Comparison
Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 vs Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7
The Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 is a 58mm f/2 M42 lens made 1958-1992, valued at $25 to $130 used. The Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7 is a 55mm f/1.7 Minolta SR (MC) lens made 1968-1973, valued at $30 to $120 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 | Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 58 mm | 55 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 | f/1.7 |
| Native mount | M42 | Minolta SR (MC) |
| Production years | 1958-1992 | 1968-1973 |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 4 groups, Double Gauss (Zeiss Biotar copy) | 6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss |
| Typical used value | $55 | $60 |
| Value range | $25 to $130 | $30 to $120 |
| Adapts to | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount |
What actually differs
- The Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7 is 0.5 stops faster: f/1.7 against f/2.
- The Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 is cheaper. Typical used value is $55 against $60, a gap of $5. Ranges: $25 to $130 versus $30 to $120.
- The Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 is longer at 58mm against 55mm, a 3mm difference that tightens framing slightly and increases background magnification.
- The Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 is the older design; production began around 1958 against 1968 for the Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7 (1958-1992 versus 1968-1973).
- They use different mounts, M42 and Minolta SR (MC), so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
- Construction differs: 6 elements in 4 groups for the Helios 44-2 58mm f/2, 6 elements in 5 groups for the Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7.
Which one to buy
Choose the Helios 44-2 58mm f/2 for the $5 lower typical price. Choose the Minolta MC Rokkor-PF 55mm f/1.7 for the 0.5 stops of extra speed. Rendering differs too: read the character notes below, because speed and price are the only advantages the catalog data can settle.
Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.
Full reference pages
Mount references: M42 and Minolta SR