mir_i50_3
The
Mir (translated as World or Peace - choose one) is
one of the less known Leica type rangefinders. When Krasnogorsk Plant started
making Mir in 1959, the idea was simple - to modify the Zorki-4 by removing
the slow speed mechanism, rename it to Mir and sell it cheaper. This
idea would work in a market-driven economy, but in the USSR, where prices were
determined by the government, this did not make any sense, and KMZ dropped the
Mir in 1961 to stay with the Zorki-4.
The Mir is one of my favorite Zorkis; you get all the great features of the
Zorki-4 without slow speed mechanism. I never found much use for slow speeds,
and slow speed mechanisms in Soviet cameras can develop problebs and may eventually
require service.
This camera has the following features - a removable back cover, a rangefinder
coupled with a large and bright viewfinder, a dioptric adjustment of the viewfinder,
a self-timer and strap lugs. It also features a PC flash socket; the flash sync
timing can be set for both electronic flash and a flash bulb. The body and the
back cover were cast, which made the camera rigid and stable.
As any Soviet Leica type camera, Mir is compatible with any 39 mm Leica TM
lens.
Shutter speeds: B, 1/30 - 1/500. There is a dot in place of the 1/1000 speed
of the Zorki-4 and the shutter dial can be set in that position. I suspect
the top speed of the shutter is 1/1000, but it marked only up to 1/500.
Lens: Industar-50, f = 50 mm, 1:3.5, coated, polished aluminum finish, 39
mm Leica thread mount.
This Mir was made in 1959. The camera is in GOOD+ condition. The RF/VF is clear
and contrasty; the shutter is working on all speeds. The leatherette is complete,
the chrome is clean overall. There are some paint rubs on the edges of the body
and some brassing on the edges of the bottom plate (this is caused by the case).
There are some dust specks inside, but they are not severe to affect image quality.
The camera comes complete with a take-up spool, a metal lenscap and a clean
leather case.
This Mir comes with the original instruction
manual in Russian and a passport - manufacturer's specification sheet with the
serial numbers of the camera and lens and the date it passed KMZ's Quality Control
Department.
The Mir is quite uncommon, it is a great user and a desirable collectible
Leica type camera. You get a solid body for your LTM lenses, and you can use
its sharp Industar-50 with your Leica screwmount body.
