Zenit Helios 44M6 MC, 58mm F2.
The Helios 44M6 58mm F2 MC, is a fast standard lens with a fixed focal length for 35mm cameras with ” M42 ” screw mount (the one I own, below showed). Also produced with ” K ” mount dedicated to Pentax cameras.
The lens has a multicoating (MC) treatment. Helios lenses were based on Biotar 2/58 lens project, by Carl Zeiss Jena. It was being manufactured at “Jupiter” Zenit factory in Valdaj (USSR).
There have been many variants of the Helios-44 produced since its inception. This lens is described by many photographers as an interesting lens for the bokeh it produces under certain conditions.
First year of production: 1958 / Last year of production: 1999.
Specs: Focal 56mm | Aperture F2 to F16 | Blades 6 | Min. Focus 0,5mt | Filter 52mm | Weight 270gr | Length 42mm
Personal Evaluation: Mechanical Quality 4,5 | Optical Quality 4,5 | Usability 4,5 | Price 4,75 | Bokeh: 4,25
*** The evaluations refer to the specimen in my hands, and also to the use of the relative adapter ***
Photos taken with lens. Manual focus. M42/NEX adapter mounted on camera
Lens bought on December 06, 2022 – Completely random and unexpected purchase. Lens found at a Christmas market stall. In good condition. After a thorough cleaning of the lens, I took some initial shots. Not yet really tested, but verified it’s functional and in good order. Just some shots to test a little bit the lens. In my opinion, it’s a first good starting point. Follow-up to see more… *** APRIL & AUGUST 2023 – The lens is of excellent quality, both mechanically and optically. I consider myself fortunate in this specific circumstance. I haven’t had many opportunities to take photos, but as you can see below, this lens is fully functional and usable. I haven’t yet been able to achieve the desired bokeh for which this lens is well-known, but that’s mainly due to my lack of time and therefore limited usage.
Dew on the grass, in a late autumn afternoon.
Dew on the green grass, late autumn afternoon. Transparent dew drops on the blades of grass.
Sony Alpha 6400 – Zenith “Helios 44M-6” 58mm – F11 – 1/400 – ISO 500 – AWB auto.
Sunny – Date: December 17, 2023
Location: Trezzo sull’Adda (Mi) – Italy
Pizzo Arera, 2512mt. asl.
It’s a mountain of the Bergamasque Prealps of northern Italy. Its peak is 2.512 mt. asl. From quote about 1900 mt. asl.
Sony Alpha 6400 – Zenith “Helios 44M-6” 58mm – F11 – 1/640 – ISO 100 – AWB auto.
Sky clouds and sun – Date: August 15, 2023
Location: Pizzo Arera (Bg) – Italy
Cornus mas, L.
Cornelian cherry, is a species of shrub or small tree in the dogwood family Cornaceae native to Western Europe.
Sony Alpha 6400 – Zenith “Helios 44M-6” 58mm – F5.6 – 1/125 – ISO 100 – AWB auto.
Sunny – Date: March 18, 2023
Location: Trezzo sull’Adda (Mi) – Italy
Primula vulgaris, Huds
Primrose, is a species of flowering plant, in the family of Primulaceae. Native to western and southern Europe.
Sony Alpha 6400 – Zenith “Helios 44M-6” 58mm – F8 – 1/40 – ISO 100 – Using a mini tripod – AWB auto.
Sunny – Date: February 19, 2023
Location: Trezzo sull’Adda (Mi) – Italy
Grigna mountain massif, landscape
The Grigna is a mountain massif in the province of Lecco, Lombardy, northern Italy, with an elevation of 2,410 metres. It is part of the Bergamo Alps.
Sony Alpha 6400 – Zenith “Helios 44M-6” 58mm – F13 – 1/400 – ISO 100 – AWB auto.
Sunny – Date: January 14, 2023
Location: Pian dei Resinelli (Lc) – Italy
Leucospermum cordifolium, Fourc
Ornamental pincushion, is an upright, evergreen shrub of up to 1,5mt. high, from the Proteaceae. The flower heads are globe-shape with a flattened top.
Sony Alpha 6400 – Zenith “Helios 44M-6” 58mm – F5.6 – 1/160 – ISO 100 – AWB auto.
Cloudy – Date: December 25, 2022
Location: Trezzo sull’Adda (Mi) – Italy
