Buy a Helios 44-2, trust me.
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- čas přidán 8. 09. 2024
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Hey guys! here is a quick vid I shot on the Helios 44-2.
sorry about the lack of content this week:( heading to costa rica!! so super hyped for the content I'm gonna make there!!!
Just going to point out, there are many, many copies of this lens and not all are equal. I have a fairly decent copy of a 1981 model at the KMZ factory, but many of the copies from the 70s onward are kind of terrible. The rarest ones will be the m39 mount versions, and in general, the earlier the copy you get the better the build and image quality. Check the serial before you buy.
absolutely! There’s a lot of good content people should watch before buying this lens. thanks for pointing this out.
@@MicahPowell Hi! Could you tell us what year is yours? what factory etc, what all the other numbers and letters associeated with this one in particular? the ones written on the front of the lens for ex? thank you so much in advance!!
дался Вам это Гелиос, лучше поискать варианты моддинга со стеклом от Мамии, очень было популярно переделывать их под цифровые фотики с матрицей от Фовеона
I have one of these collecting dust, after seeing this I’m gonna pick it up again. Thank you
Thank you so much man!!! :)
Same here
Same LOL I had to check to make sure it was the same lens.
Same here! Going to have to give it a shot again, it's been years!
@@MicahPowell How and where did you get such an amazing copy of this lens?
I don't know anything about the lens but dude, that was impressive in many ways. The use of slow mo, the shot choice and editing, leading the eye to the next shot smoothly, and the color pallet is all breathtaking. Well done.
Thank you josh!!!!
Works cause of the girl.
@@Leprutz lol why does there always have to be that guy
@@andrewmizzi4097 cause it 's the truth. Do a video like this with very ugly and obese people. It wouldn't work.
@@andrewmizzi4097 Is she not pleasing to the eye?
The model 😍 would make any lens look good 👍
😂😂😂
Sus
Don't disrespect the lens bro. Not cool
@@gabrielgreuter I did enjoy the cinematographic presentation and the unique experience seeing through this special lens, but I was more distracted by what was on the objective side of the lens! 😍
For the model and her contribution to this beautiful CZcams video.
🌹😊🍷
I agree with you
The lens produces stunning images, but big props to the model too. Very expressive and somewhat mysterious. Must have been a joy to work with! Keep 'm coming.
Cheap in Russia
30$ cost Russia
@@mrzraider54 F YOU, russia
@@mrzraider54 in russia it's cheaper to get the lens with something like zenit e than standalone
(like seriously, i've seen kits for 20-25$)
@@mrzraider54 hope you are talking about the lens lol
With a model like that even a plastic disposable film camera would produce stunning images :)
Hopefully he asked her permission and she wasn't just strolling through the park.
@@teajay74 Dude, really?
@@teajay74 Lol. that was funny.
My thoughts exactly
@@giodc8599 calm down snowflake
Insanely gorgeous shots dude. A few notes:
- You have gotten an incredibly good one. They aren't all this sharp. Poor quality control + time means it can be really hit or miss. If you find a version of this lens that is super sharp, it is a diamond in the rough, cherish that thing! Many also suffer from internal fungus and/or dust as well as color cast caused by degradation of the lens coating
- The Helios 81N is less common but can often be had for quite cheap on ebay as well. It is the exact same lens formula but on a Nikon F mount which is much easier to adapt to modern cameras. The Helios 44 was designed for the M42 screw mount which can be a problem for some mounts as you cannot adapt it and retain infinity focus without introducing a corrective glass element which can harm image quality
- Zenit has started remaking old Helios Lenses on more modern mounts. The 85mm 40-2 is one such lens which has the same bokeh style as the 58mm 44 but in an 85mm focal length. The Zenitar 50mm f1.2 is also quite similar. The Selena 58mm f/1.9 actually takes the swirly bokeh even farther.
true story.
Always get a bad lens serviced, cleaned and calibrated. It makes a world of difference.
@@DerbJd Of course, but we are talking about a 50 year old manual lens made in a country notoriously poor quality control. Service can only go so far.
@@DerbJd The build quality is poor from the outset in the later models. Just choose wisely.
It's not that deep
If you love soft images, it's a good lens. Funny how we always wanted really sharp lenses, we got them from the manufacturers, and now we love the soft vintage look.
Hahaha thats true!
I have a couple of Helioses and some of the are sharp as tacks. Depends on the specific model.
it has a lot to do with contrast, not just sharpness
The model's eyes are gorgeous, stunningly beautiful images.
This is the most beautifully-shot review I've ever seen in my life. Holy heck.
