Helios 44M-5 58mm f/2

Helios 44M-5 58mm f/2 - Good Condition | Legendary Soviet Prime with Iconic Swirly Bokeh — Zenit 122 Body Included as Bonus

The Helios 44M-5 58mm f/2 is one of the most sought-after and celebrated vintage lenses in the world — a legendary Soviet standard prime whose unique aperture produces the famous swirly, dreamlike bokeh that has captivated photographers and filmmakers worldwide. Based on the optical formula of the pre-war Carl Zeiss Biotar, the Helios 44M-5 delivers a rendering quality that is completely its own — sharp in the centre wide open, with a characteristic vortex bokeh in the out-of-focus areas that modern glass simply cannot replicate. The M5 designation indicates a refined version of the classic Helios-44 formula with improved multi-layer coating for better contrast and colour accuracy. In M42 mount, it adapts effortlessly to virtually any modern mirrorless or film body. A Zenit 122 camera body is included as a bonus — ready to shoot on film straight out of the box. Note that the light meter on the Zenit 122 is not functioning. Serial numbers: Lens SR 95112840 / Body SR 94263985.

Key Features

• 58mm focal length — classic standard perspective for portraits, street, and everyday shooting
• Fast f/2 maximum aperture for excellent low-light performance and iconic swirly bokeh
• Legendary aperture design — produces unique vortex bokeh unlike any modern lens
• Based on the Carl Zeiss Biotar optical formula — a genuine piece of optical history
• M52x0.75 / M42 mount — compatible with a vast range of film and digital bodies via adapter
• Improved multi-layer coating for better contrast and colour accuracy
• Manual focus operation with smooth, well-damped focus ring
• Solid all-metal Soviet construction built to last
• Zenit 122 camera body included as bonus

Condition Report

• Body (Lens): Good condition — light marks consistent with age and use, no cracks or damage to barrel or mount
• Optics: Elements clean and clear — no fungus, haze, or significant dust; coatings intact
• Mechanics: Focus ring operates smoothly; aperture blades clean and snappy; mount clean and secure
• Bonus Body: Good condition cosmetically — note: light meter not functioning; shutter and film transport operating as expected

"The Helios 44M-5 is one of those lenses that photographers seek out specifically for what it does differently. That swirly bokeh is completely unique — organic, dreamlike, and impossible to recreate digitally. Wide open at f/2 the rendering is unmistakably its own, and stopped down it becomes genuinely sharp across the frame. On a modern mirrorless body via adapter it's an absolute joy to shoot with — and the included Zenit 122 makes it ready for film from day one."

What's Included

• Helios 44M-5 58mm f/2 lens (M42 mount)
• Zenit 122 camera body (bonus — light meter not functioning)

Technical Specifications

• Brand: KMZ
• Model: Helios 44M-5 58mm f/2
• Serial Number (Lens): SR 95112840
• Serial Number (Body): SR 94263985
• Mount: M42
• Focal Length: 58mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/2
• Minimum Aperture: f/16
• Lens Construction: 6 elements in 4 groups
• Angle of View: 40°
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.55m
• Filter Thread: 52mm
• Construction: All-metal barrel
• Note (Bonus Body): Light meter not functioning
• Type: Prime Lens
• Category: Lenses
• Condition: Good Condition