Zenitar is a Soviet class of standard lenses, which normally have the M42 mount. They started to appear mostly during the late 1980s and early 1990s and spread throughout the ex Soviet space. The best known Zenitar lenses are the 50mm f2 Zenitar-M2s, the 50mm f1.9 Zenitar-M and the 50mm f1.7 Zenitar-ME1.
Last but not least, there was a 16mm f2.8 Zenitar-M fish-eye and in order to adapt to the specificity of the markets, it had various mounts, such as M42, Canon EOS, Pentax K and Nikon. Their numbers and build quality are relatively unexplored for the time being, mainly because after 1990 they didn’t sell very well abroad.
Check our Zenitar lenses:
The Zenitar MC M2s 50mm f2 is a Russian standard lens. We're not sure about its precise production years, but apparently it was the kit lens for Zenit cameras in the early 1990s.
The build quality is poor, so the lens both feels and looks cheap. The metal is gone and the body is all made from plastic. The focusing isn't great either, as plastic components aren't as smooth and precise as the metal ones once used in other Soviet lenses, such as Helios and Tair.
Nevertheless, as many Soviet and Russian lenses, the Zenitar makes a statement in terms of optical performance and personality. It is exceptionally sharp in the center, beginning at f2 and becoming even sharper once it is stepped down.
It weighs around 170g, uses a 46mm filter and has a 0.35cm minimal focusing distance. Number of blades: 6.