Helios 40-2 85mm: New vs Old

Рет қаралды 12,763

Күн бұрын

I recently received two versions of the same classic Helios 40-2. One was manufactured in the 1970's while the other was brand new. Since I could only keep one I decided to conduct some tests to see if there were any optical differences.
Camera: BMPCC6K
Lenses:
-Helios 40-2 85mm
-Helios 40-2-C 85mm
-Rokinon 85mm
-Helios 44-2 58mm

Пікірлер: 36

@shellya66 Ай бұрын

I’m more impressed by the nujabes tracks! You a real one!

@Gelgas 2 жыл бұрын

oh my god, I don't know there's older and new version. glad I watch your video before I buy the lens. thank you

@williamsnyder4361 2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure!

@MajorTomWorkshop 2 жыл бұрын

Great review! Actually, for the time being the new one is cheaper here in Russia -- if we are talking about used ones. It's just because everyone wants to feel the old Soviet vibe, the vintage version is more popular. There's also the white aluminum variation, which looks even cooler. :) IMHO, Soviet lenses are way overestimated. For example, Mir-10M 35/3.5 wide-angle sells for about $500 currently. This is insane. It's the price of used Distagon 35/2. I own a couple of Mir-20's, really nothing special about that lens. It's got nice geometry, however the contrast is really poor compared to even cheap Sony-E kit lenses. I bought the Mirs just for the sake of resell value, I will sell them later on and get myself some vintage Carl Zeiss stuff. Helios 44-2, however, is very good, I own an old 13 blade version too. But everyone has it, also 50mm is not very usable with cropped sensors.

@medallionmotionpictures 2 жыл бұрын

William this is Tony the Tiger Grrrr8!!! Fantastic review bro. Yes, I purchased a 44-2 from someone from Ukraine a couple years ago and they took good care of it. Now in my possession, I have the responsibility to maintain care. It's a superduppadope lens. I only use it for certain film shoots. Again extremely informative review and your examples are grand. Dre' MeDallion Atlanta GA USA

@pomphotothailand 3 ай бұрын

Great comparition

@DriftIdiot 3 ай бұрын

Great info and

@ryancooper3629 3 ай бұрын

I know this video is a bit old but just fyi, the stiffer focus ring on the old lens is because the lubrication has degraded due to age. It can easily be fixed, just have an experienced shop take apart the lens and re-grease it and the ring will focus like butter.

@ohjajohh 3 жыл бұрын

Very nice! I also did a Helios comparison video and it's always interesting to see :)

@WillBinks 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thanks for putting this together man. I do like that low contrast look as my modern lenses give me too much contrast lol. I’m trying to think of the best way to replicate this as I too might go new since it’s mostly for cinema usage. Maybe a 1/2 or full strength low contrast filter. Or my 1/4 bpm or Hollywood black magic. Hmm

@williamsnyder4361 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Will! You could try using some low contrast filters for sure. I personally prefer manipulating it in post, so that I don't have to use any filter. It's pretty easy to replicate that low-contrast look. That being said, one filter I would recommend for either the new or old lens is a Black ProMist or any filter that adds some halation in the highlights. This really adds to the old filmic look. Best of luck!

@bryanoliveira9513 Жыл бұрын

my man nujabes

@user-zx8qf8co6x 8 ай бұрын

thank you for an awesome video :) i have the 58mm from my grandfather, and i is my absolute favorite - the fact you have to use on manually and the special why it works with light, makes me fell much more connected to the process of making, taking photos. where do you recommend to buying this one?

@kertmedia 2 жыл бұрын

Hi William, great info in this video! Just wondering, are you happy with your decision to keep the new version? I've been thinking of getting this lens to use next to my 58mm f2. Mainly for video work. Found out there is a new version of the 85mm and my first thought was, it would probably not have that old vintage look that only a used lens could give.. at the same time, the used lenses (in good condition) go for roughly the same price as the new ones. What to do! :D

@williamsnyder4361 2 жыл бұрын

Hey kert. So far I'm very happy with my decision. When I compared the two lenses I found they looked almost exactly the same, due to the manufacturing process not changing. The only real difference is the new one doesn't flare as much, but it still flares a lot lol. I would recommend the new one personally

@kertmedia 2 жыл бұрын

@@williamsnyder4361 Thanks for the info!

@benneddelpiero1717 4 ай бұрын

ma bro really love nujabes 😂😂

@vas.milivoj 10 ай бұрын

do you have any thoughts on just released new Biotar?

@INSTINCT777 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Ths helped me great indeed^^I may ask how focus throw is on that new version? Is it too long or is it easy to pull focus by hand? I am thinking to get that lens for some cine purposes. Thank you very much!! :)

@williamsnyder4361 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment INSTINCT. In my opinion the focus throw is gorgeous on the new one. The length of the throw depends on what you're comparing it to. It's much longer and smoother than a photo lens. I think it's perfect for cine work as that's what I use it for.

@INSTINCT777 2 жыл бұрын

@@williamsnyder4361 Thanks! That's great :)

@0x00000101 Жыл бұрын

What's the price of helioses and rokinon in your area?

@RudiW1510 2 жыл бұрын

I'll get me one of those some day. Currently, I own both, a '67 44-2 zebra style and a '84 44-M4. And I wouldn't give them away for nothing. Used combined with a Zenit and a can of kwas (Russian root beer. Very tasty!), your comrade status goes right up to Gorbachev! Bad jokes aside, if you're into photography, in any way, shape or form, get yourself a 44-2 or something alike. You won't regret it. And if you truly unfold this lens' purest form, listen to some Atlantida Project, while you are at it. They're, in my mind, Russia's greatest musical export and they, like KMZ, fucking rock! Good video, by the way. Your points of critique are on spot. Yet I still choose to ignore them, cause the the 44 series rules supreme. Have a good day, sir!

@itsmelchior 11 ай бұрын

May I ask: Where did you buy the new lens? I have trouble finishing the order on the Zenit website. I'm wondering if it worked back then.

@demz3514 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for the great review. Quick question - where did you manage to buy the new one from?

@smol_A4 26 күн бұрын

в россии

@demz3514 26 күн бұрын

@@smol_A4 жаль что не смогу купить. Представительства Зенита в Европе нигде нет да и из-за санкций никогда и не будет. Придётся когда-нибудь в будущем приехать и купить. Спасибо за ответ.

@smol_A4 26 күн бұрын

@@demz3514 а на аукционах нет? или ебей