Quick answer
A later multi-coated version of the Soviet 58mm f/2 Helios in M42 mount. It keeps the swirly bokeh character of the Biotar-style design.
Pros
- Multi-coating improves contrast
- Strong, recognizable bokeh
- Easy to adapt
Cons
- Soft at f/2
- Copy quality varies
Verdict
It is an entry to vintage lenses with a lot of character. Stop down for more bite.
About this lens
A 58mm f/2 fast manual-focus standard prime lens, the KMZ MC Helios-44M-4 58mm 1:2 is designed for M42 mount bodies. The natural field of view suits street, documentary and everyday photography.
KMZ MC Helios-44M-4 58mm 1:2 specifications
- Brand
- KMZ
- Mount
- M42
- Focal length
- 58mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/2.0
- Lens type
- Prime
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Optical construction
- 6 elements in 4 groups
- Aperture blades
- 6
- Autofocus motor
- none
- Minimum focus distance
- 0.5 m
- Filter thread
- 52 mm
- Weight
- 300 g
- Length
- 42 mm
- Diameter
- 64 mm
Specification source: zenitcamera.com
What can you shoot with the KMZ MC Helios-44M-4 58mm 1:2?
- Portraits with swirl
- Video with vintage character
- Adapted mirrorless shooting
Its fast maximum aperture helps in dim light and gives good subject separation.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor (adapted mount, so sensor size depends on your camera). Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 58mm | 34.5° | 40.9° |
| APS-C | 1.5x | 87mm | 23.4° | 27.9° |
| Micro Four Thirds | 2.0x | 116mm | 17.6° | 21.1° |
Frequently asked questions
What does the M-4 in Helios-44M-4 mean?
It marks a later revision of the 44 series with updated mechanics and multi-coating.
Is the swirly bokeh strong?
It is most visible at wide apertures when the subject is separated from a textured background.
How do I mount it on mirrorless?
Use an M42-to-mirrorless adapter for your camera system, such as an M42-to-Sony E adapter, and focus manually.
Alternatives for M42 from other brands
All M42 lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
