Helios 44-2
I bought this lens years ago. I think I paid £15 with a Zenit camera. I had to throw away the camera as it was stinking! But I never took a photo, or at least I can’t remember taking it. The aperture ring was very stiff. The other day I remembered that I had it after I saw a social media post that featured the lens. I dismantled it partially and fixed the aperture ring, gave it a clean. I took a few photos today. Goodness me, I am very pleased with the colours and OoF transition.
May 27, 2026
6
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I understand, it's really nice to take photos with those old Helios lenses. 👍
I like using them with various hybrid cameras
www.flickr.com/photos/maoby/albums/72177720329549275/
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My Helios 44 models provide nice bokeh "swirl" even on my 1.7 crop Sigma Foveon cameras ...
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I did not manage to get swirly bokeh yet but I am very happy with the colours and out of focus transition.
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If you want to achieve the swirling effect, it is best to use a full-frame hybrid to utilize the entire lens glass and its imperfections.
Even though I personally generally like to use my Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II (micro Four Thirds) with the Helios lenses 💫 -
I’ll get an adapter for the L-mount but I find them ridiculously expensive. A simple non-electronic milled aluminium adapter costs over £20. I have plenty of PK mount lenses, I need to get an adapter for them too :)
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Yep, Bubble Bokeh IS fun.
(Big crop, so on the IQ limit)
