At Cine Gear 2022, we had the prospect to place our arms on an upgraded version of the Helios 44-2 MKII rehousing by IronGlass. In comparison with the unique model, the lens barrel now options a greater general construct high quality, an inner focusing system, and smoother rings. The IronGlass MKII Improve Program is presently accessible for current prospects.
A couple of years in the past, we reported a couple of re-housed model of the Helios 44-2, a classic lens from the Soviet period. The corporate behind this cine-mod is IronGlass, a classic lens rehousing firm from Ukraine, that has lately been engaged on a Mark II model of this rehousing.
At Cine Gear 2022, my colleague Graham ran into Peter Choi, a classic lens fanatic who occurred to be testing the primary last prototype of this rehousing to succeed in the US soil. Though Peter doesn’t work for IronGlass, he’s a kind-hearted buyer prepared to assist out the corporate throughout these tough occasions of battle. Let’s have a look.
IronGlass Helios 44-2 MKII rehousing: enhancements
Regardless of the misleading identify, the Helios 44-2 is a 58mm f/2 full-frame classic lens that comes with a local M42 mount. The lens is thought for producing a peculiar swirly-style bokeh. Nonetheless, its authentic design shouldn’t be actually appropriate for video capturing, thus a rehousing can come in useful.
We sat down with Peter to be taught extra concerning the developments over the unique model. In keeping with him, the general construct high quality has been improved and the lens now options smoother focus and iris rings. Additionally, it now comes with an inner focusing mechanism. This implies the size of the barrel doesn’t change when focusing, thus making certain compatibility with clip-on matte containers.
Peter’s lens sports activities a sturdy PL mount. Nonetheless, by way of the corporate’s MKII Improve Program, it’s also possible to go for a Canon EF lens mount. Additionally, it seems to be like you possibly can select between a matte black or vivid white end, imperial or metric focus markings, in addition to commonplace, amber, or purple coatings.
Worth and availability
The IronGlass MKII Improve Program affords current prospects the advantages of this upgraded rehousing. The price of the operation could be $1,900 per lens (doesn’t embody the value of the donor optics). Nonetheless, current prospects who’ve already positioned an order for the unique MKI housing can improve now for $950 per piece.
Lastly, Peter Choi advised us he’s presently renting out his lenses with the MKI rehousing in Singapore and can donate 100% of the revenue to assist IronGlass throughout these difficult occasions. For those who’d like to offer your assist too, the Donation for Ukraine web page remains to be up on the corporate’s web site.
Have you ever ever shot on the Helios 44-2? What do you consider this upgraded rehousing by IronGlass? Tell us your ideas within the remark part beneath!
