Very good optics Older version "looks cool" (... is that okay?) Bargain optics... big time. Interesting focal length, which I like in place of the prime.

Older version is heavy. Older version has an oddball 88mm filter size, a little hard to find by I step everything MF to 95 mm and use step up rings.

If you're considering the 65 mm Zeiss Jena, I would advise you to consider this lens instead for several reasons. The Zeiss stopped being made in '75. It's a rare lens, and the one sample I got ahold of (paid $150) had stuck aperture blades and wasn't in the greatest condition, so I returned it. The next one that pop up on eBay, weeks later, had scratches on the front element and was only in "okay" condition, and still went for over $100. Not saying it's a "bad lens" but they're rare, old-ish, and expensive. The MIR 65 mm's are more plentiful, and it's likely that the "oldest" sample you're likely to get will be a decade newer than the Zeiss. The MIR 65s go for around $50 to %75 and seem to be in better condition. Also consider that you will probably get (along with caps and a case) a YG filter with this lens if purchased from Russia. Ever price an 86 mm YG filter? With the Zeiss you're lucky if you get one that works, forget cases, caps, and especially filters. I bet the YG filter will have more of an impact on image quality (I shoot mostly black and white, like many other Kiev 60 users) than any incremental gain of the older Zeiss optics, if there's a gain to be had at all. FWIW, The only other review I can find of this lens on the web rates it "5 stars" and rates the Zeiss equally at "5 stars". You do, however, lose a 1/2 stop with the MIR at 3.5 than the 2.8 Zeiss. But "I think" the newer models are multi-coated. Mine isn't but I think you're a sucker to pay for multi-coating. Single coated? Yes, that's a given. Mutlicoating isn't all that meaningful with few-ish element fixed focal length lenses like it is for complex modern zoom lenses. Single coating gets you 99.9% there with the older lens designs. That said, the lens should have "a" coating. This oddball focal length is a nice addition to the Pentacon 6/Kiev 60 lens collection. I find that I use it more than the 80mm Volna prime that came with the Kiev 60. I like it because its good indoors or for landscapes and is a better "all purpose" focal length than 80 mm. That's just me, ymmv. Don't quote me but I /think/ it has a center resolution of 40 lp/mm and 18 in the corners. Not the greatest, but not bad. Image quality is very good, imo. Has that "russian lens" look to it if you know what I mean, and that's not a bad thing. 65mm is equiv to 41mm focal length in 35mm to give you a basis for comparison. I believe this lens comes in two styles. The older version does not have the even cylindrical shape of the newer version of the lens, and widens at the front element. The older version also has the off 88mm front thread. Not sure of the newer version.

Customer Service

Never had a problem with the Russian sellers on eBay. Takes a little while to ship but it's reasonable.

Similar Products Used:

Most all lenses for the Kiev 60 system up to 180 mm focal length.