GOI f. Zenit M39 Mir-1 2.9/3.7cm prototype

An unpublished prototype of the Mir-1 (OB120) 1:2.9/3.5cm wide-angle lens developed by GOI. Development of the Mir-1 design began in 1953—one year after the Zenit SLR appeared—and was completed in 1956. The Mir-1 later became one of the most noted Soviet wide-angle lenses, produced in multiple versions across different factories under the 1:2.8/35mm specification, including adaptations for space cameras and for M39/M42 Zenit mounts, with production spanning from 1956 to 1991. The lens design received international recognition with a Grand Prix at the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair (Expo 58).

This rare prototype is distinguished by its unusual, bright chrome plating. It is accompanied by its original metal case engraved with the lens serial number, two sun filters housed in a matching metal container bearing the consecutive serial number 2653, and front and rear lens caps in the same bright-chrome finish.

A significant prototype that evidences the Mir-1’s genesis and the GOI’s mid-century optical innovation.