Industar 50 photo lens 50mm f/3.5 vintage m39 mount for leica zenit fed cameras

3 Industar-50 50mm f/3.5 – KMZ 1967 Soviet Lens This Industar-50 50mm f/3.5 was produced at the famous KMZ (Krasnogorskiy Mekhanicheskiy Zavod) factory in the USSR. Based on its serial number 6760695, this particular lens dates to 1967, making it a wonderful piece of Soviet photographic history. Although the Industar-50 was originally produced as a relatively simple and affordable kit lens, it has several interesting characteristics that make it particularly appealing to today's vintage-lens collectors and photographers. One of its most important features is its Carl Zeiss Tessar pedigree. The optical design follows the famous Tessar formula, using four elements in three groups. This classic design is renowned for producing excellent center sharpness, even for such a small and simple lens. The lens is also remarkable for its extremely compact construction. The optical glass is surprisingly small compared with the size of a modern 50mm lens, allowing the Industar-50 to have a very small physical footprint and an almost pancake-like appearance when mounted on a camera. Another unusual characteristic is its rotating front optical assembly. As the lens is focused, the front optical section rotates. This is a fascinating mechanical feature and can also produce interesting effects with lens flare, as the flare pattern can rotate as the lens is focused. Optically, the Industar-50 can produce a distinctive vintage rendering. Compared with modern multi-coated lenses, its simpler optical design and coating can produce more pronounced flare and lower contrast when shooting directly toward strong light. Under the right conditions, this can create beautiful dreamy flare, atmospheric highlights and vintage-looking images. The lens can also produce interesting rendering toward the edges of the frame, with vignetting and softer corner performance that can contribute to a classic vintage character and, in certain situations, an attractive swirling appearance in the background. Condition The lens is in vintage cosmetic condition, with some marks and signs of use on the body as shown in the photos. Mechanically and optically, however, it is in excellent condition. The focus ring turns smoothly, the aperture ring operates smoothly, and the aperture blades are clean and in good condition. The glass is also in excellent condition, clean and clear, with no fungus and no haze. A fascinating piece of 1960s Soviet photographic history, this KMZ Industar-50 combines a classic Tessar-based optical design, extremely compact construction and distinctive vintage rendering. It is an excellent choice for both Soviet lens collectors and photographers looking for a unique vintage photographic experience.