Bro I freaking love you
@@MicahPowell love you back!! Keep up the amazing work. This is gorgeous.
The model, the atmoshphere and the slomo gives the pure beauty, the lens has like 20% credit
It's pretty insane how good these lenses are. We are quite fortunate that they were mass produced. They perform like much more expensive lenses. I love mine!
absolutely!
it's not good at all. A swirly bokeh with high contrast edges on the bokeh balls, horrible resolution on f/2, insane focus breathing, and awful performance in backlight.
@@MrPomoev you must have gotten a bad copy then, because the one on display here and the one I use perform BEAUTIFULLY.
@@AfoteyAnnum I have a regular sample but lens itself is ugly clone of Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 2/58 T and it says it all.
Of course you still make a decent photo with it but it will ruin so many shots which could be easily taken with more optically advanced lens.
@@MrPomoev fair points lol
I love these little simple videos! This inspires me to make something similar. Long form content is cool. But to make it is a labor of love. These videos seem so much more effective at getting a message out while still making great, consumable content.
Honestly… you have no idea how much it means to read this :)
I totally agree with this. Screw the algorithm. Love these short form videos. Sub’d to encourage more!
@@MicahPowell I want to echo this. A short, beautiful video is a luxury these days. And this was it.
Such a mesmerizing model and the video was pure bliss to look at, beautifully shot and graded. Felt like a warm blanket for my mind.
Well said!
Most enjoyable 2 minutes of CZcams content in a long time. This video is stunning. Your colouring is perfect. Her energy is palpable, beguiling. I’m buying this damn lens and I’m subscribing to your damn channel.
Bro…. Thank you Ben 🥹
Skillful shots, coloring, editing, dreamy sound track - well done. As for the girl and her graceful pose - she's like the memory of the one that got away - never changing - often remembered with mixed emotion and that damnable nagging question "what if" ... this really pulls at the heart-strings, Micah.
For anyone wondering about the music: Lost and Found by Young Collective
Thanks Oliver!
I keep thinking if that is my phone ringing in the background 😄
I was wondering about the girl.
@@NegativeROG That was going to be my comment. :)
@@NegativeROG Absolutely no one is wondering about the music. 😅
That first frame really seals the deal. You can go so far as to say that it’s the perfect vintage lens!
If you feel like doing it, I would love to see a video breaking down how you made this shoot. Where you found the model, how you chose the lighting, the composition, the directions, especially the coloring, all of it. It's just so emotionally striking that I'm dying to know. No pressure. Only if you want to.
Bruh, I wish I got some bts of this, the truth is it was a very run and gun shoot.. I saw that tree, and we ran outside to get it before the colors changed
@@MicahPowell Ah I see, it's okay. Thanks for replying anyway!
Also the model's phone number ^.^
@@fernandofaria2872 hahahhahaha
Aus you shoot on full frame?
I've got 5 of them, all from the different factories and from different time periods, all have their own unique character. Some are nicer than others but when you find the "one" that suits your style it is incredible. Add in a Mir-1 35mm F2.8 and a Jupiter 85mm you can build a set which will cover 90% of shoots.
I've got one and I absolutely adore it! Can you recommend your favourite of the bunch and how to find it? I love the idea of another one with similar but unique character!
Hi, if let’s say it’s my first helios, which the best and most fun to try?
@@huzainijai1184 They are all unique in their own way, I prefer the earlier versions but as mentioned before I have captured some stunning footage with the more recent ones too. Just find one that is reasonably priced and looks clean and give it a try
I’m curious if he was using a KMZ, MMZ, or VALDAI model for this video. Can this lens be found to fit on an EF mount and cover a Super35 sensor?
I have a Mir 1b and it's f*ckin magic!
Beautiful combination of ambient music, well-done narration, and photography.
Thanks for making this, and putting the Helios 44-2 on my radar, Micah.
....and the model! How do you not mention the MODEL?!
@@RobDTom Can't argue with those eyes. Indeed, she's a very beautiful model.
@@romeo-one-one Indeed! Not to take anything away from the lens, or the photographer as they all played an important role in the overall image that was created, but yeah, those eyes!
I feel the same about my Minolta f/4 70-210mm “beercan” lens. I got it in Japan for about ¥12,500(about $120 US). It has a beautiful bokeh and a particular quality to the image. Slow to focus, and heavier than comparable modern lenses, I still love using it.
