HELIOS 44m portrait M42 58mm F2 zenit SLR lens

The Helios 44M 58mm F2 is a legendary, Soviet-era manual focus lens. Originally paired as a kit lens with Zenit SLRs, its M42 screw-mount allows it to be easily adapted to almost all modern digital and mirrorless cameras. Photographers love it for its distinct "swirly bokeh" and colour rendition.

Key Lens Characteristics

1. Optical Design: The lens is a World War II-era copy of the Carl Zeiss Biotar 58mm F2. It boasts a 6-element, 4-group construction.
2. Focal Length: 58mm sits at a slightly tighter view than a standard 50mm, making it fantastic for compressing portraits without backing too far away from the subject.
3. Aperture: Ranges from F2 to F16, with a maximum F2 aperture that allows for great subject isolation and low-light shooting.
4. Build Quality: Built entirely out of metal and glass, it is notoriously durable.
5. The 44M Sub-Variants: Unlike the older Helios 44-2 which uses a preset/clickless aperture, the 44M usually adds a mechanical auto-diaphragm pin (which can be toggled via an A/M switch) and in later MC versions (e.g., 44M-4, 44M-7) it offers improved multi-coating for better contrast.

This lens is in great condition, with no fungus or scratches on the glass. It ships as-is, without front or bottom lens cap.