The best Soviet lenses: photos, history

2024 Author: Sierra Becker | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-26 03:46

With the advent of digital cameras, anyone can take an infinite number of their own pictures from any angle. However, pretty soon, lovers of capturing beautiful moments realized that for good work (except for sheer enthusiasm) they need a decent camera with decent optics, and not a soap dish with a plastic lens. Therefore, the fashion for the purchase of professional or semi-professional devices gradually came. But then it turned out that the lenses on them cost a lot of money, which most amateur enthusiasts simply do not have. An alternative has been found. It was the old Soviet lenses, which, it turned out, can still be shot on cool modern cameras. Let's look at the best of them, which can still be safely used today when going on a photo hunt.

A little about the history of the development of Soviet photographic equipment

Before considering the best Soviet lenses, it's worth a little study of their history. With the advent of the USSR, this country becametry to produce their own unique equipment, among which were cameras. However, as it was in other areas, in most cases, Soviet lenses and devices for them were copied from successful foreign counterparts. It's sad, but it's true. The first models of pre-war cameras were equipped with built-in optics. Only in the thirties came the fashion for removable lenses.

One of the very first cameras with such optics was the legendary FED of 1934 with the lens of the same name. This design was purely "borrowed" from the German small-format rangefinder camera Leica II.

The next significant achievement in this area was the Komsomolets twin-lens camera, produced from 1946 to 1951 (a copy of the German Voigtländer Brilliant). Unlike the FED, this device had non-removable optics - these were T-21 f 6, 3/80 mm lenses of the "Triplet" type. But "Moscow-2" (Super Ikonta C 531/2 from Zeiss Ikon) already had a detachable lens "Industar-23" 4.5/110 mm.

The next couple of years there were no special advances in the creation of Soviet optics and cameras, but only well-known models of world brands or earlier copies were copied. By the way, in this way "Komsomolets" became "Amateur", and FED - "Vigilant".

In 1951-1956, a small-format rangefinder camera "Zorkiy-3" (Leica III) appeared on the market, for which detachable lenses "Jupiter-8" 2/50 and"Jupiter-17" 2/50). In parallel, in 1952-1956. a small-format single-lens reflex "Zenith" was invented and produced, created on the basis of the rangefinder "Zorkiy", but much more perfect, as at that time. For this, no doubt, achievements were used by such Soviet lenses as "Industar-22" 3, 5/50 and "Industar-50" 3, 5/50.

The next success in this area was the modernized conversion of "Zorkiy-3S" into the apparatus "Zorkiy-4" (1956-1973). At that time it was the most popular model, which for many years remained the best in its series. As a rule, "Zorkiy-4" was equipped with such Soviet mirror lenses as "Jupiter-8" 2/50 and "Industar-50" 3, 5/50. There is also evidence that a separate series of devices was equipped with a Jupiter-17 2/50 lens. Most likely, these were the copies that were produced in the year of the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of Soviet power.

In the post-war period, many new models began to be produced in the country based on old ones or borrowed from the decaying West. In fairness, it should be noted that domestic minds tried to introduce their own ideas into such devices. However, often the leadership hampered these initiatives. The main reason was, of course, money. After all, developing something yourself is longer and more expensive than stealing an already finished idea.

For all of us, the main thing is the fact that from the second halffifties, most of the new models in the Union were equipped with interchangeable optics. And this means that several enterprises specializing in the production of photographic lenses have appeared in the country. So this period was a turning point in the history of Soviet photo-optics, since now it has gained a certain independence.

Main lens lines in the USSR

Although a lot of photo optics were produced over the following years, only a few brands gained the most popularity.

