Helios-44 58mm f/2 M39 Lens – Swirly Bokeh – Biotar Clone – Vintage USSR

Description
The Helios-44 58mm f/2 is a Soviet-made manual-focus lens in M39 SLR mount, produced from the late 1950s onward. Based on the Carl Zeiss Biotar 58mm f/2, it’s renowned for its distinctive rendering, especially the swirly bokeh effect when shot wide open. This version is designed for early Zenit SLRs using the M39 screw mount (not to be confused with Leica thread mount for rangefinders). With its solid metal construction and unique optical character, it’s a favourite among vintage lens enthusiasts and digital adapters.

Condition

• Optics: Clean – no haze, fungus or scratches
• Body: Light cosmetic wear consistent with age
• Aperture blades: Snappy and oil-free (8 blades)
• Focus ring: Smooth and well-damped
• Mount: M39 SLR thread – clean and secure
• Overall Condition: Very Good

Included

• Helios-44 58mm f/2 lens (M39 SLR mount)
• Front and rear lens caps

Collector’s Notes
This lens delivers the classic Biotar-style swirl when shot wide open, especially with strong background separation. The M39 SLR mount version was used on early Zenit cameras and is not compatible with Leica rangefinder bodies due to flange distance. Easily adaptable to digital mirrorless systems with the correct M39 SLR adapter. Sample variation is common—this copy has been tested and performs well.

Key Features

• Focal length: 58mm
• Aperture range: f/2 to f/16
• Mount: M39 SLR screw thread (not LTM)
• Optical formula: 6 elements in 4 groups
• Minimum focus distance: ~0.5m
• Filter thread: 49mm
• Manual focus
• Made in USSR

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