Mir with Box, Passport and Manual

Description

The Mir (translated as World or Peace) 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, and do not have to worry remembering the wind-first-change-speed-after rule.

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, the 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 excellent condition. The RF/VF is clear and contrasty; the shutter is working on all speeds. The leatherette is complete, the chrome is clean overall.

The camera comes complete

This Mir comes with a take-up spool, a lenscap and a leather case.  Also included – the original instruction manual in Russian and a passport – manufacturer’s specification sheet with serial numbers of the camera and lens and the date it passed KMZ’s Quality Control Department. And the top this al off – the box is also included (somewhat worn at 65). This set is a true collector’s delight.

The Mir is a great user and a desirable collectible Leica mount camera. You get a solid body for your LTM lenses, and you can use its sharp Industar-50 with any Leica screwmount body.