The Russian MTO-500
is a classic sample of Soviet-era engineering
and workmanship. It is a 500 mm telephoto mirror lens based on the design of
a known Soviet engineer Maksutov. "MTO" stands for "Maksutov's Tele Ob'ektiv".
This is the original, early MTO-500 design, with the barrel made of brass. Later
versions of this lens were much lighter and somewhat smaller, they came is vinyl
cases, but this MTO-500 weighs 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) and comes in an instrument-type
wooden case.
Lens' Specifications
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500 mm
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1:8 (fixed, this design does not allow for variable aperture)
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5?
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4 m - Infinity
(the lenses of this design
may focus past infinity, I was told this is to compensate for thermal
expansion)
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M77x0.75 (4 filters are included)
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- Optical registration (back focus)
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45.2?
0.02 mm
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M39x1 Zenit SLR Mount (can be used with all M42 SLRs with the included adapter)
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n
Max diameter: 100mm (4"), Length:
165mm (6.5")
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1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) without case
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- The glass is coated; the barrel is finished in tough black enamel
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This MTO-500 was made in 1966. It
is in excellent condition, the barrel shows very little (if any) use. The glass
is clear and clean. The focusing is smooth.
You will need a sturdy tripod to
shoot with this lens.
Included:
- MTO-500 Lens
- Four filters (Light Yellow/Green,
Orange, Red, 4x Neutral Grey)
- Wooden Case
The lens is shown mounted on a Zenit
(not included). This MTO-500 can be used with any 39 mm mount Zenit (models
Zenit, Zenit-S, Zenit-3, Kristall, Zenit-3M, early Zenit-E). With a 39/42 mm
adapter (included in this set) the lens can be used with M42 cameras.