• "Jupiter". This type of lens was originally copied from the German CZJSonnar back in 1949. In total, over the years of the USSR, about two hundred models of such optics were developed. Moreover, their purpose was very different. Fast Soviet Jupiter lenses, as a rule, were copied from the most successful CZJ Sonnar models and fit most cameras such as Kyiv, Salyut, Narcissus, Leningrad, Zorkiy, etc. It is worth noting that that the mounts (thread size) of such optics were different, as were the manufacturers.
• Another type of Soviet lenses, which is familiar to almost everyone, is "Industar" (name from "industrialization" + fashionable European suffix -ar). In total, there were a little more than a hundred models in this line, which were produced at completely different enterprises of the USSR. The main distinguishing feature of such devices was their optical design, consisting of four lenses, two of which were glued together. For the most part, such lenses were put on cameras of brandsZenit, FED, Neva, Sport, Moscow, Zarya, Salyut, etc.
• Helios was also known throughout the country. The optics of this brand were installed not only on cameras, but also on movie cameras, used in aerial photography, etc. Most of the Helios consisted of six lenses in four groups, although there were also lenses for seven lenses. A little more than one hundred and twenty models were produced in this line, which could be installed on the same cameras as the Industar, since the mount type for this optics was identical.

• Slightly less numerous was the line of Soviet wide-angle lenses "Mir". They were released more than seventy models. Similar devices could be placed on the same cameras as those listed above. Although there were exceptions to this rule. For example, "Mir 1-A" had a replaceable adapter tail, which made it possible to install it on devices with other types of thread.
• But "Kaleinar" is a series of rather rare lenses for Soviet cameras, which was not numerous. Their optical system consisted of four lenses in four components. This miracle was produced at the Arsenal plant in Kiev, and only two models of the line were available for free sale: Kaleinar-3 and Kaleinar-5. Due to the special types of mounts ("B" and "C"), this optics could only be installed on Kyiv-6S devices,"Kyiv-60" ("B"), as well as to "Salyut", "Salyut-S" and "Kyiv-88" ("C").
• Don't forget about the "Tair" line of telephoto lenses. Such optics were not installed on ready-made devices, but were sold separately as interchangeable small-format single-lens reflex cameras. Their interesting feature can be considered that the models with the letter "A" in the name came with adapters. Thus, "Tair" could be put on most cameras with different types of mounts, which led to its prevalence. The remaining types of such Soviet SLR lenses had a clear mount size: either "B" or "C".
• Another small line of photo optics of the USSR - "Ruby". This was the name of the series with a variable focal length. The apparatus was copied from the Voigtländer Zoomar. As for mounting, most models had a rare "C" or "Automatic" mount, so they could only be mounted on a limited number of cameras: "Zenith-4", "Zenith-5", "Zenith-6" ("C"), "Kyiv-10" and "Kyiv-15" ("Automatic").
• It is also worth highlighting such a family of lenses as "Zenitar". Unlike all of the above, the optics of this brand are produced in the Russian Federation to this day. The "Zanitar" in the lineup has both lenses with a normal focal length, as well as wide-angle, telephoto and zoom models.distance.

Can lenses from old cameras be used on modern cameras?

Having de alt with the lines of the best Soviet lenses, it is worth finding out which ones can still be used today. Theoretically, almost everything, because most film cameras from the times of the USSR are still in working order. So you can put the film on and shoot whatever you want. Moreover, some photo artists today, yearning for retro, put aside digital cameras and take out their Soviet ancestors.

However, there are only a few such eccentric enthusiasts, but most photo lovers are quite satisfied with good digital equipment, on which, by the way, Soviet optics can really be used. But to connect this miracle, you need to use special adapters, since most mastodon photo optics have different mounts from those on modern Nikons, Kenons, Olympuses or Sony (the most popular brands of digital devices).

What adapters are used for old photo optics

Although there are many types of adapters for Soviet lenses today (thanks to the hardworking Chinese), most often you have to deal with three of them, each of which is designed for a certain type of mount:

• Adapter for optics with M39 thread.
• H. mount
• Adapter to M42.

The latter is one of the most common. Therefore, it can be used to connectthe predominant majority of Soviet lenses. M42 is perfect for almost all modern Nikon and Kenon models. In addition to the diameter of the mount, adapters also differ in their additional functions. So, the simplest of them are ordinary metal rings that allow you to screw the optics to the camera.

