Comparison
Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 vs KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8
The Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 is a 35mm f/2.4 M42 lens made 1975-1990, valued at $130 to $380 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 | Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 | KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 35 mm | 37 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.8 |
| Native mount | M42 | M42 |
| Production years | 1975-1990 | 1954-1980s |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 5 groups, retrofocus wide angle | 6 elements / 5 groups, retrofocus (Flektogon-derived) |
| Typical used value | $210 | $80 |
| Value range | $130 to $380 | $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 Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 is 0.4 stops faster: f/2.4 against f/2.8.
- The KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 is cheaper. Typical used value is $80 against $210, a gap of $130 (roughly 2.6x). Ranges: $40 to $160 versus $130 to $380.
- 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 1975 for the Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 (1954-1980s versus 1975-1990).
- Both use the M42 mount, so one adapter serves either lens on a mirrorless body.
- Both use 6 elements in 5 groups.
Which one to buy
Choose the Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 for the 0.4 stops of extra speed. Choose the KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 for the $130 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.
Full reference pages
Mount references: M42