Helios 44m lens. Ultimate buying guide.
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Күн бұрынIn this review i talk about fine differences of all 8 versions of famous Helios 44m lens and reasonably explain which one is a best buy.
Please visit my eBay stores for serviced USSR/German foto equipment
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00:00 - Intro
00:45 - Helios 44m-development of helios 44-2
02:45 - Details about helios 44m
05:00 - Production timeline
06:23 - Type1
08:12 - Type2
09:10 - Type3
10:18 - Type4
11:13 - Type5
13:03 - Type6
13:44 - Type7
14:46 - Type8
15:24 - 3 most widespread mods
16:27 - Bokeh test
17:14 - Counterlight performance test
17:57 - Chart test at wide open and f/4
18:00 - Overall image quality test
19:57 - Conclusion
@RetroFotoHouse 11 ай бұрын
type4 rare MC version available here www.ebay.com/itm/225741704885 helios 44m tuned for filmmakers with anamorphic bokeh www.ebay.com/itm/225741805745 helios 44m tuned for filmmakers with metal follow focus gears www.ebay.com/itm/325678509453 helios 44m KMZ made, tuned for filmmakers with anamorphic bokeh www.ebay.com/itm/325417315049 helios 44m KMZ made, tuned for filmmakers with anamorphic bokeh and flare www.ebay.com/itm/325417315049
@vincentgnanaraj6476 Ай бұрын
Thanks for your kind guidance. I like helios lens. I have seven copies including 44-2, m, m6 & m7. They are great.
@Von_McKnelly 4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the tutorial on Helios lenses. I'm enjoying the Helios lens I recently purchased from you....thanks for the fast delivery.
@henryshing2034 4 жыл бұрын
bought one from his ebay shop.. item in immaculate condition. not even a single dust. LIKE!
@thuyvu33 4 жыл бұрын
thanks for letting me sold me on getting one.
@mrdoctor175 2 жыл бұрын
Yesterday, I bought a Zenit 11 that was in very good condition, and it also came with the type 6 Helios-44m. I am very happy to see that this lens will produce great images years to come!
@Zejakov 7 ай бұрын
I just ordered the 44-2 kmz version from 1974 as 74 is the number on it. Cant wait to try it!
@akbunny5221 3 жыл бұрын
An excellent, informative review. Just brilliant. Thank you so much.....!!!
@patheticweasels778 3 жыл бұрын
I have the "type 7" 1984 and mine is excellent, no oil on the blades, it is solid and work perfectly. It all comes down to the condition of the lens. Cheers!
@rafid6419 2 жыл бұрын
Where did you buy it
@patheticweasels778 2 жыл бұрын
@@rafid6419 ebay many years ago... Came from an ex soviet country. Can't recal which one.
@endautrestermes 3 жыл бұрын
Bless you for sharing this amazing content and knowledge !
@RetroFotoHouse 3 жыл бұрын
My pleasure!
@maxanisimov 2 жыл бұрын
Always very useful and informative videos, thank you!!
@RetroFotoHouse 2 жыл бұрын
Glad you like them!
@darthjump Жыл бұрын
Great Video with a lot of hidden knowledge. Thank you!
@RetroFotoHouse Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@craigzievis2074 Жыл бұрын
Excellent video, thanks! I will visit your store.
@vintagevantics Жыл бұрын
Fantastic and really helpful video. I managed to pick up what I can now see is a type 3 Helios 44M from 1978 on ebay in absolute mint condition for £20. The focussing is stiff so I am going to follow your cleaning guide. Thanks again. Love your channel.
@RetroFotoHouse Жыл бұрын
Glad it helped!
@minimallymodest Жыл бұрын
I have the same type 3 lens from 1978, my father had purchased it during his trip to Russia.
@stevenmuncy491 4 жыл бұрын
Good information. Thanks.
@alexanderkeefe9114 3 жыл бұрын
Very informative. I picked up a type 3 yesterday. It's a nice and pleasant surprise to hear that it's one of the rarer ones. It's in perfect working order.
@RetroFotoHouse 3 жыл бұрын
Glad it helps!
@davidus18 4 жыл бұрын
I bought Type 7 today. I paid less than $20. It's a pity I haven't seen your video before that) Anyway, my example is without any signs of oil on aperture blades. Focus ring moves smoothly. Going to use it on Sony a6400. I hope it will perform well. Thank you for this great video.
@mateocroma Жыл бұрын
How did it perform on your Sony a6400? Were you able to get that bokeh?