More expensive models are usually equipped with anti-reflective glass, the main task of which (contrary to the assurances of many sellers) is to prevent dust and factory grease accumulated over the years from getting into the digital device. Adapters with chips are considered the coolest. They allow you to automate the work of retro-optics at least a little. Here, for each line of cameras, separate rings have been developed, adapted to the mechanics. However, the speed and maneuverability of their work is still inferior to modern analogues.

You can buy any of the adapters in any more or less serious photo equipment store or via the Internet. Also, many craftsmen make such accessories with their own hands. That's just it is long and too laborious, while the simplest rings like M42 or M39 cost mere pennies.

How to attach vintage optics?

To connect Soviet lenses to Nikon, Kenon, Olympus, Sony or other modern devices, you need to do a number of simple steps:

• First of all, turn off the camera (and who would have thought that some might forget about this).
• Next, you need to screw the adapter to the optics, whichmust first be cleaned of dust, grease and other contaminants. By the way, it is better to use special cloths or kits for this.
• Then the native optics are removed from the camera. As a rule, for this you need to press a button near the mount and unscrew the lens. In any case, you must first study the instructions (despite the fact that our national tradition prescribes reading this Talmud only in case of a breakdown).
• The last action is the actual installation of the Soviet lens on Nikon, Kenon, Sony, etc. To do this, you need to find a red or white dot on the adapter and, comparing it with a similar mark on the camera itself, screw in the optics. Now we turn on the device in the "M" mode and use the device.

Pros of using retro-optics on modern cameras

As you can see from the previous section, connecting Soviet photo optics to digital devices is a simple matter. In addition, the use of such equipment has a number of advantages:

• First and foremost is the price. So, Soviet lenses for Nikon and Canon are several times cheaper than their modern counterparts.
• In addition to being cheap, the optics have excellent glass, which allows you to take very clear pictures that do not deform and stretch at the edges, as happens when working with plastic substitutes.
• For such devices, the lens system, as a rule, has been tested for years and allows you to achieve excellentresults.
• Another advantage of using Soviet lenses for Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc. is their durability. Most of them are made of almost indestructible metal. By the way, that's why they weigh twice as much as their modern versions.
• In addition, this optics is designed to work in manual mode, which means that the wheels and running parts are made as comfortable and durable as possible.

Disadvantages of Soviet photo optics when used on modern cameras

However, the use of Soviet lenses for Canon, Nikon, Sony, etc. has its drawbacks, and they are quite significant:

• First of all, this is the old age of technology. A good half of her is older than the photographers who use her, or at least the same age. And this means that the possibility that it will be worn out and quickly fail (despite the vaunted Soviet quality) is very high.
• In addition, it is worth remembering that most lenses were designed for black and white photography, which means that when working with color, they can give a more faded picture. Although, with the capabilities of modern Photoshop, these are trifles.
• Another major drawback is the workmanship. Remembering the history of the photographic industry in the USSR, we see that the vast majority of everything that was produced in this area was actually stolen from other countries. However, to avoid anyone noticing, minimal cosmetic changes were often made. And based on the amount of marriage (which the Indestructible was so famous for), we can conclude that some of the lenses werenot made according to GOST, which means that the quality of the photos will leave much to be desired. So, when buying used optics made in USSR, you can turn out to be exactly the minion of fate who will get a defective copy.

If the previous reasons concerned the state of the lenses, then it is worth listing the negative features of their work. First of all, this is that they can only be photographed in manual mode and nothing else ("M"). Of course, rings with chips theoretically allow the Soviet miracle to connect to modern electronics and somehow interact with it, but it will still be significantly worse than when using native optics. So, having decided to work with manual Soviet lenses, it is important to prepare for manual labor and the need to independently configure all the functions in the camera. On the other hand, most professionals even with cool modern optics work like that. Therefore, shooting with Soviet lenses can be an excellent school and a test of shutter speed for beginners. So it's worth a try, especially since in case of failure you can always put your native automated lens back

What categories are photo optics made in USSR divided into

Having de alt with the history, advantages and disadvantages of retro-optics, it is worth moving on to considering which Soviet lens is better to use and for what. So, you can distribute photo optics into different categories, but it is best to do this by focal length (this is the distance from the optic althe center of the lens to the sensor, where a sharp image of the object is formed, measured in millimeters). Among such equipment, it is easiest to single out the most common three types:

• Wide-angle is an optic in which the focal length is shorter than normal. This feature makes it great for landscape photography.
• Portrait telephoto lenses are designed for close-up photography.
• Telephoto lenses are a type of telephoto lens designed to make the frame and the entire lens shorter than its focal length.

