Sibling Rivalry: Helios 44M vs. Helios 44M-4

[stevebrot]

I recently had the opportunity to borrow ISO50's very nice Helios 44M-4 58/2 for a couple of weeks. The experience was a good one, so I bid on and won the older version Helios 44M on the 'Bay. Since I had both lenses at the same time, I figured that a little compare and contrast was in order.

First the specs
Both lenses are based on the Zeiss Biotar 58/2 and share its optical formula (6 elements in 4 groups). Helios 44 lenses were made by several different entities in Russia and states of the former Soviet Union and may be distinguished by the makers marks. Here is a link to a key of the logos:

ACP - Logos

As with many Russian lenses, the year of manufacture is the first two digits of the serial number. Looking at the serial number is always a bit of a revelation since these lenses look fairly primitive and ancient. I was quite surprised to find that my 44M was made in 1978. I would have guessed at least a decade earlier based on the stiffness of the focus alone! Here are a few comparison points between the two lenses:

Helios 44M

• Made by both KMZ and JOV(Valdai)
• Eight curved aperture blades
• Most are single coated, though multi-coated examples do exist (labeled as MC)
• Has A/M switch

Helios 44M-4

• Made by JOV(Valdai) (versions labeled MC by KMZ)
• Six curved aperture blades
• Most are single coated, though multi-coated examples do exist (labeled as MC)
• No A/M switch (requires minor surgery to convert to fully manual aperture)

Physical Comparison
Here are a couple of comparison photos showing the two lenses along with a Super-Takumar 55/1.8 for comparison:

(Helios 44M on the right)



Note the makers marks. The dove prism design indicates origin at the KMZ plant while the shish kabob design indicates JOV(Valdai). I think that both logos look kind of cool!

As you can see, both Helioses (Helii?) are significantly larger than the Super-Tak. They are also quite a bit heavier. It is a bit more difficult to see, but the 44M is slightly larger overall than the 44M-4 and also a little bit heavier. The two lenses were made about a decade apart and illustrate slightly different construction standards. You can also see the 6 vs. 8 blade irises.

A few comparison photos
All Helios 44 lenses have similar optical characteristics. The most famous are:

• Excellent center sharpness at all apertures
• Excellent sharpness overall when stopped down
• "Dreamy" bokeh wide open

The 44M-4 is supposed to have somewhat better resolution than the 44M. Here are a few comparison photos shot with both lenses:

Helios 44M-4, either f/4 or f/5.6 (sorry...)


Helios 44M, f/5.6


The above pictures are of the same subject, but on different days with different conditions. I think the image quality is pretty comparable.


Here are a few wide open:

Helios 44M-4, f/2


Helios 44M, f/2


Helios 44M, f/2




A Few Notes If Considering a Helios 44_ Purchase

Do your research first!

The first thing to know is that these lenses are not rare and generally should not command a premium price. Although they are somewhat uncommon in the United States, the Helios 44 in its various forms was the kit lens for generations of Zenit SLR cameras that were widely available within the USSR and were also exported in quantity to other parts of the world. It is quite possible that more Helios 44 58/2 lenses, in all its variants, have been made than any other lens model in history.

A common issue with the Helios 44M series is stiff focus that gets worse with age. My 44M is difficult to use as a result and may require disassembly to re-lubricate at some point. There are condition and manufacturing issues that are common to most, if not all lenses made in the USSR and former Soviet countries. The buyer would do well to get explicit clarification in regards to condition and functionality before purchasing or bidding.

All Helios 44M-x lenses lack the A/M switch and cannot be used stopped down with most K-mount adapters. This problem can be dealt with by a little minor surgery to shim the aperture actuation pin and convert the diaphragm to full manual operation. There may also be compatibility problems with certain of the earlier 44-3 models on non-Zenit cameras. Apparently there is inadequate clearance for the focus ring. This issue affects K-mount adapter users as well.

While all Helios 44 lenses share the same optical formula, they were available in both M39 and M42 mounts with both pre-set and auto apertures. There is also a fair amount of variability in construction even though many models appear very similar. Optical quality is also said to vary between versions and strangely, there is considerable overlap in the dates of manufacture. The progression of model numbers is not a true indicator of newness or even improvements. For a full discussion see:

Manual Focus Lenses :: View topic - Complete Helios Lens list anyone?

Steve

[kent]

great pics. Please check my review of Helios 77M-4. I think you will wonder how good it is as long as I included some crops

[stevebrot]

Originally Posted by kent

great pics. Please check my review of Helios 77M-4. I think you will wonder how good it is as long as I included some crops

Do you have a link to your review?

Edit:
Found it!

http://www.pentaxforums.com/userrevi...uct=559&cat=88

Steve

[IS050]

Steve, great info. I learned more of my 44m-4 through your research. Thanks. I agreed about the stiff focus, it took me a little while to get used to it. Especially comparing it with Takumar or “M” lens, which has a very silky smooth focus ring. I assume it will get loosen up over time but obviously it is the opposite. But the sharpness and dreamy bokeh sure make up for that.

David

[Igilligan]

My 44M focus is smooth as a baby's butt... like butter


Steve, nice series... I almost picked up a 44-4 the other day... shipping price pushed it too high.

Is it a WB issue / difference on the purple/blue flowers? My 44M does purple ok

[stevebrot]

Originally Posted by Igilligan

My 44M focus is smooth as a baby's butt... like butter


Steve, nice series... I almost picked up a 44-4 the other day... shipping price pushed it too high.

Is it a WB issue / difference on the purple/blue flowers? My 44M does purple ok

I guess you were lucky with your 44M focus or perhaps someone has serviced it. I may try and find my camera tools and re-lube mine at some point.

My 44M does purple OK as well. The difference in colors for the hydrangea flowers is related to soil acidity. I spilled some lime into the bed near the hydrangea a couple of years ago. As a result, the flower heads on one side of the plant tend to be more pinkish, while those on the other side tend to blue.

Steve

[dankoBanana]

i'm waiting for my 44m-7 to arrive

[Rense]

Originally Posted by stevebrot

.... The difference in colors for the hydrangea flowers is related to soil acidity. I spilled some lime into the bed near the hydrangea a couple of years ago. As a result, the flower heads on one side of the plant tend to be more pinkish, while those on the other side tend to blue.

Steve

Aha, this is how you solve WB problems!

Great stuff!

[stevebrot]

Originally Posted by dankoBanana

i'm waiting for my 44m-7 to arrive

When it does, post up some pictures and your impressions! The more, the merrier!

Steve