Helios 44-2 goes against a modern prime lens - Fuji 56mm F/1.2. Does Helios stand a chance?
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- Опубликовано: 23 сен 2023
- Helios 44-2 is a valued retro lens that offers amazing bokeh and is ideal for art projects. In this video I test how it compares with a modern ultra-sharp prime lens - the Fujinon XF 56mm F/1.2. I photograph the same scene with Helios 44-2 and Fuji XF 56 and them compare them side by side. I conclude that the Fuji 56 mm is always sharper and renders higher contrast. Additionally the Fuji 56 mm prime produces warmer looking photos than Helios 44-2. The Helios has a low contrast / ghosting problem at F2 when photographing distant objects. The corner sharpness of Helios 44-2 and Fuji 56 are quite different, and always in Fuji’s favor. I conclude that recording videos at close range is where Helios 44-2 shines.
LINKS:
Helios 44-2 review: • Helios 44-2: A super f...
Helios 44-2 sample photos: • HELIOS 44-2 sample pho...
Helios 44-2 for video: • HELIOS 44-2 lens - A P...
Helios 44-2 with a macro filter: • Helios 44-2 bokeh with...
How to use Helios 44-2 aperture rings: coming soon
Fujinon 56 mm F/1.2 lens review: • Fujinon XF 56mm F/1.2 ...
Fujifilm X-T30 review: • Fujifilm X-T30 (in 202...
K&F Concept lens mount adapters: • K&F Concept lens mount...
How to determine photo sharpness: • A quick method for mea...
How to determine lens sweet spot: • How to measure LENS SW...
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Thank you, very interesting! My first ”real” camera (back in 1966) was a Zenit 3M with Helios 44 (58 mm, f/2). When I now scan B/W negatives taken with the Zenit, I think sharpness and contrast are quite good - at least acceptable. I took a lot of photos at f/2. I have been thinking of getting a Helios 44 for my X-E2.
Hi Krister! Yes, this is a nice lens. It can work very well when avoiding its limitations. I think it's a great idea to get this lens for X-E2. Kind regards!
That's actually amazing combination, I use it with my X-E2s and that's my goto lens. But consider to use it not with regular adapter like in this video, but with any cheap speedboster like pixco. Without speedbooster on fuji it would be 87mm, but with speedbooster 62mm almost no crop, you also achive better sharpness due to fact speedbooster will focus light into smaller crop frame and one stop of light boost.
@@arturcharaev1336 Hi Artur! Thank you for making these good points. Kind regards!
@@arturcharaev1336 Thank you for your suggestion! I will check a speedbooster. I agree, the focal length may be a little too long for general use without with an APS-C sensor.
Great comparison! Some of the old Helioses don't have very good blackening inside, so any light bounces around and reduces contrast by a lot. Overall though, it's clear that it still holds up and is very usable today in the right settings.
Hi! Thank you very much for making this valid point. I agree that overall this lens is very usable. Kind regards!
Great comparison, the best one can for the legendary helios as against arguably the sharpest lens today. Your subject is on point. You're info most welcome and fascinating in these day & age.
I shoot with a Helios 44 w speedbooster on a Canon EOSM with Magic Lantern hack mainly for videos. I can't love it any much. Everyday is an immersive & enjoyable experience. The photo journey is remarkable.
I'm looking to get the 56mm 1.2 for my niece who is on an XT3 as well as a speedbooster or adapter for her to enjoy our Helios 44.
These 2 lenses are great to share and you just made the best comparison one could make for these legends of different eras. More power Tom💪
Hi Maggie! Thank you so much for your supporting words. I'm glad you found my video useful. These two lenses are both remarkable in their own ways. I enjoy Helios 44-2 more and more every day for video. I think your plan to get the XF 56mm is a great one. This lens is unbelievable. I initially got it for portraits but now I'm using for everything. Even landscape photos are amazing at F1.2. Everything just becomes so different-looking at F1.2. Best of luck to you with your photography!
Whoo boy
This is why I prefer vintage Minoltas over Helios…(warmer, easier handling)
In any case, Forcing Faster shutter can really help with the “foggy layer” and restores a lot of contrast. My theory is because there’s less light bouncing around in the glass while the shutter is open.
Hi! Thank you very much for your feedback and for making some interesting points. I'm curious what vintage Minolta lenses you prefer to use? Kind regards!
I love my Helios I have the 44-2 but I also have MC 77M-4. This lens has all the great characteristics of the 44 but it is redesigned and multi-coated. I believe this corrects some of the issues you presented in this video. It is 50mm. If you come across one, buy it!
Hi Craig! Thank you very much for this great tip. Kind regards!
Very good and helpful video, question, which adapter do you use for the Helios 44-2? Would appreciate the information 🙏🏼
Hi! Thank you very much. I use K&F adapters: ruclips.net/video/RpsabLvH3jw/видео.htmlsi=MX9Uy_az4uTOrguE Kind regards!
The ghosting is from the brightest part of the image = the sky. It gets reflected inside. I don't think Helios has any coatings.
Hi Ail'enduril! Yes, you are absolutely right. The lens is not coated and therefore sometimes the light is bouncing around inside the lens the way you don't want it to. Kind regards!
Bro, what year is Helios 44-2? 65th or 78th? In 65 there were good, sharp, contrasting Helios, then the quality deteriorated with each new version. I recommend buying the first Helios for 65th, it is of the highest quality.
Hi Artem! Thank you for your feedback. This is generally a good advice. The earlier models were, indeed, crafted more carefully. Kind regards!
I liked the release. It's great that you compared the lenses. I think you can have both of them and not choose) There are many versions of the 44-2. Initially, they were made at one factory, then at another, and then at yet another factory. With each subsequent factory, the quality deteriorated. Your lens is from the second factory, with 8 aperture blades and thick grease. In the first version of the 44-2, there are 13 aperture blades and no grease on the blades - this is much better. It looks as good as Fujian optics, except for its features like swirly bokeh. There are custom versions where masters bring the optics in order, refreshing the grease and even the housing. This can only be bought in Russia. That's what I'm about to do right now)))) I watch all the videos about these lenses before buying and came across yours. @@tom_photo
You probably already know that the last Batman and Dune 2 were filmed on the upgraded Helios 44-2?) DOP Gray Fraser loves these lenses and thank him for his courage))
@@artemyurin5593 Hi Artem! Yes, indeed. This made the Helios lenses even more famous than they already are. And you have a great plan. It is true with the Helios lenses that no two units are alike. If you put in all the effort you can find a true gem. I'm generally very happy with my copy. I think it is much above average good. Best of luck to you with Helios!
I'll take both. Once I sell my roommate to the slave traders...
Hello! You have an excellent plan. You'll likely get more money this way than you need for these two lenses :)