Lens · prime
Helios 40-2 85mm f/1.5
KMZ · 1969-1990
Soviet 85mm f/1.5 portrait lens derived from the Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 1.5/75 (zenitcamera.com): 6 elements in 4 groups, 10 aperture blades, 0.8m minimum focus, 67mm filter thread, 900g.
- Focal length
- 85mm
- Max aperture
- f/1.5
- Mount
- M42 Screw
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 6 / 4
Known for
- Portraits
- Creative photography
- Adapted video use
Considerations
- Very heavy (1,185g with tripod ring)
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Bokeh: Extreme swirl - most pronounced of any lens
Rendering: Dreamlike, ethereal, unique
Colour: Warm, vintage character
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
Helios 40 (original)
from 1956
M39 mount, preset aperture
Helios 40-2
c.1969-1990; resumed from 2012
M42 mount, preset aperture, tripod collar
Helios 40 was made from 1956; Helios 40-2 (M42, tripod collar) from about 1969-70 to 1990, with production resumed in August 2012. Listed weight is 1,185g (other figures of 900-950g are quoted without the tripod ring; the post-2012 lens is 850g).
Common issues
- Focus ring grease stiffness
- Aperture oil
Buying guide
Check the focus helicoid is smooth and the aperture is free of oil. The 0.8m minimum focus applies to some versions; others focus to 1.15m.
Specifications
| Mount | M42 Screw |
| Focal Length | 85mm |
| Max Aperture | f/1.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 10 |
| Min Focus | 0.8m |
| Filter Size | 67mm |
| Weight | 1185g |
Optical design
| Formula | Double Gauss |
| Elements | 6 |
| Groups | 4 |
| Coating | Single Coated |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £150 - £350
- Mint
- ~£500
Indicative, no dated source.