KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8
The KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 is a 37mm f/2.8 manual-focus lens for the M42 mount, made by KMZ from 1954-1980s. It uses 6 elements / 5 groups, retrofocus (Flektogon-derived). Typical used value is $40 to $160, with most examples near $80, and it adapts to Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-mount with a plain mechanical adapter.
KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 specifications
Why collectors want it
A Soviet wide angle based on the early Zeiss Flektogon that won a Grand Prix at the 1958 Brussels World Fair. Early Grand Prix marked examples are the most collectible. It gives a moderate wide field with pleasant rendering and warm color.
Mount and adapters for the Mir-1 37mm f/2.8
The KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 has a native M42 mount. M42 is a 42mm x 1mm screw thread with a 45.46mm register, introduced in 1949 on the Contax S and later adopted by Praktica, Asahi Pentax, Fujica, Zenit, Yashica, and Chinon. Every mirrorless mount has a shorter register than 45.46mm, so a plain mechanical adapter puts the lens at its design distance and infinity focus is preserved. Plain threaded adapter, no optics. Lenses with an auto-diaphragm pin need either an Auto/Manual switch on the lens or an adapter with an inner flange that holds the pin in. Preset lenses such as the Helios 44-2 have no pin and work on any adapter.
| Camera system | Adapter | Infinity focus | Frames like | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony E | Plain mechanical, 27.46mm | Yes | 37mm on full frame; 56mm on APS-C (1.5x) | M42 to Sony E |
| Fuji X | Plain mechanical, 27.76mm | Yes | 56mm on APS-C (1.5x) | M42 to Fuji X |
| MFT | Plain mechanical, 26.21mm | Yes | 74mm on Four Thirds (2x) | M42 to MFT |
| Canon RF | Plain mechanical, 25.46mm | Yes | 37mm on full frame; 59mm on APS-C (1.6x) | M42 to Canon RF |
| Nikon Z | Plain mechanical, 29.46mm | Yes | 37mm on full frame; 56mm on APS-C (1.5x) | M42 to Nikon Z |
| L-mount | Plain mechanical, 25.46mm | Yes | 37mm on full frame; 56mm on APS-C (1.5x) | M42 to L-mount |
Frequently asked
What mount is the KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8?
The KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 has a native M42 mount. M42 is a 42mm x 1mm screw thread with a 45.46mm register, introduced in 1949 on the Contax S and later adopted by Praktica, Asahi Pentax, Fujica, Zenit, Yashica, and Chinon. With a plain mechanical adapter it fits Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, and L-mount bodies and keeps infinity focus.
How much is the KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 worth in 2026?
A used KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 typically sells for $40 to $160, with most clean working examples near $80. Basis: eBay sold listings, 2024-2025. This is an estimate, not an appraisal; condition, variant, and service history move the number.
Does the KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 work on Sony E, Fuji X, and MFT?
Yes. M42 has a 45.46mm register and every mirrorless mount is shorter (16mm to 20mm), so a simple M42 adapter reaches infinity with no optics. On a full-frame body the KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 frames as a 37mm lens; on APS-C (1.5x) it frames like a 56mm, on Canon APS-C (1.6x) like a 59mm, and on Micro Four Thirds (2x) like a 74mm. Plain threaded adapter, no optics. Lenses with an auto-diaphragm pin need either an Auto/Manual switch on the lens or an adapter with an inner flange that holds the pin in. Preset lenses such as the Helios 44-2 have no pin and work on any adapter.
When was the KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 made?
KMZ made the Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 from 1954-1980s. That puts the KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 5 years into the life of the M42 mount, which appeared in 1949 on the Zeiss Ikon Contax S (Dresden).
What is the optical design of the KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8?
The KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8 uses 6 elements / 5 groups, retrofocus (Flektogon-derived). Retrofocus wide angles put a negative group in front so the rear element clears an SLR mirror box, which is why they are larger than rangefinder wides of the same focal length.
Which lenses are similar to the KMZ Mir-1 37mm f/2.8?
Close alternatives in the same focal class are the Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4 (35mm f/2.4, $130 to $380), the Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave) (35mm f/2, $150 to $500), and the Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S (35mm f/1.4, $350 to $900). The Carl Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.4, The Canon FD 35mm f/2 (concave), and The Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AI-S are faster.
Alternatives to the Mir-1 37mm f/2.8
Lenses within 15mm of 37mm from other makers, ranked by how close they sit in focal length, aperture, and price.
Where this lens fits
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Terms this lens demonstrates
Related guides
- M42 to Sony EHow M42 screw-mount lenses work on Sony E cameras: the 27.46mm adapter, flanged versus flangeless rings, auto-aperture pins, camera settings, and the APS-C crop.
- Buying checklistA step-by-step checklist for buying used manual lenses: the flashlight test for fungus, haze, and separation, mechanical checks, seller language, grades, and mount traps.