Classic vintage lenses
Helios 44-2 58mm f/2
The Soviet standard lens for Zenit cameras, made in huge numbers. Today the most popular vintage lens on mirrorless cameras.
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What the image looks like
At f/2 the background swirls around a sharp centre (the famous swirly bokeh); the image is soft and flares easily against the light. Stopped down to f/4–f/5.6 it gets sharp.
Aperture on an adapter
Two rings (preset): one sets the value, the other closes the aperture to it. Works on any plain adapter. The 44M versions have an A/M switch: set it to M.
What to check before you buy
- Focusing: dried-out grease makes the ring very stiff, especially in the cold.
- Haze and scratches on the front element (shine a torch from behind).
- Play in the aperture ring and oil on the blades.
- Copies vary a lot in quality: if you can, take a test shot before you buy.
On APS-C it frames like about 87mm on full frame: a nice short portrait lens.
Which adapter?
Pick your camera in the checker: it works out the adapter thickness and framing, and suggests menu settings.
Photo coming soon
Photo coming soon