The Ultimate Comparison: Helios 44M vs Helios 44-2

The Ultimate Comparison: Helios 44M vs Helios 44-2

The Helios 44M and Helios 44-2 are two legendary Soviet lenses with a shared heritage. Both lenses are part of the Helios 44 family of 58mm f/2 lenses and are highly regarded for their unique optical characteristics, particularly their signature swirly bokeh. While they share many similarities, there are important distinctions between the two that can influence a photographer’s decision when choosing which to add to their collection. This article compares the Helios 44M and Helios 44-2, highlighting their key differences and similarities.


1. Manufacturing and Design Evolution

Helios 44-2

The Helios 44-2 lens was introduced in the 1960s and quickly became one of the most iconic Soviet lenses produced by KMZ (Krasnogorsky Mechanical Plant). It was designed primarily for Zenit SLR cameras and featured a M42 screw mount, making it compatible with a wide range of cameras. The 44-2 is known for its metal body construction, offering a substantial feel that many vintage lens enthusiasts appreciate.

The lens also features a unique rotating aperture that gives the bokeh its distinctive swirling appearance when photographed at wide apertures (f/2 to f/5.6). The build quality is robust, although some lenses may show signs of wear due to their age.

Helios 44M

The Helios 44M was produced slightly later, in the 1970s. It was a part of the Helios 44M series, which came with a few modifications aimed at improving usability and adapting to the evolving technology of the time. One of the most notable differences is that the 44M features a Pentax K-mount, unlike the M42 screw mount of the 44-2. This makes the 44M a bit more convenient for use with modern cameras that support the K-mount, especially when paired with adapters.

The design of the Helios 44M is similar to the 44-2 but slightly more refined. The lens barrel has a more compact look and feel, while the aperture mechanism was slightly upgraded to provide smoother operation. The build quality remains similar to the 44-2 with a metal body and overall robust construction.


2. Optical Performance

Helios 44-2

The optical performance of the Helios 44-2 has made it a favorite among photographers who appreciate vintage lenses. It features a 6-element, 4-group design and offers the characteristic swirly bokeh that the Helios 44 series is known for. The lens is sharp at the center but exhibits softness and that signature swirling effect in the out-of-focus areas, which has made it particularly popular for portrait photography.

While the 44-2's optical performance is generally considered good for its time, some users note that it can exhibit chromatic aberration and soft corners, especially when used at wide apertures. However, these optical imperfections are often embraced by users for their vintage charm.

Helios 44M

The Helios 44M shares a similar optical design with the 44-2, also using a 6-element, 4-group construction. However, the 44M benefits from slight optical refinements over the years, which help to reduce certain imperfections like chromatic aberration and softness in the corners. The bokeh produced by the 44M remains just as characteristic, offering the famous swirling effect at wider apertures.

While both lenses provide similar image qualities, the 44M may provide a slightly more refined look due to improved coatings and optical adjustments. Still, the difference in optical performance between the two is not always immediately noticeable, particularly when used on modern digital cameras where post-processing can correct some of the imperfections.


3. Handling and Usability

Helios 44-2

The Helios 44-2 is a heavier lens, giving it a more vintage and sturdy feel. It has a metal build with tactile focus rings that can be a bit stiff, but this is part of the charm of using such a classic lens. The M42 screw mount requires an adapter if you want to use it on modern cameras, and the manual aperture control is more involved compared to modern lenses, requiring you to manually set the aperture.

While its handling might not be as smooth as newer lenses, it’s beloved by those who appreciate the analog experience and the tactile feedback it provides when shooting.

Helios 44M

The Helios 44M is slightly more modernized in terms of handling. Its K-mount compatibility allows it to easily attach to cameras with a K-mount or through adapters to other mounts, making it more versatile for digital photographers. The lens is slightly more compact compared to the 44-2, and the focus ring operates with less resistance, making it a bit smoother to use.

Although the aperture is still manually controlled, the 44M feels a bit more polished than the 44-2, and some users find it more comfortable to handle due to its more modern design.


4. Price and Availability

Both the Helios 44-2 and Helios 44M are generally affordable lenses, especially considering their optical characteristics. The 44-2, being older and produced in larger quantities, is often a bit more accessible and cheaper. The Helios 44M, being part of a slightly later production run, may sometimes fetch a slightly higher price due to its more refined design and compatibility with K-mount cameras.

However, both lenses are widely available on secondhand markets, with many of them being refurbished or restored, ensuring that both lenses can be found in good working condition.


Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the choice between the Helios 44M and the Helios 44-2 comes down to a few key factors:

  • If you’re a vintage enthusiast who enjoys the classic feel of older Soviet lenses and doesn’t mind using adapters, the Helios 44-2 is a great option. It has the same optical charm, swirly bokeh, and solid build quality that made it a classic in the first place.

  • If you prefer a slightly more modern design, with better lens mount compatibility (especially with K-mount cameras), the Helios 44M may be a better fit. The handling is smoother, and while the optical performance is quite similar, it might be easier to use in the digital age.

Both lenses are capable of producing beautiful images with that unique Helios character, so you can't go wrong with either option. The choice is ultimately about handling preferences and the type of mount compatibility you need for your gear.

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