Helios-44-2 58mm f/2 M42 Lens – Swirly Bokeh – Biotar Clone – Vintage USSR

Description:

Iconic Helios-44-2 58mm f/2 manual focus lens with M42 screw mount, renowned for its swirly bokeh and vintage rendering. Based on the Carl Zeiss Biotar 58mm f/2 optical formula, this lens features a 6-element double-Gauss design, long focus throw, and solid metal construction. Focus is smooth, aperture blades are snappy, and optics are clean (just some minor surface marks). Overall condition is Good

Ideal for portraiture, artistic photography, and vintage lens enthusiasts, the Helios-44-2 delivers dreamy backgrounds, strong center sharpness, and a unique character that modern lenses can’t replicate.

Condition: Good - has very minor fungus dots

Key Features:

• Focal Length: 58mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/2
• Mount: M42 screw thread (adaptable to digital systems)
• Optical Design: 6 elements in 4 groups (Biotar-type)
• Aperture Blades: 8 (some variants have 13)
• Minimum Focus Distance: ~0.5m
• Filter Thread: 49mm
• Focus Throw: ~300° for precise manual focusing
• Build: All-metal barrel, made in USSR (KMZ, MMZ, or BelOMO)

Included:

• Helios-44-2 58mm f/2 lens
• Front and rear caps 
• M42 adapter

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Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 lens, swirly bokeh lens, Biotar clone, vintage USSR lens, M42 screw mount lens, portrait lens for mirrorless, Helios lens for Sony Canon Fuji

Collector Notes:

The Helios-44-2 is a cult favorite among vintage lens users, prized for its signature swirling bokeh when shot wide open. Its long focus throw and smooth mechanics make it a joy to use for manual focus photography. Easily adaptable to modern mirrorless systems, it’s a must-have for photographers seeking character-rich glass.

Variants differ slightly depending on factory and year—KMZ versions are typically considered the most desirable. Whether you're shooting film or digital, this lens adds a timeless aesthetic to your images.