HELIOS-44-3 2/58mm

Focal length: 58mm
Mount: M42
Aperture: F 2.0 - F 16
Min focus distance: 0.50m
Length (from flange): 47/55mm
[+ 27mm for the adapter], rear element protrudes 8mm
Diameter: 62mm
Weight: 247gr.

Some pictures:


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A7 and the lens.

Sample pictures: You may click on the sample image (except closest focus) for full resolution. The full resolution image opens in a new window, so you can keep it open for comparison. Focus is on the satellite dish to the right of the big solar panel near the center of the photo.

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F 2. ISO 100.

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F 8.

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F 16.

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Closest focus  is 39cm from the outermost edge of the lens, F 8. Focus on the program wheel of the camera.

This lens was sold with Zenit SLR cameras. The prices for the 44-3 versions are higher, they are said to have a nicer bokeh than the other 44-X versions. In any case, it's a very decent lens, it has a good resolution (40/21 lpmm). This one is an 8-blade BelOMO (MMZ) version from the 1993, but without automatic aperture. Obviously MMZ kept the design from the time when they began to take over a part of the production from KMZ in the mid-60s. So the lens doesn't close the aperture automatically, it stays open for focus. When you set a smaller stop, you have to turn a ring to close it to the value you preset separately. In principle you buy a multi-coated version of the oldest 44. Wide open it's a bit soft towards edges. Stopped down just a little bit, it gets immediately sharp. The lens has good close focussing capablities. It is relatively big and heavy. A nice lens which offers one usable stop more than a standard lens.

For the "Bokeh" of the different Helios 44 lenses I have made a separate page.

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