ZM-6A 500/f:6.3 Mirror Lens, M42 Mount

Description

The Russian ZM-6A 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. This lens succeeded the original MTO-500 lens, which was a heavy, brass unit. “MTO” stands for “Maksutov’s Tele Ob’ektiv”. ZM stands for Zerkal’nyi (Mirror) Maksutov’s. The ZM-6A was much improved, it is a faster lens (1:6.3 vs. 1:8 in the MTO-500). It is also lighter, multi-coated, and has a built-in sliding lens hood.

Lens Specifications

• Focal length:  500 mm
• Aperture:  f:6.3 (fixed, this design does not allow for variable aperture)
• Field of coverage: 5 deg
• Focusing:  6 m – Infinity (the lenses of this design may focus past infinity, this is done to compensate for thermal expansion)
• Filter size:  M95x1 (4 filters are included)
• Optical registration (back focus):  45.2 +/- 0.02 mm
• Mount:  M42
• Dimensions:  Max diameter: 100mm (4″), Length: 165mm (6.5″)
• The glass is coated; the barrel is finished in tough black enamel

This ZM-6A was made in 1982. It is in in exc. condition, show very little use. The glass is clear and clean. The focusing is smooth.

You will need a sturdy tripod to shoot with this lens.

The set includes:

• ZM-6A Lens with built-in lens shade.
• Four filters (Yellow/Green 5.6x, Orange 4x, UV 1.4x, Neutral Density 4x)
• Metal front screw-in lenscap and plastic rear lenscap.
• Vinyl Case

The lens is shown mounted on a Zenit 12xp (not included). This ZM-6A can be used with any M42 camera.