Thanks for the review. I just discovered your channel. I own a few early 44-2’s and a 44, a Biotar, a couple of Auto-Tak 55/2.2 and of course the 55/2. I love the Auto-Takumars for their build quality, handling and output. Which is why I also bought the 55/1.8, the 35/3.5 and the 135/3.5. I’m looking forward to seeing your other videos. :o)
The lenses I’ve mentioned are the tip of the iceberg. ;o) I love my f2.2’s and they render just like the f2 version. I mentioned on your 55/2 video that I haven’t tried it out yet but looking at the images you’ve coaxed from your copy, they’re very similar. I guess that the extra light it allows with the slightly wider aperture would have its uses? Once again, thanks for sharing your thoughts. :o)
The sample images you used were Very good for image comparison because it does the differences, instead of just using nice/cool photos but don’t do the job. Thanks!
@@neilpiper9889 It is only dangerous if it falls down and the glass brakes in pieces. Other than that it is safe to use. Also you might get yellow cast on the glass because of thorium, but if you leave it in UV or direct sunlight it goes away :)
There are way more version of the helios 44-2, than only the two you mentioned. My favorite one (and that I own),: the zebra helios :) Nice video, cheers!
Great video man! Quick preference question for you. If both in excellent condition, would you rather have the Helios 44M or a Super Takumar 50mm 1.4 if you could only have one? Let's assume you have an adapter as well as a speed-booster to an APS-C camera. Thank you.
Hi, thanks for the question. I would go with Takumar, since it is more versatile imo. Helios have a particular look and a lot of character some scenes of Batman were filmed with Helios modified lens.
In the case of USSR lenses, you always have to remember that they can be poorly assembled. Sometimes you will choose a good one out of 5 helios. Such a (well-assembled) Helios is a great lens. :)
Hi Tomas! I'm thinking about getting Helios 2 to record my UA-cam channel: JoseTheVegan vids with, also for the character factor on my photography with the Canon M50. Thanks for the awesome review!
On my Canon 5D classic it doesn't hit the mirror. There is a good site showing vintage lens compatibility, I cannot add links here but search for "panoramaplanet lens compatibility"
@@tomaspofilms thank you for your reply. I have a takumar 55 1.8, but I want to buy a super takumar 55 F2 to try. I read on the internet that someone took a vortex bokeh with an auto takumar 55 F2. My hat is the same as yours and h&m's is also green.
Perhaps it's fairer to say the Takumar 55mm F2 lens' virtues are more subtle? For a start it was made in the Tomioka plant (not by Asahi) under contract, and they are renowned for their superb and superior lenses. There is a delicacy in the rendering of fine detail and perhaps more dimensionalty presence than with the other Taks? It is particularly good at handling lustrous reflective highlights, and the single coating's rendering has a lovely soft colour feel. It's nickname in Japan is Ma-Ki-E, means 'feeding fish', which is not a compliment. Exhibit-B the Helios- 44-2 by comparison is your drunken party bud...full of life in broad strokes and gushing with vitality, if a bit sloppy... So it's a sober Summicron to a Zeiss on vodka comparison as it were. After my first excursion out with the Tak 55 F2, I was smitten by it's charms.
@@tomaspofilms most of what you with find are those two. But I have Helios 44-2m from four different factories. In late 1978 quality dipped but they are still good to get. I also have a 44m a 44-4m, 44-7m and a few others. Thinking about picking up takumar lenses to match up with my Soviet lenses.
For me that bokeh of helios is horrible. Maybe because Í´m not a professional. Yo veo que en la telenovelas de Turquía se ven unas imágenes hermosas con un suave y bonito bokeh. Thats´s what I want.
How about made in USSR not in Russia? There were n such country as Russia back then, only USSR with 15 republics in it. At least read what's has been written on the lens.
Cool and detailed review. Looking forward to seeing more Tomas
I like the side-by-side comparison with exactly the same subject and light. That's the best way to compare lenses IMO.
Great coverage........keep them coming!
Thanks for the review. I just discovered your channel. I own a few early 44-2’s and a 44, a Biotar, a couple of Auto-Tak 55/2.2 and of course the 55/2. I love the Auto-Takumars for their build quality, handling and output. Which is why I also bought the 55/1.8, the 35/3.5 and the 135/3.5. I’m looking forward to seeing your other videos. :o)
Thanks. That is a nice collection you have. Auto-Tak 2.2 is very rare and valuable lens. How does it compare to 55 f2? I wish to get it some day.
The lenses I’ve mentioned are the tip of the iceberg. ;o)
I love my f2.2’s and they render just like the f2 version. I mentioned on your 55/2 video that I haven’t tried it out yet but looking at the images you’ve coaxed from your copy, they’re very similar. I guess that the extra light it allows with the slightly wider aperture would have its uses? Once again, thanks for sharing your thoughts. :o)
Once again, great video man!
Thnx for this vid. Seems like I really need to get myself a Takumar
The lighting in your studio is amazing! Well done, keep up the good work!
Thanks ;)
Heyyyy Marco I hope you're still finding more lenses to review!
Hi AJ, well, it's kinda hard these days, but I still have a few to showcase! ;)
The sample images you used were Very good for image comparison because it does the differences, instead of just using nice/cool photos but don’t do the job. Thanks!
For durability, quality and sharpness i'll go for auto takumar
for creative performance specially for video, i'll go for helios 44-2
I love them both.
Used helios in '70, made excellent kodachrome
Thanks for the comparison, I think Takumar 55 won my vote. Cheers!
