Helios 44-2 58mm f/2

Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 - Good Condition | Legendary Soviet Standard Prime with Iconic Swirly Bokeh in M39 Mount — Rare Zebra Edition

The Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 in the rare and sought-after Zebra finish is one of the most celebrated and collectible variants of the legendary Soviet standard prime — a lens whose unique aperture design produces the famous swirly, dreamlike bokeh that has captivated photographers and filmmakers worldwide. The distinctive black and silver Zebra striped barrel marks this as an early production example from the most collectible era of Helios manufacturing. Based on the optical formula of the pre-war Carl Zeiss Biotar, the Helios 44-2 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. In M39 mount, it adapts to a wide range of modern mirrorless and film bodies via M39-M42 or M39 adapter. Serial number SR 9008877.

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
• Rare Zebra finish — distinctive black and silver striped barrel from the most collectible era
• 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
• M39 screw mount — compatible with a wide 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; Zebra finish in good order with characteristic patina; 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 and precisely; aperture blades clean and snappy; mount clean and secure

"The Helios 44-2 Zebra is one of those lenses that collectors and photographers seek out with genuine enthusiasm — the rare Zebra finish marks it as an early and particularly desirable example of the legendary Helios lineage. The swirly bokeh is completely unique — organic, dreamlike, and impossible to recreate digitally — and the M39 mount adds further collectible appeal. A genuinely exceptional and characterful find."

What's Included

• Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 Zebra lens (M39 mount)

Technical Specifications

• Brand: KMZ (Zenit)
• Model: Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 Zebra
• Serial Number: SR 9008877
• Mount: M39
• 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 — Zebra finish
• Type: Prime Lens
• Category: Lenses
• Condition: Good Condition