@albinocavewoman 3 жыл бұрын
I have a type 7 44m. My husband found it for me and didn't know any better, but it's fine. I do need to take it apart and re-grease it, but the oil on the apertures does not seem to affect the image quality and I've shot some pretty nice portraits with it that printed out beautifully. And, as far as build quality goes, compared to some of the plastic garbage being shoved in our faces these days, it's really not bad. Maybe not as smooth as it could be, but better than quite a few lenses I've handled. I guess my point is that you don't need to be necessarily scared off by the 7. Especially if you get it for free or near free. Just sayin'.
@RetroFotoHouse 3 жыл бұрын
Exactly. Thanks for you input!
@iangordicans8763 3 жыл бұрын
A type 3 was recently advertized here locally at a very reasonable price and I have made initial contact with the seller. Looking at the images produced by the type 3 in your tests they looked comparable to the other models. I'm guessing that the down side with the type 3 is that it is a little bit older and no coating on the lens unless I missed something else, so I may go ahead with the purchase of this lens. Thank you for a first class highly informative video.
@RetroFotoHouse 3 жыл бұрын
helios 44-2 family has uncoated glass
@frk380 4 жыл бұрын
I have got KMZ Helios lens44m 1980. Zenith 15 camera very rare.
@JacoboCastroCristo 3 жыл бұрын
Really good video! How do the helios 44m compare with the 44m-4 , 44m-6, etc?
@RetroFotoHouse 3 жыл бұрын
helios 44m is best in my opinion. Higher quality build and 8 blades iris, m4 and m6 have 6 blades iris with hexagons as bokeh shape
@Momomotus17 3 жыл бұрын
Hello, thanks so much for your dedication on these types of lenses, you're the bible of helios lenses !😃 Is there any way to make the body controlled aperture switch on modern cameras like the Sony A7? Thanks in advance for your answer!
@RetroFotoHouse 3 жыл бұрын
Hi! No, this is not possible
@Momomotus17 3 жыл бұрын
@@RetroFotoHouse Thanks for your answer!
@Oholisfliesandfishing 3 жыл бұрын
I love this video. Though i have a question.... What are differences between these lenses and helios 44m-7 58mm? I have one and its produced in 90s.... It has a bit different markings on the front ring.... Personally i love mine... I even used it with extension tubes for macro.... Its pretty sharp. Thank you
@RetroFotoHouse 3 жыл бұрын
helios 44m-7 is better, it was the latest development in helios 44m line
@cjewe1z 3 жыл бұрын
@@RetroFotoHouse, is this the overall best version of all Helios 44 50mm?
@kingpossie 4 жыл бұрын
I got a KMZ Helios 44M from 1981 - love it. I pair it to an anamorphic adapter. Did you re-upload this video ? I thought I saw it
@RetroFotoHouse 4 жыл бұрын
No, this is new video. I have similar about helios 44-2
@mmixo 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the great work. It would be great to have a Mir 1/b/v buying Guide. I Just got a kmz 00 Mir 1 (should be good, right?) M39 that is VERY soft. Much softer than a regular 80's m42 Mir 1b i tested. It would be great to know your thoughts about the versions. Thanks
@RetroFotoHouse 3 жыл бұрын
Coming soon, please subscribe)
@Djk0t 3 жыл бұрын
Hi there and thank you for all the reviews you have made. What do you think of the 44m-4 compared the 44m
@RetroFotoHouse 3 жыл бұрын
In 2 words-44m is better
@Djk0t 3 жыл бұрын
@@RetroFotoHouse thank do you have a link where I could find the belomo type 8. ?
@RetroFotoHouse 3 жыл бұрын
@@Djk0t www.ebay.com/itm/203106957395
@Djk0t 3 жыл бұрын
@@RetroFotoHouse this does not ship to Europe.
@MD-wk3gj 2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. After watching your video a couple of times I searched on eBay and made a purchase. Someone had a KMZ (Type 2) logo design with what appears to be the wider focusing ring. It’s also coming with the camera and a case. One difference is the font on the front is like Type 3 with Latin lettering however the serial number is on the front of the lens like Type 2. Have you seen any like this? I’d be happy to send you photos once it arrives if it helps you with your research.
@RetroFotoHouse 2 жыл бұрын
Interesting. Please send me fotos, never seen this before. Would be much appreciated.
