#Helios lens official series

It's quite possible that as the focus distance of the lens increases, the internal vignetting differs more significantly between models than at shorter distances. One of the (many) weaknesses in my brief and simple comparison is that I only tested the lenses at very close range (near maximum extension), with the background screen placed a consistent distance from the camera.

I haven't had the 44-3 on much to test that one.Interesting. So much depends on the background and the distance to that background. My 44M is fairly resistant to swirl, while my 44K-4 seems easier to provoke. I'm prepared to accept there might be differences in certain circumstances, but I haven't noticed them especially.

Some folks would agree with my findings, others would disagree. My tests, whilst hardly scientific or comprehensive, suggest they're all pretty similar.

#Helios lens official series

The MC 44K-4 would be ideal, but as Steve indicates, any of the M series will cover the slots on your M42 adapter.ĮDIT: I did a comparison between the 44-2, 44M and 44M-4 lenses some time ago, to see whether internal vignetting (which causes the swirly bokeh effect) differed significantly between the models. Ideally, choose an 'MC' (multi-coated) version. It's one of those lenses that on rare occasions can be sublime, but in general use is actually rather too limited optically.Īny of the 44M( -x) series lenses would be your best choice. Worse still, even stopped down, it's never great away from the frame centre. And the contrast isn't great, not helped by a strong tendency towards veiling flare. As already mentioned, it has legendary 'swirly' bokeh at wider apertures, but it's so strong that you'll be forced to compose with your subject in the centre of the frame.

I have a Helios 103 53mm f/1.8 in Contax/Kiev mount that is sharp across the frame with nice bokeh, colors, and contrast and quite unlike my 44s.įurther to Steve's information, I'll stress that the 40-2 really isn't all that versatile. * The Helios line is varied and consists mostly of fast aperture lenses of various designs to fit various mounts and formats. While the wild bokeh tends to be more subdued with the non-preset versions, they are better for general shooting than the 40-2 and still true to their Biotar heritage (consistently sharp at all apertures at center and visibly soft in the corners with good contrast and nice color rendering). If the mount characteristics of your 44-2 (narrow base leaks light and tends to rock) are your major concerns with that lens, you might want to check out the more modern 44M series (broad lens flange) or 44K-4. Despite being offered in Pentax K, the lens still has a pre-set aperture similar to the original. You can expect the legendary 'creative' bokeh and tendency toward flare characteristic of the original as well as its tendency to not be particularly sharp anywhere. Remember that the only thing the 40-2 and 44-2 share in common are the Helios label.* (The 44-2 is essentially a pre-war Zeiss Biotar while the 40-2 is a Soviet design.) The 'new' Helios 40-2 has an updated body, but is the same design from the same maker as the lens that originally was intended for oscilloscope capture (at least according to one origin legend).