Comparison
KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 vs Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S
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. The Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S is a 35mm f/1.4 Nikon F (AI-S) lens made 1976-2020s, valued at $350 to $900 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 | Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 37 mm | 35 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Native mount | M42 | Nikon F (AI-S) |
| Production years | 1954-1980s | 1976-2020s |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 5 groups, retrofocus (Flektogon-derived) | 9 elements / 7 groups, retrofocus wide angle |
| Typical used value | $80 | $550 |
| Value range | $40 to $160 | $350 to $900 |
| Adapts to | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount | Sony E, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount, Fuji X, MFT |
What actually differs
- The Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S is 2 stops faster: f/1.4 against f/2.8.
- The KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 is cheaper. Typical used value is $80 against $550, a gap of $470 (roughly 6.9x). Ranges: $40 to $160 versus $350 to $900.
- 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 1976 for the Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S (1954-1980s versus 1976-2020s).
- They use different mounts, M42 and Nikon F (AI-S), so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
- Construction differs: 6 elements in 5 groups for the KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8, 9 elements in 7 groups for the Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S.
Which one to buy
Choose the KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 for the $470 lower typical price. Choose the Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S for the 2 stops of extra speed. 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.