The best Soviet portrait lenses

In this category, five models of optics from the times of the USSR are considered the most-most:

• First of all, this is "Helios 44/2" with a focal length (f) of two. His device allows you to create in the pictures your favorite bokeh. In other words, the whole unsightly background is blurred with bizarre circles. However, learning how to focus this miracle on what is needed will take a lot of sweat.
• Another "Helios", which is considered one of the best in its category, is the model 40-2. By the way, that is why it is still produced in Russia, although it is inferior to Western counterparts. This equipment is able to create even brighter bokeh, as its focal length (f) is only 1.5. It is designed for portrait and street photography. "Helios 40-2" is able to create a three-dimensional and plastic picture, as well as provide a soft drawing of details without gaps and dips in the shadows.

• "Jupiter-37A" has a diaphragm of twelve petals. Like Helios, it perfectly blurs the background when the aperture is open. By the way, so that there is no blur in the finished image due to hand shake, it is best to shoot with this lens at shutter speeds less than 1/200.
• Kindred of the 37th "Jupiter-9" has an even greater number of aperture blades - fifteen. Thanks to this, such optics create bright and clear portraits. By the way, this copy is almost completely copied from Carl Zeiss Sonnar 85/2.
• And the last among the best portrait lenses of the Soviet era - "Tair-11A". It was designed for group portrait photography. It has even more aperture blades - twenty. Therefore, the bokeh in the blurred background of this device comes out the best among those listed.

It is worth noting that all the mentioned optics are perfect not only for photography, but also for video. So, many modern cameras are capable of working in video camera mode, and the ability of the listed Soviet lenses to beautifully blur the background helps to create an unusually romantic effect when shooting clips. By the way, along with all the mentioned optics, you can use macro rings, which will allow you to create excellent shots of small details.

Best Wide Angle Lenses

There aren't too many examples of good hardware in this category. Perhaps because at one time it was much less in demand than portrait optics. So let's considerthe best Soviet wide-angle lenses:

• Zenitar-N is a so-called "fisheye" because its field of view is almost 180 degrees.
• His relative - "Zenitar MS" - is still being produced. Despite the obsolescence, it is perfect for those who want to get their hands on portrait photography. However, for more serious work in the future, it is worth saving up and buying something more modern.
• But the old Mir-20M can still take great photos. Most often it is used for shooting architectural works and landscapes. Its feature is high sharpness over the entire area of the frame.

Telephoto lenses

As for telephoto lenses, their list is very short, since in Soviet times they were rare and very expensive:

The most famous and successful in this category is still considered "Telezenitar-K". He just has an excellent aperture ratio and a built-in lens hood (protection from glare). It belongs to those sharp Soviet lenses with which you can photograph landscapes and objects from afar. It also proved itself well for shooting at various events if the subject is at a great distance. The main disadvantage of such optics is the lack of an image stabilizer. Because of this, it's best to use a tripod for shooting, as hand-held shooting is more likely to cause jitter and blurry images

Also, the "Granit-11" telephoto lens proved to be quite good,which was produced in the Ukrainian SSR at Arsenal. He was one of the few Soviet zoom lenses. By the way, after the collapse of the USSR, the Arsenal plant continued to produce it, however, under a different name - MS ZOOM ARSAT. Granit-11, like Telezenitar-K, is capable of taking various pictures from a long distance. At the same time, when zooming, the length of the device does not increase, which is quite practical in work. It is also equipped with a built-in hood. It is worth adding that today this telephoto lens is often used in photo studios as a portrait lens.