At the same time, the chemical composition of the optics coating changed from violet to golden yellow. In the late 60s, Helios-44 (m39) continued to be produced in Belarus at the BelOMO production association. In the same 1962, the Helios-44 lens for the Start camera also reduced the number of petals to nine. These lenses were equipped with Zenit-3M cameras in 1962-70. The third Helios-44 completely repeats the previous one, but the number of aperture blades was changed - they were reduced to 9. It already had a threaded mount for M39 optics and a classic layout of controls. The second Helios-44 served as a standard lens for Zenit-3 SLR cameras in 1960-62. The workmanship was of a very high standard. The aperture control ring was placed on the back of the lens and switched in steps. The lens had a unique bayonet mount optics, 'jumping' diaphragm and 13 aperture blades. The first Helios-44 was equipped with a Start reflex camera, starting in 1958. This optical phenomenon gives images rendered by these vintage lenses a distinct character, which has created a cult following among fine art photographers.

The bokeh 'circles' become more elliptical in shape as you move away from the center of the photo. As all lenses based on the Biotar formula, the Helios-44 and Helios-40 produce an unusual 'swirly' bokeh effect to the out-of-focus background. The Helios-44 and Helios-40 are derivatives of the Carl Zeiss Biotar optical formula. Some later Helios models were built also for the Pentax K mount.

They were usually supplied with Zenit cameras and thus usable with other M42 lens mount cameras such as the Pentax Spotmatic. Helios ( Russian: Ге́лиос) was a brand of camera lenses, made in the USSR. Helios 81M 53mm f/2 lens mounted on Kiev 19

Helios 44 2 swirly bokeh