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:
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.
F 2. ISO 100.
F 8.
F 16.
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.