Vintage Charm: The MIR-1 37mm F2.8 USSR Wide Angle Lens, First Model
Vintage Charm: The MIR-1 37mm F2.8 USSR Wide Angle Lens, First Model
I recently had the opportunity to experiment with a vintage MIR f2.8 USSR lens while capturing the streets of Cyprus. The results were stunning. This lens added a unique character and feeling to my photographs, making them sharper and more contrasty compared to photos taken with other lenses. I was impressed with its ability to capture the atmosphere and essence of the island.
The first model of this lens was produced by KMZ for early Zenit cameras with an M39 lens mount. It is the widest lens available for those cameras and has a silver body. The lens has a preset aperture control, ranging from f/2.8 to f/16, and focuses to 0.7m. It also has an M49×0.5 filter thread. Many examples of this lens, as well as those made by ZOMZ, are engraved with the words “GRAND PRIX” Brussels 1958. This prize at the Brussels World’s Fair was awarded to a set of lenses, not just the Mir-1.
