M42 fit Helios 58mm f/2 44M
Condition & contents
| Grading | Lens optics are clear. Cosmetically excellent. |
|---|---|
| Testing | Fully tested |
| Warranty | 6 month warranty |
| Includes | Lens |
At a glance: Pentacon / Helios 58mm f/2 44M - cult Soviet M42 prime with 'swirly bokeh'.
About this lens
The Pentacon M42 Helios 58mm f/2 44M is the legendary Soviet 58mm prime - famous for its 'swirly bokeh' at wide aperture, characterful rendering, and affordable price. M42 screw-mount means it adapts to nearly any modern mirrorless camera. A cult lens in the adapted-mirrorless community.
Build & handling
| Autofocus | Manual focus only |
|---|---|
| Minimum focus distance | 0.50m |
| Filter thread | 49mm |
| Weight | 230g |
| Construction | All-metal, multi-coated (MC variant) |
Works with
- M42 screw-mount film bodies (Praktica, Zenit, Pentax Takumar, and many others)
- Modern mirrorless via M42-to-[system] adapter (manual focus only)
Best for
A cult classic - the Helios-44 (and 44M variant) delivers distinctive 'swirly bokeh' at wide apertures that photographers specifically seek out for portrait and artistic work. Soviet-era manufacture means build quality varies, but optical character is the appeal. M42 mount means it adapts to any mirrorless system (Fuji X, Sony E, MFT, Canon R, Nikon Z, Leica SL) with a simple M42 adapter.
Frequently asked questions
What's 'swirly bokeh'?
At f/2 wide open, the Helios-44's out-of-focus backgrounds show a characteristic spiral/swirling pattern. This is an artifact of the optical design (undercorrected spherical aberration at the edges of the frame). Highly prized for portrait work where the distinctive rendering adds visual interest.
Specifications
| Focal Length | 58mm |
|---|---|
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Max Aperture | f/2.0 |
| Lens Mount | M42 Mount |
| Condition | Used |
| Brand | Pentacon |