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

Description:

Vintage Helios-44M 58mm f/2 manual focus lens with M42 screw mount, based on the legendary Carl Zeiss Biotar 58mm f/2 optical formula. Known for its swirly bokeh, strong centre sharpness, and rich rendering, this lens is a favourite among portrait photographers and vintage lens enthusiasts.

The 44M variant features a 6-element/4-group double-Gauss design, automatic diaphragm, and Auto/Manual aperture switch for compatibility across M42 bodies. Focus is smooth, aperture blades are snappy, and the lens mounts securely. Multicoated versions (MC) offer improved flare resistance and color fidelity.

Some dust and minor fungus strands

Overall Condition: Good

Key Features:

• Focal Length: 58mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/2
• Mount: M42 screw thread (adaptable to most digital systems)
• Optical Design: Biotar-type, 6 elements in 4 groups
• Aperture Blades: 8 (some variants have 6 or 13)
• Minimum Focus Distance: ~0.5m
• Filter Thread: 52mm
• Focus Throw: ~300° for precise manual focusing
• Build: All-metal barrel, made in USSR (KMZ or Valdai)

Included:

• Helios-44M 58mm f/2 lens
• Front and rear caps 
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Helios 44M 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:

Introduced in the mid-1970s, the Helios-44M was a kit lens for Zenit cameras and remains one of the most iconic Soviet lenses ever produced. Its swirly bokeh effect—especially when shot wide open—is prized for artistic portraiture and video work. The lens performs best at f/8–f/11 for sharpness across the frame, but its real magic lies in its character wide open.

Variants include 44M-4, 44M-6, and 44M-7, each with slight improvements in coating and mechanics. KMZ versions are generally preferred for build quality. This lens adapts easily to mirrorless systems and adds a unique vintage aesthetic to modern digital workflows.