Helios-44M 58mm f/2

Helios-44M 58mm f/2 - Good Condition | Legendary Soviet Standard Prime with Iconic Swirly Bokeh in M42 Mount

The Helios-44M 58mm f/2 is one of the most celebrated and sought-after 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 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 M 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, making it as practically versatile as it is creatively compelling. Serial number 8081299.

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
• M-designation — improved multi-layer coating for better contrast and colour accuracy
• M42 screw mount — compatible with a vast range of film and digital bodies via adapter
• Manual focus operation with smooth, well-damped focus ring
• Solid all-metal Soviet construction built to last

Condition Report

• Body: 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; M42 mount clean and secure

"The Helios-44M is one of those lenses that photographers seek out specifically for what it does differently. The improved coating over the original 44 gives it a contrast and colour accuracy advantage, while retaining all of that legendary swirly bokeh character. Wide open at f/2 the rendering is unmistakably its own — organic, dreamlike, and impossible to recreate digitally. On a modern mirrorless body via adapter it's an absolute joy to shoot with."

What's Included

• Helios-44M 58mm f/2 lens (M42 mount)
• Front and rear lens caps

Technical Specifications

• Brand: KMZ
• Model: Helios-44M 58mm f/2
• Serial Number: 8081299
• 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
• Type: Prime Lens
• Category: Lenses
• Condition: Good Condition