Gear Announcements
Russian Lensmaker Zenit Announces New Helios 40-2 85mm F/1.5
In the world of vintage lenses, not many lenses enjoy quite the popularity of the Helios 40-2 85mm F/1.5. A Russian manufacturer is hoping to capitalize on that popularity with the announcement of a new, updated version of the lens.
According to the information I have been able to find, the lens is an updated version of the original Helios 40-2, though what exactly has been updated is not clear. I was able to find some translated specs below:
- Focal length: 85mm.
- Relative aperture: max 1:1.5 | min: 1:22.
- Dissipation factor: no more than 0.03
- Transmittance: not less than 0.75
- Working distance: 46.5mm
- Nikon bayonet
- Field of view: 28°
- Focusing range: 0.8 to “∞”
- Dimensions: 82mm x 96mm (without caps)
- Weight: 800g (without caps)
The original Helios 40-2 has been a really popular lens for filmmakers, but has also been gaining some notoriety in the photography world as well. Its bokeh at F/1.5 is legendary and it is commonly referred to as one of the most desireable vintage lenses to adapt for mirrorless cameras these days.
[REWIND: 3 Canon FD Lenses Mirrorless Shooters Should Consider]
This new updated version of the lens will be available for around ~$400 on Amazon or Ebay, and is currently available in the Nikon F Mount. You can also get a Canon version with an adapter, as well as an M43 screw mount version – but no prices are available yet on those.
[via Nikon Rumors]
I have a Helios 44-2 58mm f/2.0 and it’s an amazing lens. Someone used to crack nuts with that lens before, but it still works flawlessly and is tack sharp.
Since it doesn’t say, am I to assume that this is manual focus only?
Yeah, manual focus only. The original is stop down metering only. I’m not sure if they added auto aperture on this model or not. I would venture to guess that aperture indexing is probably the main (if not only) update.