There is another Minolta 70-210 from the same era that is 4.5-5.6 but it's not the beercan. It's a bit less beefy. I had it for ages on a Minolta Maxxum 400si - ages ago and that was the most pleasing period of photography for me. I dug it out and with a $24 adapter it gets time on my A7III. I don't micro-analyze the results. It is what it is. Something to experiment with and find its best applications.
You just sold me on this. Thanks!
My anamorphic mod Helios 44-2 is out for delivery right now and I keep looking outside to see if it's here lol. Amazing video. Amazing narration. Inspirational. All around exceptional vibes.
Thank you so much!!!!
I'm looking to get one. Did you choose ebay and how much?
What else would I need to make it work for Sony
Just the m42 to e Mount adapter:)
I have used this lens since 1985 on a Zenit E. I am using this same lens in 2024 on a GFX 50SII. I like it for the picture of my youth )
These lenses flatter more mature subjects despite their sharpness. These were a match made in heaven with the old Sony F3 and FS100.
I was trying to think of how to describe what I just saw but I am left speechless.. If beauty was to be captured in one video, this would be it. The lens is just as unique and beautiful as the model!! Please do more of these together?!
Love the super unique grading! Looks great!
I purchased a Helios M 44 2 last year and must say that it is one of my top lenses. It provides sharp photos, quality bokeh and consistently creative photos. It may be picked up under $100 USD. If possible try to purchase in person. The quality control of these lenses varies greatly.
I'm a big Minolta on mirrorless guy. I've had my eye on the Helios 44-2 for a while, but it's not a lens I need.
Then I saw it being used in a Netflix documentary (on tacos).
That swirly bokeh and open look is so unique, you can tell easily.
It was SO DISTRACTING. It felt like they were using the 44-2 for swirly bokeh's sake. I know you can get amazing shots with this lens, but it's hard to mix in with shots from other lenses in rapid succession. I mean, totally doable...but there are so many other options out there for amazingly unique creamy vintage bokeh that give you *that look*.
Also, not every Helios 44-2 is made equal. Every single one is unique. There's definitely a sweet spot. (also I'm pretty sure the years and manufacturers of the Helios 44-2 is important. Something about how if it was made in a soviet country it's better, I think. Maybe the opposite.)
If you don't own a unique VINTAGE 50mm 1.4 that you're happy with, for sure. Get the Helios 44-2.
Totally agree, bought one 4 years ago and still use it with such joy. The outcomes are always so juicy, everytime I look at my past works I'm still amazed by its full vintage look. Buy one now, it's also very affordable 👌
Honestly it’s insane that a lens used on the Batman is accessible to us for super cheap!
@@MicahPowell yes that adds an extra good feeling when you use it and makes you feel like you're a great director too😆 I've heard it was used for some of the cars chasing scenes, wasn't it?
The model is beautiful. Really nice shots.
Watched your video 6 months ago, found one on eBay for $45 and immediately impulse bought it. Greatest lens I've ever owned for video, so much character. Thanks Micah!
Ive had mine for a year now and I love it. Its a beautiful image and super fun to work with.
Where can I buy one
I feel very lucky to own one, very surprising in its capabilities, sharp for an old lens. Very demanding in terms of framing and creative planning but sooo rewarding (it could be because I am a MFT user, so x2 crop). However, definitely worth the time to adjust in-camera settings to make it shine!
Just curious, with the 2x crop, do you see a lot of the swirl artifacts?
@@MicahPowell not so mutch swirl on my blackmagick, but on canon r you can see it, but you are telling the most imorant : it us fun, and fun makes it good
Try a m42 to m4/3 focal reducer.
with a speedbooster it's a portrait lens (82mm equivalent) instead of a nifty fifty and shows the swirley bokeh.
Which version of the 44-2 is this anyway? @@menaceone88
Well, I do not care about that lens, however, I must say, ....that girl is just beautiful. Her eyes are sad a bit and very calm. And when she smiles, all sadness is gone. Maybe she will read this message: I wish her all the best in her life.
My favorite lens. Thanks for bring attention to this under appreciated little guy :') Helios 44-2's FTW.
Never heard of it but it's very nice. Has a soft character and great bokeh. It certainly helps that you're a talented videographer but you're right, the character of the lens is compelling. Will look into it, thanks!
ur welcome
Best sentence ever: When you are having fun, that's when you are going to create the best work.
So True.
Have bought and sold this lens a couple times. It is a great lens and you have splendidly showcased that in your video.
Thank you brakmaster!!
Why do you end up selling it?
@@Princeton_James Because it has niche use cases.
This video completely convinced me to buy it, almost 4 months with and i have no regrets, it’s a gorgeous lens.
