GOI f. M42 Jupiter-9 AL 1.8/85mm Aspherical prototype *

A unique Soviet aspherical lens – developed two years after Canon’s legendary FD 85mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical.

In 1978, only two years after Canon released their pioneering FD 85mm f/1.2 S.S.C. Aspherical, the State Optical Institute (GOI) in Leningrad completed the design and construction of the first Soviet lens to incorporate aspherical elements. The prototype, designated Jupiter-9 AL (“AL” for Aspherical in Soviet terminology), is a fully finished and optically functional lens. Due to the extremely high production costs and technical challenges of manufacturing aspherical surfaces at the time, the project never advanced to serial production, making this example unique. An intriguing detail is found on the front lens cap, which bears the engraved name N.P. Zakasnov – a scientist noted for his work on space technology instruments. This suggests that the lens may have been produced as a one-off experimental piece, possibly intended for testing in advanced optical or aerospace applications. A historically important prototype, representing the Soviet Union’s first step into the highly demanding field of aspherical lens construction.