@sarundayo 2 жыл бұрын
Aww man! Got a Type 7 Helios! Now after watching your guide I feel bad for buying it :(
@bottomendbliss 2 жыл бұрын
helios 44m-7 is better, it was the latest development in helios 44m line
@RetroFotoHouse 2 жыл бұрын
it is not about helios 44m7, he is talking about type 7 helios 44-2
@RetroFotoHouse 2 жыл бұрын
well, you can always return it i think :)
@martinohesse 2 жыл бұрын
Hi! Thank for this guide! Between two equal condition lens, which one would you choose: 44-2 or 44m?
@RetroFotoHouse 2 жыл бұрын
me personally i like 44m more: better build quality and a bit sharper at wide open, with just a bit less swirl in bokeh
@skalarhaubitze 2 жыл бұрын
Your video was very helpful! Is there any way to identify the type by the serial number? My version shares the "made in USSR" marking of type 3 and was also made in 1976 but on the front there's the newer KMZ logo of type 6.
@minimallymodest Жыл бұрын
Your lens is a type 3. Notice the focus scale, yours will have 0.65 and 1.15 markings which the type 6 lacks, in addition to the missing "Made in USSR" lettering which your lens has.
@crazygeorgelincoln 3 жыл бұрын
I love the little details , seems I have a type 3 woo hoo! With serial number 095888 , any guess at what year it is? And how many there was? So happy to have a rare version of something made so many times.
@RetroFotoHouse 3 жыл бұрын
this is early serial, i think it is from 1976-77, but can't say exactly
@DavidFlowerOfficial 2 жыл бұрын
Awesome video. I absolutely love my Helios 44m. I assume mine is a version 6 and apologies if you addressed this in the video and I missed it, but is there a way to know the difference between v3 and V6? Mine is from 1978 KMZ plant.
@RetroFotoHouse 2 жыл бұрын
Please watch my video attentively. I describe all versions exhaustively
@greyishdun 2 жыл бұрын
@@RetroFotoHouse Unfortunately there is no differences described between them. I watched few times and still no clue.
@Alex-oe7bp Жыл бұрын
I have the same issue, type 3 and 6 seem to be the same, except for the early serial number of type 3?
@Alex-oe7bp Жыл бұрын
Nevermind - Check the KMZ logo! Later Version (v6) has different logo that allows identification
@minimallymodest Жыл бұрын
If the focus scale on your lens has the 0.65 and 1.15 markings, it's a type 3. The type 6 lacks these two readings.
@odukar2315 4 жыл бұрын
THx for sharing. I own a Helios build 1987, production plant as your type 7, however, without the manual and automatic switch. No oily blades and easy to turn. What's your opinion about this lens?
@RetroFotoHouse 4 жыл бұрын
You own a helios 44m-4 i think. This is further development of helios 44m lens
@alexandereremin8483 3 жыл бұрын
got type 3(1977) today for around $20, blades are dirty but aperture works smoothly, focusing ring is a bit stiff (need to re-grease for sure) + it has zero scratches, original case and caps. The only thing I'm not sure if its fine or not but rind with serial number is a bit loose.
@RetroFotoHouse 3 жыл бұрын
To know if it is fine, you should make a tests
@tonybaker55 3 жыл бұрын
Excellent video. Just want to ask you about a type 3 44M lens I have and the serial number. It is 083468, so is shorter than most and does not seem to correspond to a year. I thought it might have had a number omitted during manufacture. Have you any ideas about this lens?
@RetroFotoHouse 3 жыл бұрын
I do not think number was omitted, it is just early production
@tonybaker55 3 жыл бұрын
@@RetroFotoHouse Ok, many thanks.
@josipcrncevic3994 3 жыл бұрын
Hi, great content. If I may ask, which type would be KMZ Helios 44m 7714476 Made in USSR. What's your overall option on that one? I paid around 35 eur for it. Thanks in advance.
@RetroFotoHouse 3 жыл бұрын
i think you have type 3. That one is a good quality. Are you happy with it?
@Backyard_Motorsports Жыл бұрын
Mine looks like type 6 but it is not marked with Latin letters. Looks exactly the same as type 4 but without the "MC" mark.
@mikafors 2 жыл бұрын
Hi, really great review! May I ask a question? Someone offered a m42 44 Helios with 13 blades and a 00 Xxxxx serial number to me. Is it true that they were build for politicians and have a higher quality? Is it then worth a price close to 100€? Thank you
@RetroFotoHouse 2 жыл бұрын
No, it is not true. Yes, it worth 100 euro, but you need to check twice glass condition, as these lenses are very old and often they have lot of scratches on optics. If you get a nice copy without scratches, you'll be happy with it
@mikafors 2 жыл бұрын
@@RetroFotoHouse Thank you Expert 😀
@corgis6801 Жыл бұрын
I seem to have a mixture between a Type 2 and 3. It has the wide aperture ring and a 037228 serial number on the front but says HELIOS on the front and MADE IN USSR on the bottom. Maybe an early export model of the lens? It came with a Zenit EM from 1974.
