M42
    Prime
    Full frame

    Helios 135mm f/2.8 MC Automatic

    4.8
    (30 reviews)
    Optical: 4.8
    Mechanical: 4.8
    Value: 4.8
    Focal Length
    135mm
    Aperture
    f/2.8-22
    Mount
    M42
    Weight
    332g
    Helios 135mm f/2.8 MC Automatic is a manual focus prime lens for full frame cameras.

    Optical design

    Has 6 aperture blades, this number of blades are commonly used. Having rounded blades provides out of focus circle shape closer to a circle. Bright lens thanks to the high aperture value

    Physical characteristics

    Weights 332 grams so plan ahead, carry only if really necessary. With a lens filter diameter of 52 mm commonly filter size, presents numerous filter possibilities. 73 mm long, requires consideration if you want to carry in the camera bag.

    Helios 135mm f/2.8 MC Automatic purchase historyTrending up +5.6%/mo

    eBay Price HistoryeBay Auction (high-low)Linear trend

    Prices are firming up around 5.6% per month across 16 months of tracked sales — fair value today, not a guaranteed investment.

    Fair value (90-day)
    $247.50
    Don't exceed (P75)
    $248.25
    All-time low
    $13.00
    Latest sale
    $60.00

    Best deals

    239 of 474 tracked sales (50%) closed at or under the $247.50 fair value.

    • Apr 8, 2024$13.00$-234.50 / typical
    • Dec 23, 2024$23.00$-224.50 / typical
    • Dec 23, 2024$24.00$-223.50 / typical
    • Aug 14, 2024$25.00$-222.50 / typical
    • Dec 16, 2024$28.00$-219.50 / typical

    eBay Auctions

    Technical Specifications

    Optical
    Focal Length135mm
    Aperturef/2.8-22
    Min Focus Distance1.5m
    FocusingManual Focus
    Physical
    Weight332g
    Length73mm
    Filter Thread52mm
    MountM42
    FormatFull frame

    Reviews

    Excellent value, widely available. A no-brainer!5.0/5

    Excellent value, widely available. A no-brainer! All lenses in the Helios 44M series are known to be spectacular value for the money, giving images a great deal of character due in large part from the highly sought-after swirly bokeh. In the case of the 44M-4, the lens is better known for its more desirable contrast and sharpness, while the 44M-2 is better known for the quality of the "swirl" in the bokeh. Still, though, you can never go wrong with either of these lenses, whether you're shooting on APS-C or FF, though the evidence of swirl will be less prominent on the former. Build quality is second-to-none; if you get the right copy, the focus ring is smooth as silk, the aperture ring clicks nicely at each stop, and the compact size of the lens makes it all the better. You'll see some softness wide open from both members of the series as expected, and considering the issues of quality control during the many years of manufacturing, each lens tends to offer different results. Nonetheless, as iterated previously, the character provided by these lenses is truly astonishing. Simply put: both models are must buys!Read full review

    Fantastic piece of equipment5.0/5

    Fantastic piece of equipment Awesome image quality. The way the lens handles light can get you some really sick shots. The microcontrast is fantastic.Can be a bit hard to figure out exposure with the aperture not being electronic at all, you'll have to figure out your lens' native aperture, and the manual focusing can be hard with larger apertures so you'll want to make sure to get an adapter with focus confirmation but once you get used to it it's not too bad and totally worth it. Definitely a great buy for $50.

    Top tier soviet design with beautiful image characteristics.5.0/5

    Top tier soviet design with beautiful image characteristics. Rigid build quality on this all metal lens. Center sharpness at max. aperture is incredible considering the age, corners fall off quickly, but the out of focus qualities of this lens are what make it so special. Beautiful colour rendition. Great for creative use/shooting in a more painterly style.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the Helios 135mm f/2.8 MC Automatic?

    Helios 135mm f/2.8 MC Automatic is a camera lens with 135mm focal length, a maximum aperture of f/2.8/22, for the M42 mount, supporting the Full frame format, weighing 332g.

    What mount is the Helios 135mm f/2.8 MC Automatic compatible with?

    Helios 135mm f/2.8 MC Automatic uses a M42 mount and supports the Full frame format.

    How much does the Helios 135mm f/2.8 MC Automatic cost?

    Based on recent eBay sold listings the Helios 135mm f/2.8 MC Automatic typically sells for around $13.00. Actual prices vary with condition and seller.

    Is the Helios 135mm f/2.8 MC Automatic a good lens?

    Helios 135mm f/2.8 MC Automatic has a community rating of 4.8/5 from 30 review(s).

    Which lenses are similar to the Helios 135mm f/2.8 MC Automatic?

    Similar lenses include Amicam 135mm f/2.8 Multi-Coated 135T, Astron 135mm f/2.8, Eyemik 135mm f/1.8 Auto Multi-Coated.

    Current Pricing

    Latest Price
    Price on request
    Find on eBay

    Review Summary

    Overall Rating
    4.7
    Optical4.8/5
    Mechanical4.8/5
    Value4.8/5
    Based on 69 reviewers

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