Last year, I got my Helios 44-2 lens to keep myself occupied during the UK's first covid lockdown. I have previously written about this lens several times before and have loved the results. However, on this occasion, I found the resulting photographs a bit hit or miss.

Despite its name, this is a 58mm lens made in the former Soviet Union. Unfortunately, you'll need an adapter with a current DSLR or Mirrorless camera because the lens is an outdated m42 mount lens.
So, is the lens epic? No, but it is inexpensive; examples can be obtained on eBay for £35; mine has a few scuffs and scrapes, as one would expect from a lens that is 30-40 years old.

Is it, therefore, epic? Not at all. You don't buy this lens for its incredible sharpness or colour rendition; it's a mixed bag. It's really soft, especially around the edges, but that's where the magic begins. The creamy, swirly background bokeh is lovely for specific topics. So, if you choose the subjects you photograph carefully, you will be delighted with the results.

Below are some photographs from my recent shoot, plus a Youtube video from the channel with a bit of a background on some of the photos seen here.