Helios 44-2

Introduction

The Helios 44-2 is one of the most iconic vintage lenses produced by the Soviet Union from the 1980s onwards. Also known as the "Soviet Swirly Bokeh lens", the Helios 44-2 has developed a cult following among portrait photographers for its unique rendering and dreamy out-of-focus areas.

First produced in 1958, the optical formula behind the Helios 44-2 is based on the Carl Zeiss Biotar 58mm f/2 lens. Featuring 6 elements in 4 groups, the relatively simple double Gauss design was mass-produced for decades in various Soviet factories. During the peak popularity of the Helios 44-2, hundreds of thousands were manufactured to meet demand across the Eastern Bloc.

While many variations exist, the specific version referenced here was produced in 1989 at the Valdai optical plant. It provides a 58mm focal length on 35mm film SLR cameras, or an equivalent field of view of 87mm on modern digital cameras.

Let's continue exploring the history, strengths, weaknesses and enduring popularity of this vintage Soviet lens.

Manufacturing

The Helios 44-2 was manufactured in the Soviet Union (USSR) starting in the 1970s. There were two main plants that produced the lens:

- **Valdai Plant** - Located in the town of Valdai, this plant produced the majority of Helios 44-2 lenses. However, it did not have the best reputation for quality control during Soviet times.

- **KMZ Plant** - Located in Krasnogorsk (near Moscow), the KMZ plant was considered the highest quality plant in the USSR. Many photographers believe KMZ versions of the Helios 44-2 are superior in quality.

My particular copy of the Helios 44-2 dates from 1989 and was made at the Valdai plant. While Valdai doesn't have the best reputation, I have been quite happy with the quality of my lens. However, since I haven't tried a KMZ version, I can't directly compare which plant produces better samples.

Build Quality

The Helios 44-2 is impressively well-made for a vintage lens, with an all metal and glass construction in a compact size. Despite being over 30 years old, the solid build has allowed many copies to survive in excellent condition.

The lens is small, with dimensions of only 49 x 55 mm and a weight of 230g. The lens barrel and aperture/focus rings are made of finely machined aluminum alloy, giving a dense, premium feel. All markings are engraved rather than printed. The glass elements are multi-coated for improved light transmission.

Everything fits together precisely with a smooth focus ring and distinct click stops for the aperture. For a lens of its age, it's impressive how refined the Helios 44-2 feels to use. The tight tolerances and durability stand out compared to most lenses from the same era.

The Helios 44-2's sturdy all-metal build gives confidence it will continue to work smoothly for many more decades. It's a testament to the manufacturing standards that such a small lens still holds up after so long. For those wanting a tactile, vintage lens experience, the Helios delivers a feeling of solidity that alt lens can match.

Optical Design

The Helios 44-2 is based on the optical design of the Zeiss Biotar 58mm f/2 lens. Zeiss engineers developed the Biotar in the 1930s, aiming to achieve a smooth bokeh effect with the Petzval lens formula. The Biotar design uses an air-spaced triplet to control spherical aberration, along with strong field curvature to create the swirly out-of-focus highlights that it became known for.

The Soviets essentially copied and modified the Biotar optical formula for the Helios 44-2. It maintains the basic 58mm f/2 aperture design, with 6 elements in 4 groups. While not an exact copy, the Soviet lens replicates the unique Biotar optics and aesthetic. The Helios 44-2 exhibits heavily curved field lines, allowing a dream-like swirly bokeh effect, especially when shot at f/2.

Image Quality

The Helios 44-2 lens produces images with a unique quality. It is most famous for its swirly, soap bubble bokeh when shot wide open at f/2. The way the lens renders out-of-focus highlights results in a pleasing, dreamy look.

In terms of sharpness, the Helios 44-2 is sharp in the center when stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6. However, the edges remain a bit soft even when stopped down, giving photos a vintage glow. Contrast is lower than modern lenses, but many photographers enjoy the smooth, gently low contrast rendering.

When shot wide open at f/2, sharpness suffers, but the artistic possibilities open up. The center can still remain reasonably sharp if focused correctly, but the edges swirl away into oblivion. The low contrast further accentuates the dreamy, ethereal look possible with this lens. Overall the image quality has a classic vintage appeal.

Sample Images

The Helios 44-2 is renowned for its dreamy swirly bokeh, which is a highlight of the lens's character. When shot wide open at f/2, the Helios 44-2 renders out-of-focus highlights in the background as swirling circles of light. This gives images a magical, fairytale look.

The swirly bokeh is most noticeable when photographing backlit subjects, like this example

The Helios 44-2's swirly bokeh is an iconic part of its rendering. When used creatively, it gives images a distinctive, magical atmosphere.

Using the Lens Today

The Helios 44-2 lens was produced decades ago and discontinued long ago, yet it still has an enthusiastic following among photographers today. Here are some thoughts on using this vintage lens in the modern day:

Test Images Using the lens on a Fujifilm GFX Camera 

Helios 44-2 at f2

Helios 44-2 at f2.8

Helios 44-2 at f5.6

Helios 44-2 at f8

Helios 44-2 at f8 100% crop

Conclusion

The Helios 44-2 has earned its reputation as a classic vintage lens, beloved for its unique swirly bokeh when shot wide open. Though optical performance may not reach modern standards, there is an undeniable charm to the images it produces in capable hands. Build quality can vary depending on manufacturing origin, but most copies still feel sturdy despite their age.

While not perfectly sharp or distortion-free, the Helios 44-2 renders scenes with a dreamy, emotional quality. The swirly out-of-focus highlights let you add some creative flair to portraits, still life, or any shot with prominent background elements. It's a pleasure to use for photographers who enjoy vintage equipment.

Of course, the Helios 44-2 does come with some drawbacks. It can struggle with flaring in challenging lighting conditions. The manual focus and aperture takes some adjustment if you're accustomed to modern autofocus lenses. And copies in good condition are getting harder to find and more expensive.

Overall, the Helios 44-2 remains an iconic choice that every lens enthusiast should try at least once. There's something special about shooting with this piece of history. While it may not replace your go-to modern lens, the Helios 44-2 is sure to unlock your creative spirit when the mood strikes.