Helios-44-2 58mm f/2

Helios-44-2 58mm f/2 - Good Condition | The Legendary Swirly Bokeh Master

The Helios-44-2 58mm f/2 is perhaps the most famous vintage lens in the world, renowned for its unique "swirly" bokeh and dreamy, cinematic rendering. Based on the legendary Zeiss Biotar optical formula, this Soviet-made gem produces a distinct aesthetic that modern, clinically perfect lenses cannot replicate. At wide apertures, the background appears to rotate around the center of the frame, making it a favorite for portrait photographers and videographers seeking a creative, vintage look. With its robust all-metal construction and smooth manual focus, the Helios-44-2 is not just a lens, but a creative tool that adds a soulful, artistic character to every image.

Key Features

• Legendary Biotar-based optical design for unique "swirly" background bokeh

• Versatile 58mm focal length, ideal for portraits and artistic street photography

• Bright f/2 maximum aperture for excellent subject separation and low-light use

• Robust all-metal build quality typical of Soviet engineering

• Preset aperture ring allowing for smooth transitions during video recording

• M42 universal screw mount, easily adaptable to almost any modern digital camera

Condition Report

• Body: Good condition. Shows typical signs of age and use on the metal barrel, adding to its authentic vintage charm.

• Sensor/Optics: Optics are in good used condition; glass is clear. As is common with these vintage lenses, some minor internal dust may be present, which does not affect image quality.

• Mechanics/Electronics: Fully operational. The manual focus ring turns smoothly and the preset aperture mechanism functions correctly.

Specialist Note "The Helios-44-2 is a rite of passage for every vintage lens enthusiast. It’s the lens that proves 'imperfections' are actually what make an image beautiful. This particular copy features the classic M42 mount, making it incredibly easy to use on a modern Sony, Fujifilm, or Canon mirrorless system with a simple adapter. When you hit that sweet spot of lighting and distance, the circular bokeh it produces is absolutely magical—it’s like painting with light."

What's Included

• Helios-44-2 58mm f/2 Lens (S/N: 7327549)
  

Technical Specifications

• Lens Mount: M42 Screw Mount

• Optical Construction: 6 elements in 4 groups

• Filter Diameter: 49mm

• Aperture Range: f/2 to f/16

• Category: Lenses > Prime Lenses