{"product_id":"start-tlr","title":"Start Helios-44 58mm f\/2","description":"\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003eStart Helios-44 58mm f\/2 - Good Condition | Rare Soviet Engineering\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eRare Soviet \"Pro\" SLR with Legendary Swirly Bokeh\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eThe \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2\" data-index-in-node=\"4\"\u003eStart\u003c\/b\u003e is a fascinating piece of photographic history—a bold attempt by KMZ to create a professional-grade Soviet SLR that could rival the legendary Exakta. Produced between 1958 and 1964, it features a unique breech-lock bayonet mount and a sophisticated design that sets it apart from the more common Zenit series. This particular set includes the original \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2\" data-index-in-node=\"362\"\u003echrome Helios-44 58mm f\/2\u003c\/b\u003e, the lens that birthed the \"swirly bokeh\" legend. With its 13-blade aperture and specialized \"jumping\" diaphragm mechanism, this combination is a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts of Soviet mechanical ingenuity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eUnique Breech-Lock Mount:\u003c\/b\u003e A proprietary bayonet system designed specifically for the Start’s professional ambitions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLegendary Helios-44 Optics:\u003c\/b\u003e The early chrome version, featuring a 13-blade aperture for perfectly circular highlights and the famous Biotar-inspired swirly background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eProfessional Shutter Speeds:\u003c\/b\u003e A wide range from 1 second up to 1\/1000s, far outperforming standard Soviet SLRs of the era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eInterchangeable Viewfinder:\u003c\/b\u003e Features a removable pentaprism, allowing for future use with a waist-level finder (not included).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eIntegrated Film Cutter:\u003c\/b\u003e A specialized tool inside the body to cut the film mid-roll for cassette-to-cassette development—a true pro feature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eBody:\u003c\/b\u003e Good condition. Shows some age-appropriate patina and minor wear on the chrome accents, consistent with a camera of this age. The leatherette is intact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSensor\/Optics:\u003c\/b\u003e The 58mm lens is in good condition. The glass is clear with no fungus or deep scratches. Some light internal dust and faint cleaning marks may be present, typical for vintage Soviet glass, but they do not impact image quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMechanics\/Electronics:\u003c\/b\u003e Fully operational. Shutter speeds fire across the range. The film advance lever and unique external shutter release button on the lens function as intended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eShutter Count:\u003c\/b\u003e Not applicable (Mechanical film camera).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\n\u003cblockquote data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"10,0\"\u003eSpecialist Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,1\"\u003e\"The Start is often called the 'Soviet Exakta' for good reason. Its mechanical complexity and the quality of the early chrome Helios lens make it a standout. Finding one where the external aperture linkage still works smoothly is a treat for anyone who appreciates the tactile nature of 1950s engineering.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"13\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"13,0,0\"\u003eStart 35mm SLR Camera Body\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"13,1,0\"\u003eHelios-44 58mm f\/2 Lens (Chrome, Start Mount)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Hard to Find Camera Store","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52615558103380,"sku":"A91W3966IP","price":179.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0780\/2493\/3716\/files\/IMG_3611_f3915f09-e71f-4adb-a647-000e7fd68fc4.jpg?v=1758111331","url":"https:\/\/www.htf-store.com\/zh\/products\/start-tlr","provider":"Hard to Find Camera Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}