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ZENIT HELIOS 44M-6 MC 58mm F2 Review RSS Feed

ZENIT HELIOS 44M-6 MC 58mm F2

Sharpness 
 8.2
Aberrations 
 9.6
Bokeh 
 8.4
Handling 
 8.2
Value 
 8.6
Reviews Views Date of last review
5 72,319 Sun December 3, 2023
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Recommended By Average Price Average User Rating
80% of reviewers $31.75 8.00
ZENIT HELIOS 44M-6 MC 58mm F2

ZENIT HELIOS 44M-6 MC 58mm F2
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ZENIT HELIOS 44M-6 MC 58mm F2
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Description:
The 44M-6 has a Valdai optical plant logo and looks the same as the 44M-7 apart from the nameplate.

49mm filter thread.
8 diaphragm blades.
F/2-16 max-min aperture.
45cm minimum focusing distance.
52mm filters.

Note that there is no A-M switch. To use the lens other than wide open aperture on pentax dslr, either 1. use a M42 adapter with a rim that depresses the aperture pin 2. DIY mod the lens to hold the pin in.

More info on helios 44's see helios 44 (13 blade).
Mount Type: M42 Screwmount
Price History:



Add Review of ZENIT HELIOS 44M-6 MC 58mm F2
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Sort Reviews by: Date | Author | Rating | Recommendation | Likes (Ascending) Showing Reviews 1-5 of 5
New Member

Registered: February, 2019
Posts: 15
Review Date: December 3, 2023 Not Recommended | Price: None indicated | Rating: 5 

 
Pros: It's an average good quality 1980's standard vision lens
Cons: Over hyped and over priced
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 8    Bokeh: 7    Handling: 9    Value: 4    Camera Used: Sony full frame   

I bought a genuine 44m "6" lens with the expectation that it would surpass my swirliest high-bokeh 1970's 44 f2 KMZ Helios. I also hoped it would be sharper than my sharpest infinity Helios; a 1970's Valdai 44 f2 lens. All three lenses were in mint optical condition. But my new purchase - the 44m "6" - did not show any improvement on either of the older Helios lenses except a slight reduction of light flare in some photos shot into direct sunlight. No image at infinity was sharper and no bokeh was swirlier with f2 to f5.6. I could have simply been content with my 1970's lenses that cost me $20 and $15.

This led me to think that too many people must genuinely believe that higher numbers on a bit of tech equates to higher performance across the board. And I was clearly one of them to believe all the online hype I read about this magic number "6" Helios. The higher numbers thing must be a cultural tech psychology symbolism that works in the mind like those guys who think that speed stripes on a car make the vehicle go faster. With optical gear this leads the buyer to genuinely think and believe that a lens with "2" or "4" or "6" must mean that the higher numbers equate to higher sharpness. This is because the digital age we live in does mean this with 720 or 1080 or 4k quality. But - and it's a big but - this lens is not a product of the digital age. In other words, don't expect a sharper image than a Helios 44 that doesn't have a "6" attached to it. The "6" simply means that the function of the lens has altered a bit as Zenit cameras shifted from the older 1970's version to the more recent 1990's version. So it doesn't mean imaging is better, but it does mean that build and mechanics are different. And those online reviews that insist you'll get better sharpness or better "swirly bokeh" if you pay out another $100 or $150? Ignore them all; they are just people covering up the reality that they spent more and deserve some applaud because they can use Lightroom and other software adjustments to make their photos looks magically improved. Either that or they are in the business of making cash from selling "6" lenses.

The other thing to be concerned with is that it's easy to make a "6" from previous Helios lenses so it's easy for dodgy merchants to fraudulently rip you off.
   
New Member

Registered: September, 2023
Posts: 2
Review Date: September 27, 2023 Recommended | Price: $12.00 | Rating: 8 

 
Pros: Cheap, bright, sharp glass with beautiful bokeh
Cons: "Pin mod" needed..
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 8    Handling: 8    Value: 10    Camera Used: Pentax K-3II   

For its price - very good glass. Very sharp in closer distance from f4 (especially in center). On longer distance bit unstable. As all russian, old glasses it is lottery when buying. My example is very good - I bought it MANY MANY years ago with Zenith 122 camera (I was teenager then) and it was unused over 30 years. I did some test today and found it very pleasent.
Due to "unscrewable" screws I had to do "glue mod" at aperture pin.

Images below were made only for test and lens check with f2 to f8 and ISO 200 and 1600.













   
Inactive Account

Registered: May, 2016
Posts: 1
Review Date: May 12, 2016 Recommended | Price: $10.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Price, lens quality, flare
Cons: very dreamy at TA
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 8    Value: 9    Camera Used: Pentax K500   

very cheap quite good lens, for that price there are other alternatives even with f/1.7 and more sharp. For dreamy photos is perfect, Very good flare
   
New Member

Registered: January, 2013
Location: Odessa
Posts: 26
Review Date: May 31, 2014 Recommended | Price: $35.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Condition, sharp, bokeh, build quality
Cons: Jumping aperture
Sharpness: 9    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 8    Value: 10    Camera Used: Pentax K-5   

I have this lense as a kit for my Zenit ET. Its average price in Ukraine is 30-40$. A single problem using this lense is blocking of jumping aperture.




   
Veteran Member

Registered: January, 2013
Location: Gladstone, QLD
Posts: 823

1 user found this helpful
Review Date: January 18, 2014 Recommended | Price: $70.00 | Rating: 9 

 
Pros: Price, condition, results, build quality
Cons: None
Sharpness: 8    Aberrations: 10    Bokeh: 9    Handling: 8    Value: 10   

To be fair this is my one and only Helios so I can't compare to others. But from my point of view this is a wonderful lens. Being the newer model means mine is in perfect condition. The focus ring and aperture rings move as if brand new. Easily and smoothly with the slight click and tactile feedback expected when using the aperture ring. I put a tiny bit of glue on the aperture control pin to keep it locked in position.

The bokeh provides that famous Helios swirl in the right conditions. Although reportedly not as good as the older versions, but again I can't comment, other than I am extremely happy with it. Only 6 blades so stopping down even a notch or two will give slightly hexagonal bokeh. Also I consistently get great comments on my photos taken with this lens and people want to know what it is.

Sharpness is great when stopped down a touch. But even pretty good wide open in the focus sweet spot. But this is a lens you use for the not sharp bits.

Flair resistance is pretty awful though compared to more modern lenses.

Some examples. Most shot wide open or not far from it.... That is why you buy this type of lens afterall isn't it?









edit: Did Single in February with this lens and have got to know it a bit better. Everything said above is still true after a solid month with this lens. I purchased a screw in hood but didn't really notice any improvements, but will leave it on as it can't hurt. Took comparable shots with this lens and FA31 with the Helios showing absolutely no CA and the FA31 requiring considerable clean up. And some more examples...

This one is mounted with a reverse macro ring


Single in February with Helios 44m-6
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