

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User Comments

Well no complaints about the sharpness of the 44m 8 blade, but mine is odd in that it screws onto a MTL3 but wont screw onto a M42 adapter or Pentax camera body.
(Excalibur)

I've got the 44-2 and 44-m, I rarely leave home without one.
(Lloydy)

These models are (or can be) multi-coated:
Helios 44-3 (always multi-coated, pre-set, 8 blades)
Helios 44M (both MC and single coated version exist, MCed is rare, A/M switch, 8 blades)
Helios 44M-4 (both MC and single coated version exists, auto, 6 blades)
Helios 44K-4 (K-mount, i believe this model is always MCed, auto, 6 blades)
Helios 44M-5 (both MC and single coated version exists, single-coated is rare, auto, 6 blades)
Helios 44M-6 (always MC, auto, 6 blades)
Helios 44M-7 (always MC, auto, 6 blades)

(no-x)

The MC (Multi Coated) versions of this lens include the 44-M4, 44-M5, 44-M6 and 44-M7. These are all 6 bladed lenses (earlier, non MC lenses had 8 blades), and are capable of providing excellent results and many hours of inexpensive fun in any hands. 

An excellent all-round performer with unique bokeh and colour rendering - this is a usable and affordable lens that should be part of every collection.
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