I have one of these lenses. It is so imperfect that all photos I take with it are just incredible. They are like poems!
Exactly! There some people that are pretty heated here in the comments and they don’t understand that!
Do you know what poetry is?
I don’t get it. I presumed imperfect was a typo. No?
@@albertbatfinder5240 Nope, I meant that this lens delivers a rather imperfect image (like excessively blurred at times, or not particularly sharp, etc.) that creates a sort of vintage-y effect I never got with any other lens. If you are looking for a super sharp image then this lens is not for you (but then why would you buy a vintage Soviet lens if you were looking for modern-day quality?), but if you are looking for a lens capable of delivering a unique and "emotional" look then this is the lens you need. There is definitely something romantic about the photos taken with this lens.
Ive had this lens sitting on my shelf for the past 2 years and man you've just sparked my interest in using it again. Thanks!
what an incredible video, i'm glad this didn't turn into a talking head sort of thing, letting the video speak for itself was the right move
Thanks Benji
Was looking for information about the lens, found masterpiece. It's amazing, incredibly beautiful.
The model is SO PRETTY
This is how I dream to make videos😍 Bravo!!! Everything in this video is perfect. I also dream of a tutorial from you about how to use this lens, how to focus properly🙈 you're extremely talented❤
Always inspired by your work. Very well written too! I love the line “Creative utility”
Love you Bro
There is also very similar Helios 44-3, produced in Minsk up to early 90s. Same optical design but with added multicoating. Just bought one of that at the local flee market for about $25
Amazing! Already listed it on the wishlist!
If I may ask, which camera have you used it on?
Regards!
I used this on the Sony A7S3
For those doubting. I bought 2 of them 1 year ago, still my favorite lens ever since
Helios is a great lens but you're better creator and this is why this output is so good! I don't wanna this lens but your skills, haha :D
Thanks so much Rafal!!! means so much!!
I love that you only took as long as you needed to say what you wanted to say. Loved the video, loved your work with this lens.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Actually, it is not the lens that made this video great, it is how you compose your shot (+music, narration, lighting, time of day, colour grading, etc) and most important... the model who is in it. Normally, 40mm to 45mm is the focal length (for full frame camera) to use on the cinematic shot in featured films. The reason is, the super35 sensor cinema camera uses a 28mm lens which is then cropped to 1.5x to give you a 42mm focal length. For full-frame cameras, use a 40mm to 45mm focus length. For super35 use 27mm to 30mm.
+colorist
And 20 to 25 for micro 4/3.
@@lpi3 thank you for saying that. I didn't know what that was and researched it and now I am thinking of taking colorist classes to improve my photography and film.
58 mm f 2
It's the artsy fartsy lens, for when you want to have fun, and only that. Full of artifacts, defects, and shortfalls. Yet still has its charm.
I simply disagree, yeah this lens has defects like you say but that is why it is so so good. Siri give me the defect is probably not something you to use on a corporate
Shoot or marvel movies lol. But it very much is a artistic lens and to deny the capabilities of it, I think you’d been missing out on some of the prettiest shots
Beautiful work 👏 I got this lens from my dad, it's been in my collection for years now and i still love to use it!😍 I also got some Meyer Optik Görlitz lenses from my grandfather, the bokeh they have is insane!
Who is this Girl? The last shot with the fade and beginning smile at the same time was awesome!
I think it’s in our genetics 🤷🏻♂️
Can you make a color grading tutorial? The colors also look amazing man!!
Everything about this is so aesthetically and sonically pleasing
These images are stunning!
Well I guess I have to get into photography now. The color, the atmosphere, styling, and sound. It feels good. Thanks for this haiku
helios 44-2 is the mercedes benz of all lenses. better than 2000 dollars modern lenses. absolutely magical
ROTFL. Yeah, no.
Those yellows were such a nice contrast, normally park scenes are boring but you picked a great time of year!
For sure! Wouldn’t have made the vid if it wasn’t for that tree!
for a creator with
hey hey! well no longer less than 1000 :) no I haven't, but if I ever have the opportunity id absolutely love too
I took your google files and got to mess with it first hand in Premiere and I'm sold. Got 2 of them! Thanks for this insight! This was the convincing I needed.
What camera did you shoot this on? Looks really great!
Sony A7S3!!
@@MicahPowell What a great combo, AWESOME work bud!
@@RyanBartonGrimley Thanks Ryan!!
@@MicahPowell What brand adapter did you use?
this woman is a truly natural beauty and the Helios produces an amazing image.
