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Helios 44M-4 is a large rework of Helios 44M 2/58. The alteration concerned the internal mechanisms - 44M-4 are much simpler arranged than 44M. Helios 44M-4 - standard lenses for Zenit cameras. For the most part, these lenses come without an auto-manual aperture mode switch, they can have multilayer coating, and they have the very predictability of the optics of the entire line.
Lens for SLR cameras with M42 screw connection. This lens is installed on modern SLR and mirrorless cameras through the appropriate adapter. Read the article about adapters.
Helios 44M-4 2/58 (Helios 44m-4 2/58). General
Helios 44m-4 2/58 looks like a German Pentacon auto 50mm f1.8. The lens is "Kit". What is a kit lens? Kit lens (from the English kit - kit) - a slang word - an interchangeable lens that comes with the camera when it is sold. It often refers to a specific entry-level zoom lens that comes with budget cameras (EF-S 18-55mm f / 3,5-5,6 for Canon, AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55 mm f / 3,5-5,6 VA for Nikon, 18-55 mm f/3,5-5,6 Sony, DA 18-55 mm f/3,5-5,6 AL for Pentax, etc.)
The case is made of aluminum, the frame is engraved with the Latin type “Helios 44m-4 2/58”. Weight Helios 44m 4 about 270 grams. Helios-44M-4 a little later after the release was recalculated by P.A. Lapin and acquired multilayer coating, which improved light transmission and color rendering lens.
Diagram of the Soviet lens Helios 44M-4
Looks like a diagram Zeiss Biotar 2 / 58mm, did not change all the time of production.
Helios 44M-4 in operation
Focusing
Focusing lens conducted within 0,5 - 14 meters, the values on the focus ring are approximate. A scale is applied to the body for calculating the hyperfocal distance of the lens, as well as calculating the depth of field. The Helios 44M-4 focusing ring is grippy thanks to the ribbed knurling. Manual focusing is provided by rotating the focusing ring around the axis of the lens unit.
The protrusion of the front edge of the lens barrel at the maximum focusing distance is about 1,1 cm. Rotation is often tight, due to the type of Litol lubricant used at the factory, which loses its properties over time, and also thickens under the influence of low temperatures. The grease thickens over time so much that the lens has to be serviced. At the same time, cosmetically, the lens may look new. A timely serviced lens, as a rule, does not have any comments on the rotation of the rings. How to service your Helios - in this article.
Due to the shallow depth of field, focusing on the eye, on cameras with a small viewfinder size, can have problems in the form of focusing misses. Better to use LiveView or adapter rings with focus confirmation chip.
Diaphragm
Helios-44M-4 is equipped with an automatic diaphragm, there is no drive lock switch. Diaphragm actuator pin may be blocked by flange adapters if your system is not compatible with the design lens; or manually. I blocked with a match. Aperture adjustment on the body is carried out by a ring with a ratchet-fixer of values, and switching takes place with effort, even on a serviced lens. The relative aperture is adjustable from 1:2 on the open and up to 1:16 on the fully closed aperture.
The diaphragm of this model has six blades, pronounced nuts in hips appear already at f / 4.
Helios-44M-4 may not have an aperture switch from manual to automatic modes, but the depth of field calculator is made on all lenses not in the form of an engraving on the body, but in the form of a cutout in it. The notch displays the focus distance, and the DOF values are engraved below it.
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