Can anyone identify this M42 lens from its appearance and markings?
Asked 3/19/2016
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2 answers
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I found an old M42-mount prime lens in a box. The front name ring is missing, so there’s no maker or model shown. The lens appears functional: focus and aperture rings turn smoothly, it is marked f/2–16, and the minimum focus distance is 0.5 m. Based on its shape and markings, what lens is it likely to be? Also, does it look like any part is missing from the front?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
12
Just based on visual comparison, this lens appears to be a Helios 44M-4 58mm f/2-16. From the images you linked to, it appears that part of the lens is missing. In the 2nd image, around the lens barrel you can see what appears to be front element retaining clamps or springs.
(Helios 44M-x Lenses, in order: 44M-4, 44M-5, 44M-6, 44M-7)
How I found it: I just searched M42lens.com, specified a max aperture of ƒ/2. Only 43 results came back, which only took 2 minutes to quickly scan the images of the results for a match.
Followup: There are several Helios 44 variants out there, and a lot of these lenses have been produced (it is one of the most produced lens family ever). Using this thread at mflenses.com, and the fact your lens has 6 aperture blades and max aperture ƒ/2, your lens could only possibly be one of: 44M-4, 44M-5, 44M-6, 44M-7, or 44-7.
- Maximum aperture of ƒ/2 eliminates the Helios 77M family of lenses (max. aperture of ƒ/1.8).
- Number of aperture blades (6): eliminates everything but the 44M-4, 44M-5, 44M-6, 44M-7, and 44-7 lenses.
- Some of the MC (multicoated) versions of some of the 44M-x lenses have distinctly different focus- and aperture-ring grooves than the non-MC versions. However, there are MC versions that have identical appearance to the non-MC versions.
- The 44M-7 pictured above does not have the hyperfocal distance "window" that your first picture has.
Originally by user11924. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11924
10y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Based on the appearance, markings, and specs, it is most likely a Helios 44M-series 58mm f/2, probably a Helios 44M-4 or a close variant. The f/2–16 range, 0.5 m minimum focus distance, M42 mount, and overall barrel design match that family well.
One community answer also noted that the front of the lens appears incomplete: the name ring/front trim piece seems to be missing, and the visible parts near the front may be retaining clips or springs around the front element. So while the focus and aperture may still work, the lens may not be fully intact cosmetically and could have a missing front retaining or decorative ring.
There were many Helios 44 versions made, so without the front ring or clearer engravings it’s hard to confirm the exact sub-model from photos alone. But “Helios 44M 58mm f/2” is the most likely identification.
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