{"product_id":"early-helios-44-58mm-f-2-m42-swirly-bokeh-prime-tested","title":"Early Helios-44 58mm f\/2 | M42 Swirly Bokeh Prime [Tested]","description":"\u003ch3\u003eOverview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover the magic of vintage character with this early edition of the legendary \u003cstrong\u003eHelios-44 58mm f\/2\u003c\/strong\u003e. Predating the mass-produced 44-2 models, these early versions are highly sought after by portrait photographers and cinematographers for their distinctive rendering, which stays exceptionally true to the original Carl Zeiss Biotar optical formula.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRenowned worldwide for its iconic \"swirly bokeh\" (Petzval effect), this lens isolates subjects with razor-sharp center focus while painting the background into a mesmerizing, circular blur. It is an absolute must-have for creative portraiture, nature photography, and artistic video production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy This Specific Lens Stands Out:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e• Early Optical Formula:\u003c\/strong\u003e Delivers the strongest and most pronounced swirly bokeh character of the entire Helios family.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e• 8-Blade Aperture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Features an 8-blade aperture mechanism, helping to maintain pleasing bokeh highlights even when stopped down.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e• Complete Collector's Set:\u003c\/strong\u003e Comes with its original vintage plastic hard case (tub) manufactured by MMZ, adding significant value and authentic Soviet charm.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e• Stepless Aperture Potential:\u003c\/strong\u003e Features a preset aperture ring mechanism, which is incredibly useful for smooth iris pulls during video recording.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e• Classic Aesthetics:\u003c\/strong\u003e The highly desirable early black barrel with the silver front ring looks beautiful on any modern digital camera.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatibility (DSLR \u0026amp; Mirrorless)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeaturing the universal M42 screw mount, this lens is highly adaptable to modern systems:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e• Mirrorless Cameras:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easily mounts to Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and Micro Four Thirds via a simple M42 adapter.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e• DSLR Cameras:\u003c\/strong\u003e Works flawlessly with Canon EF and Pentax K mounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eTechnical Specifications:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e• Focal Length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 58mm\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e• Aperture Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e f\/2 – f\/16\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e• Aperture Blades:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e• Lens Mount:\u003c\/strong\u003e M42 Screw Mount\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e• Optical Design:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6 elements in 4 groups (Biotar clone)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e• Weight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 230 g (с oz)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e• Manufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e MMZ \/ BelOMO, USSR (S\/N: 0453890)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e• Focus Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Manual Focus Only\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCondition Report\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e• Optics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent vintage condition. The glass is clean and clear, free from fungus, haze, or deep scratches. \u003cem\u003eNote: As is normal for optics of this age, minor internal micro-dust may be present under strict inspection, which does not affect image quality.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e• Mechanics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully tested and verified. The manual focus ring is incredibly smooth and perfectly damped. The 8-blade aperture mechanism is clean and operates smoothly.\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e• Cosmetics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Great vintage condition. The black and silver barrel shows normal, careful signs of use. The original plastic storage tub is intact and fully functional.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNote: All photos shown in this listing are actual high-resolution images of the specific lens you will receive.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat’s Included in the Box:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1.\u003c\/strong\u003e Helios-44 58mm f\/2 Lens (Early Version)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e2.\u003c\/strong\u003e Original Vintage Hard Plastic Tub\/Case\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e3.\u003c\/strong\u003e Front Lens Cap\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e4.\u003c\/strong\u003e Rear Lens Cap\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HelicoidPrime","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45342694146117,"sku":"HEL44-0453890","price":150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0746\/4665\/0949\/files\/photo_2026-07-1204.41.49_5ad5ecd9-9d49-4dc0-8750-15f24520ed78.jpg?v=1783924386","url":"https:\/\/helicoidprime.myshopify.com\/products\/early-helios-44-58mm-f-2-m42-swirly-bokeh-prime-tested","provider":"HelicoidPrime","version":"1.0","type":"link"}