WIP Magnetic Swirl Mask & Front Aperture System for Helios 44-2

This project is a magnetic, non-destructive front clamp system for the Helios 44-2, designed to hold interchangeable front aperture plates and swirl / bokeh masks.
All parts are fully 3D printable and the system requires no permanent modification to the lens.

The design uses embedded neodymium magnets to allow fast, repeatable snap-on mounting of different optical plates while keeping alignment consistent.

The system consists of two main component types:

Magnetic Lens Clamp Ring

This is the main clamp that mounts onto the front of the lens and provides the magnetic interface.

• Clamps around the lens front using a tightening screw

• Houses embedded magnets for attaching optical plates

• Non-marring and fully reversible

Magnetic Optical Plates

Interchangeable snap-on plates that attach magnetically to the clamp ring.

Examples:

• Fixed front aperture plates

• Swirl / bokeh enhancement masks

• Experimental pupil masks

Each plate uses matching magnets to ensure proper alignment and a secure snap fit.

For the Magnetic Lens Clamp Ring

• 3 × Neodymium magnets

  • Ø8 mm diameter

  • 1.7 mm thickness

• 1 × Heat-set threaded insert

  • For M3 screw

• 1 × M3 bolt

  • Length: long enough to reach from the thin clamp tab into the threaded insert in the thicker clamp body

• CA glue (cyanoacrylate / super glue)

Assembly notes

• Glue each magnet into its dedicated slot using one small drop of CA glue

• Pay close attention to magnet polarity

  • All three magnets must be oriented the same way

  • Test-fit against a plate magnet before gluing

• Install the heat-set insert according to the filament manufacturer’s temperature recommendations

For Each Magnetic Optical Plate

• 3 × Neodymium magnets

  • Ø8 mm diameter

  • 1.7 mm thickness

• CA glue (cyanoacrylate / super glue)

Assembly notes

• Glue magnets into the plate using a small drop of CA glue per magnet

• Magnet polarity is critical

  • Ensure the plate magnets attract (not repel) the magnets in the clamp ring

  • Dry-fit and mark orientation before gluing

Recommended

The Magnetic Lens Clamp Ring should be printed in a slightly flexible material to allow safe clamping without stressing the lens:

• PETG (recommended)

• ABS

• Nylon

Not recommended

Avoid stiff or brittle filaments for the clamp ring:

• PLA

• Carbon fiber–filled filaments

• Glass fiber–filled filaments

These materials are too rigid and may:

• crack during clamping

• fail to grip evenly

• risk cosmetic damage to the lens

Optical plates can be printed in stiffer materials if desired, but matte black filament is recommended to reduce internal reflections.

Notes & Tips

• Blackening the inside surfaces (marker or matte paint) can further reduce reflections

• Always test magnet orientation before gluing

• The system is designed for experimentation, feel free to design your own plates using the same magnetic interface