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Abbreviations

Specification

Source of data

• Own research.

Manufacturer description

The "МС ЗМ-7К" lens is designed as an interchangeable lens for SLR cameras with a frame format of 24x36 mm.

The lens has a special multi-layer coating, as indicated by its marking (МС). Multi-layer coating improves image quality and enhances its contrast by increasing the integral light transmission and reducing lens flare.

The reflex telephoto lens is mainly used for shooting distant objects, inaccessible areas of terrain, landscapes, architectural details and sports competitions.

The "МС ЗМ-7К" is also indispensable for photo hunting, for photographing animals and birds that are difficult to approach at close range.

Typical characteristics of mirror (reflex) lenses

• Catadioptric system consisting of curved mirrors and optical glass;
• Much shorter, lighter and less expensive designs than conventional super telephoto lenses;
• Outstanding correction of chromatic aberrations;
• Since the aperture is fixed, neutral density filters are used to obtain a smaller aperture;
• Doughnut-shaped out-of-focus highlights.

From the editor

The only lens produced by the Azov Optical and Mechanical Plant (USSR/Russia) in the first half of the 1990s. Rough estimates suggest that only about 2,000 units were produced.

Despite the letter "К" in the lens name, the lens has the M42 screw mount. The К-42х1 adapter supplied with the lens provided compatibility with Pentax K mount cameras.

The ZM-7K is slightly heavier and longer than a kit lens for a modern digital SLR camera, but its focal length is as much as 300mm. Due to the low weight and significant focal length, you have to deliberately increase the ISO, sacrificing image quality.

The following 67mm screw-in filters were supplied with the lens: УФ-1х (UV), ЖЗ-2х (Yellow/Green), О-2,8х (Orange), Н-2х (Neutral) and Н-4х (Neutral).

According to the unconfirmed information, the lens was also produced by the Lytkarino Optical Glass Plant (USSR/Russia). It had a larger closest focusing distance of 2.5m and slightly different dimensions: maximum dia. 76mm x length of 81mm.

In any case, the lens was produced in a small batch, and is rare on the secondary market.

Notes

• "ЗМ" is an abbreviation for "зеркально-менисковый [объектив]", which means "mirror-meniscus [lens]", or "зеркальный [объектив] Максутова", which means "Maksutov's mirror [lens]".
• Dmitry Dmitrievich Maksutov (1896-1964) is a Soviet scientist, optician, corresponding member of the USSR Academy of Sciences (1946). Inventor of the meniscus optical system bearing his name, which is now widely used in telescope construction.

Other super telephoto prime lenses in the Zenit M42 system

Lenses with similar focal length