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Helios-44M 58mm f2.0
The Helios-44M 58mm f2.0 is a standard lens
produced in the former Soviet Union by KMZ
(Krasnagorsk) from 1958 until 1999. It was sold
together with the Zenit 35mm camera and is
considered to be one of the most mass produced
lenses in the world. This exotic lens is based on
the Zeiss Biotar 58mm f2.0. It is a fast 6-element
anastigmat and was available in both single-
coated and multi-coated versions. The image
quality from this lens was quite remarkable with
a warmth to the renderings accompanied by a
signature soft bokeh that was quick to flare.Sources for sales (used):
- eBay.com
- KEH Camera Brokers (Atlanta, GA.)
https://www.keh.com/ - Pacific Rim Camera (Portland, ORE.)
https://www.pacificrimcamera.com/ - Roberts Camera (Indianapolis, IND.)
https://robertscamera.com/
Rediscover the magic
Given our fixation with resolution and other as-
pects of digital imaging, I often wonder if we are
exhausting ourselves with the pursuit of unsustain-
able perfection? In our effort to sanitize our photog-
raphy of all flaws, have we robbed ourselves of the
subtle, charming imperfections we associated with
our traditional analog images? Once upon a time,
grain (now supplanted by “electronic noise”), flares,
Newton rings, aberrations and softness were the
very things that lent character to our renderings.
Now, with each passing year and each new de-
sign, manufacturers are breeding out that visceral
thing that bewitched our creative psyche in the
first place. And, evermore we seek to replace what
was lost through digital filters and software. Might
we instead consider delving into the world of
vintage lenses to restore that unique quality to the
images we produce?Maple bacon taffy! Minolta Rokkor 58mm f1.4 ML. Wide open at ISO400. Nice background compression!
Washington Street fountain, Thornton Park, FL. Helios 44-M 58mm f2.0
wide open at ISO 800.Lulu, my cat! Helios 58mm f2.0 @ f2.8, ISO 400. The sharpness of this
lens was a big surprise!Rocket Fizz soda selection. Minolta Rokkor-X 45mm f2.0 wide open at
ISO 200. It’s razor sharp!Michael Walsh is a retired Gaffer who has
enjoyed 26 years working on movie sets all over
the United States.You can comment on this article by going online:
http://www.videomaker.com/?p=72002625384 F02 Vintage Lenses.indd 36 3/19/19 2:19 PMThe green screen makes it all possible. And with a few simple materials and a little
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