Thanks for this video, I have ordered Takumar 55 f/2 same model on your video.
I hope you will enjoy it. I am still using mine a lot ;)
lovely. so interesting. greetings from Belgium
Nice review! Looking to upgrade my m42 kit. Also I like your name.
Thanks, I like yours too :)
I still have my Pentax spotmatic with a Super Takumar 55mm f1. 8. The sharpness and colour rendition is wonderful.
I have a Helios 44-2 58mm as well.
Nice lens as well, but radioactive.
@@tomaspofilms not radioactive according to my research, if it is, that would account for the brown spots on my hands!
@@neilpiper9889 It is only dangerous if it falls down and the glass brakes in pieces. Other than that it is safe to use. Also you might get yellow cast on the glass because of thorium, but if you leave it in UV or direct sunlight it goes away :)
@@tutangol The radio active conversation is about the Helios 44-2.
@@josethevegan8923?
Love from India bro 💕💕💕💕
I have this Helios lens for more than 10 years and just now i found out that the first aperture ring rotates
:D
Ačiū! Naudingas video!
Džiaugiuosi, kad patiko ;)
There are way more version of the helios 44-2, than only the two you mentioned. My favorite one (and that I own),: the zebra helios :) Nice video, cheers!
Ofcourse, I just metioned the ones I have ;) Zebra is a rare one. Keep it! :D
@@tomaspofilms thanks. I'll 😊
Do more man👍🏻
Will definitely do ;)
subscribed. nice video.
Please review Helios 77 vs Helios 40. Thank you
Any difference between the 55mm f2.2 Auto-Takumar black aperture ring vs. silver?
Great video man! Quick preference question for you. If both in excellent condition, would you rather have the Helios 44M or a Super Takumar 50mm 1.4 if you could only have one? Let's assume you have an adapter as well as a speed-booster to an APS-C camera. Thank you.
Hi, thanks for the question. I would go with Takumar, since it is more versatile imo. Helios have a particular look and a lot of character some scenes of Batman were filmed with Helios modified lens.
@@tomaspofilms Thanks Tomas
which is the big lens from the two?
Taku - gorgeous.
Helios - I am trying my beeest 🥴
In the case of USSR lenses, you always have to remember that they can be poorly assembled. Sometimes you will choose a good one out of 5 helios. Such a (well-assembled) Helios is a great lens. :)
Hi Tomas! I'm thinking about getting Helios 2 to record my UA-cam channel: JoseTheVegan vids with, also for the character factor on my photography with the Canon M50.
Thanks for the awesome review!
It is a great lens with a character! Good luck with your channel.
@@tomaspofilms Thank you! Likewise! :-)
What camera are you using with these lenses?
Mostly Fuji X-T3
Is this Auto Takumar ok with 5D Mark II? Doesn't hit the mirror? Does someone know?Thanks
On my Canon 5D classic it doesn't hit the mirror. There is a good site showing vintage lens compatibility, I cannot add links here but search for "panoramaplanet lens compatibility"
Be sure to wash hans well after using Takumars. They all got radioactive coating of the real lens. Alpha perticles coming from dacay wash off easily.
This one is not radioactive
Is the Takumar ☢️ radioactive? Thoriated glass?
This one is not. Super Takumar 1.4 and 1.8 are
@@tomaspofilms thank you 🙏
Does the takumar 55 f2 have the rotational bokeh of the HELIOS44-2?
No, the swirly bokeh is much more pronounced on Helios. It does have a bit of elypsoide on the edge, but nothing like Helios.
@@tomaspofilms thank you for your reply.
I have a takumar 55 1.8, but I want to buy a super takumar 55 F2 to try. I read on the internet that someone took a vortex bokeh with an auto takumar 55 F2.
My hat is the same as yours and h&m's is also green.
Perhaps it's fairer to say the Takumar 55mm F2 lens' virtues are more subtle? For a start it was made in the Tomioka plant (not by Asahi) under contract, and they are renowned for their superb and superior lenses. There is a delicacy in the rendering of fine detail and perhaps more dimensionalty presence than with the other Taks? It is particularly good at handling lustrous reflective highlights, and the single coating's rendering has a lovely soft colour feel. It's nickname in Japan is Ma-Ki-E, means 'feeding fish', which is not a compliment.
Exhibit-B the Helios- 44-2 by comparison is your drunken party bud...full of life in broad strokes and gushing with vitality, if a bit sloppy... So it's a sober Summicron to a Zeiss on vodka comparison as it were. After my first excursion out with the Tak 55 F2, I was smitten by it's charms.
The 44-2 was made in more than two factories.
As far as I know they have been produced in KMZ and VALDAI factories.
@@tomaspofilms most of what you with find are those two. But I have Helios 44-2m from four different factories. In late 1978 quality dipped but they are still good to get. I also have a 44m a 44-4m, 44-7m and a few others. Thinking about picking up takumar lenses to match up with my Soviet lenses.
I don't think they perfectly match with Helios, but I love Takumar lenses. Go for it ;)
@@tomaspofilms I guess match is the word. Always looking for new lenses to shoot with and what I can make with them.
@@tomaspofilms KMZ MMZ and VALDAI
Hello do you have a relative called. ying tong idle eye............
For me that bokeh of helios is horrible. Maybe because Í´m not a professional. Yo veo que en la telenovelas de Turquía se ven unas imágenes hermosas con un suave y bonito bokeh. Thats´s what I want.
How about made in USSR not in Russia? There were n such country as Russia back then, only USSR with 15 republics in it. At least read what's has been written on the lens.