@RetroFotoHouse 11 ай бұрын
please show me yours at retrofotohouse@gmail.com
@ZiegeT01 8 ай бұрын
I just found a Helios 44M on Marketplace for 15$, i only have to check it's conditions, wish me luck Any tip to be aware of?
@marcomartell8634 2 жыл бұрын
Excelent content, I have an Helios 44-2 from KMZ, the serial is 7507027, it is worthy? thanks
@RetroFotoHouse 2 жыл бұрын
yes, it is decent one
@ivanzivojinovic1606 3 жыл бұрын
Hello, you didnt mention if Cosmogon is MC or SC? There are rumors this version besides being rare is also a bit "improved"?
@RetroFotoHouse 3 жыл бұрын
As far as i see-it has singlecoated optics
@matea3026 3 жыл бұрын
for what type of photograhy is helios 44m-4 best to use and for what is 44m? what are the differences between these two?
@RetroFotoHouse 3 жыл бұрын
basically helios 44m-4 has higher optical resolution power, as it is newer model, however it has 6 blades iris, helios 44m has 8. Me personally i love 44m more, but this is matter of taste
@baggerrider8073 6 ай бұрын
In your opinion, which factory is best quality for 44M-4? Many thanks.
@RetroFotoHouse 6 ай бұрын
KMZ, but differecies in quality are not so obivious in helios 44m-4, contrary to helios 44-2 production
@videobanao2611 3 жыл бұрын
Buying an earlier version of Type 6 .... 14,000 serial
@MrCGangsta 2 жыл бұрын
I guess I have a type 3 but serial number is 069255 ????? does it mean its from 1980 ? It also has a wide focus ring
@RetroFotoHouse 2 жыл бұрын
no, it is made in the mid 1970thies, but what year excatly i can't say
@cjewe1z 3 жыл бұрын
How do you tell the difference between Type 3 and Type 6?
@RetroFotoHouse 3 жыл бұрын
Type 3 has a bigger KMZ sign on front ring
@cjewe1z 3 жыл бұрын
@@RetroFotoHouse, would you recommend the 44M over the 44M-4? Will you do a guide for the 44M-4 series?
@nwwy 3 жыл бұрын
Hi, could you help me identify this Helios 44M Lens? imgur.com/a/d9PZepN Its KMZ but it has the Serial Number on the Front of the Lens instead of the side. And it has Latin Letters. I think maybe its an earyly export version befor the shifted to printing the serial number on the side? Anybody knows this Lens? Its definetly an 44M, cause it has 8 Blades instead of 6.
@RetroFotoHouse 3 жыл бұрын
i beleive this is type 2
@sapienproductions Жыл бұрын
My version doesn't have the silver Auto button on the side?
@RetroFotoHouse 11 ай бұрын
if so, it is not helios 44m
@sapienproductions 11 ай бұрын
@@RetroFotoHouseInteresting, it is labeled 44m-4 is it either unusual or some form or fake?
@sapienproductions 11 ай бұрын
Valdai type 7 without the auto manual button.
@victorlima1503 8 ай бұрын
@@sapienproductionsThe Helios 44m-4 is just a different anda earlier version of the 44m It's not fake at all
@sapienproductions 8 ай бұрын
@@victorlima1503okay, mine is a 44m-4 from 1987 judging by the prefixed '87' on the serial number. I thought 1987 builds were the later not quite as good as the earliest build 44m?
@skyviewmediaHun 4 жыл бұрын
Hi! I bought a Zenit camera, has the Helios-44M-4, but it's different from theese versions. The year is 84' and it doesn't have a manul switch.Some other small differencies. It looks like this: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Helios-44M-4_2,0_-_58.jpg
@RetroFotoHouse 4 жыл бұрын
you have a different lens. I talk here about helios 44m, yours is different model.
@jonathanoldbuck3246 Жыл бұрын
You haven't posted in several months. I hope that you and your family are safe. Slava Ukrani!
@rinzintib Жыл бұрын
my helios 44m is not here
@RetroFotoHouse 11 ай бұрын
how is yours?
@mattlocdproductions 2 ай бұрын
I obtained a prototype version serial number 006835
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