I have a 44-M. Anyone knows how it stacks up to the 44-2?
not sure, definitely curious. I was thinking of picking up the 44-m as well
Thank you very much, I actually bought the Helios 58mm f2 44-2 and a Pentacon 50mm Auto MC f1.8 , so far excellent both on the Zenit and Praktica LTL3, and with an M42 to FX adapter, I use both lenses on my Fujifilm XT3 and XH1 cameras.
loving mine since I got it. and I bought a lensbaby last month too and thats a lot of fun. not the velvet but the one where the lens shifts around. took a while to get used to it but it rocks. I would be satisfied with just the helios. such a beautiful image.
I've just shot almost an entire doc with this. Did not disappoint. Nice work!
WOW this is overwhelming.. 25k views... thank you all :)
(Edit) 65k I don’t deserve this
(Edit edit) 330,000k bro…..
(Edit edit edit) 400k….. you all are legends
close to 200k this one is going viral. You have an incredible talent here.
For sure one of the coolest and cheapest vintage lenses out there. The flares are super interesting also.
I endorse this message ;)
Bro such a big fan! Ahem… thinking about picking up your course :)
This inspired me to go and try to use the Helios 44-2. Just bought one. Can't wait to start using it. Thank you for the creative inspiration. Also saw your colour grading video about this video it was very useful and practical. Great work.
Wow, this is insane! Great music choice too! Beautiful scenery and the models choice of attire accentuates the aesthetics! Totally going to get me one now!!
Thank you!!
One caveat: These lenses have a very different quality which was typically dictated by alcohol intake in Russian factories 😅I had two and one was great with its crazy swirling bokeh and one was really bad.
HAHAHAHAHA!! the actual funniest comment so far:)
Орнул в голосину)))
Wow! Beautiful images, wonderful color grading. And in the middle: 01:17-01:18
I'm convinced. Took 5 Seconds.
Hahaha!!
I ran home and bought the lens lol
I have like ten of these lenses from different times and factories, they all play a but different. It is one of my favorites
Sharp Helios? We'll, your is broken:)
Excellent vid!
Subject, composition, lense bokeh, colouration (the leaves match your subject's eyes! 🤯), cinematography.
Stunning!
Thank you Ducati!
@@MicahPowell Thanks for your inspiration!
What was it shot on???? ❤
Thanks for watching!! This was shot on the Sony A7S3
The colors, or skillful grading changed my mind about Sony capabilities. I thought it was RED.
Saw this when it had like a bit over 10k views, congrats man! I'll be following your creator journey here
I just bought this lens and i watched a lot of videos about it.... but dude, for real, this is a masterpiece. So beautiful and immersive video. Thank you for that
You are TALENTEDDDD! I am JEALOUS! So amazing. Love it.
The model is just stunning beautiful .. than you realize you're watching the video for the Helios... Than you try to focus on the image in total 🙃
Great video. I got two and also the -4
I have to say. The model sure make this lens look good. Smooth and buttery!!! Not to diminish your talent!!!
In my opinion this is, by far, your best video to date. Magestic!
meant to buy one years ago and never got round to it. Just purchased one as a result of this vid. Thank you!
I have one and will never let go of it. It's been in my canon, sony and fujifilm. :)
I did and i was not disappointed, it's basically my only lens.
Thank you.
here to watch this video for the 5th time. Can't get enough of this model
Technically, what make it good? Does the glass come from a special foundry in the Altai Mountains, polished between the thighs of Kazakh milk maidens?
Color grading is MAGNIFICENT!
its the subject for me more than the dreamy lens
finally somebody apperiates. has it on my sony nex5 since 2012...
Bro there are so many helios haters here in the comments.. people just dont understand :(
@@MicahPowell it requires good sight and balls to use manual focus only lens, and still, lens are usually expensive for a reason and helios isn’t expensive. Who doesn’t want better things
@@kagameen exactly, exactly
I opted for the Super-Takumar 50f1.4 instead, also a stunner but I did pick up the Helios 40, 85mmf1.5, also a dream lens.
And what's best about this lens is it's rarity. It is literally the most mass produced camera lens ever, about 3 million of these were made during production years. You can find these for sale everywhere in Europe for as little as 30€
Do you have a link? I can only find around 90-150 euros. :(
I had one bought with a custom fitted Nikon mount for it. Pre war silver version too! Straight from Ukraine. Sadly it’s collecting dust but seeing this I may just have to reuse it again! Amazing work.
There have been a few people who have said the same, that the Helios was collecting dust, and this video made them get it back out.. that honestly makes me overwhelmingly happy:)