Vintage Projector Lens

I’ve delved into the world of vintage lenses, and the obsession is certainly taking hold! There’s something magical about the character and uniqueness these lenses can bring to an image. I recently purchased the Helios 92mm f2 Projector lens and I finally got to try it out today!

Now, I’m typically someone who prefers shooting in the late afternoon when the golden hour light is just right. But today, timing had other plans, and we were on a morning schedule instead. I was a little hesitant at first, as it was getting quite late, but the light was still soft and filtering through the trees, and there was some haze hanging about as well. So, I decided to go ahead and experiment with the Helios.

The Helios 92mm f2 is a modified projector lens with a fixed aperture. I normally shoot wide open, so this isn’t something I’m concerned about. Shooting wide open gives a distinct personality—one that’s all about dreamy aesthetics. The images were definitely softer than the sharp precision I’m used to with my Canon lenses, but I guess that’s part of the fun. It’s not about technical perfection with this lens; it’s about embracing the unique qualities it brings to my shots. Being a manual focus lens also brought its own challenges, as did controlling/utilizing the flare with this lens.

This lens will be great for women’s portraiture; I would love to photograph a maternity session with it! There’s something inherently flattering about the way it renders skin. It’s a gentleness that I rarely get from modern lenses, where sharpness and contrast are often prioritized above all else. For portraits, this lens has the potential to make your subject look more ethereal. I did no skin retouching in these images.

Another feature I couldn’t help but play around with is the bokeh. It’s not the perfectly round, smooth blur you get from some other lenses, but instead, it has a character all its own, adding a layer of visual interest and mood to the image.

Overall, I think the Helios 92mm f2 is a lens that, when used in the right conditions, can create truly captivating images. It won’t be a lens for every situation, but when the light is just right and I’m looking for something that feels a bit more nostalgic and full of character, it will be a fantastic tool. Its faults are what produce photos that just can’t be replicated with a modern lens, and once I learn how to really use these to my advantage (and grapple with the manual focus!), I think I will be able to create some magical portraits.

In the end, this vintage lenses offer a refreshing departure from the technical perfection of my L-series lenses. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the beauty of an image doesn’t come from being perfectly sharp or flawless—it comes from the unique qualities that give it life and personality. I’m looking forward to having another play with it!

Camera – Canon R6 mark ii

Lens purchased from an Australia eBay shop, nothing but great things to say about this seller Items for sale by njbmods | eBay

Green shirt from DeadSet Designs

Model – Sage Potter