Comparison
Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) vs KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8
The Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) is a 35mm f/2 Canon FD lens made 1971-1979, valued at $150 to $500 used. The KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 is a 37mm f/2.8 M42 lens made 1954-1980s, valued at $40 to $160 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) | KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 35 mm | 37 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2 | f/2.8 |
| Native mount | Canon FD | M42 |
| Production years | 1971-1979 | 1954-1980s |
| Optical design | 9 elements / 8 groups, retrofocus wide angle | 6 elements / 5 groups, retrofocus (Flektogon-derived) |
| Typical used value | $280 | $80 |
| Value range | $150 to $500 | $40 to $160 |
| 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 Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) is 1 stop faster: f/2 against f/2.8.
- The KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 is cheaper. Typical used value is $80 against $280, a gap of $200 (roughly 3.5x). Ranges: $40 to $160 versus $150 to $500.
- The KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 is longer at 37mm against 35mm, a 2mm difference that tightens framing slightly and increases background magnification.
- The KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 is the older design; production began around 1954 against 1971 for the Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) (1954-1980s versus 1971-1979).
- They use different mounts, Canon FD and M42, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
- Construction differs: 9 elements in 8 groups for the Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave), 6 elements in 5 groups for the KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8.
Which one to buy
Choose the Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) for the 1 stop of extra speed. Choose the KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 for the $200 lower typical price. 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.