Like the helios 44-2 and many other post WWII vintage Russian lenses, the Mir 1 is based on a Zeiss design (in this case, the early Flektogon 35mm f2.8). But D.S. Volosov, the engineer who designed it, put his own twist to it, making it a favorite vintage optic amongst photographers and DOPs. The lens also won the "Grand Prix" award at the 1958 Brussels Expo alongside other high performing optics of the time.

The Mir-1 is becoming scarce and it currently commands higher prices than the lens it's based on.

I really like this optic because of its sharpness (incredible for the time...1954!) its 3D Pop and its bokeh, which can become quite magical and painterly in the right shooting situation.

The Mir-1 is also known for its flares, which can be used cinematically with great effect.

The copies produced before 1967 had a blue coating and the ones from 1967 onwards a yellow one (see image above), delivering slightly different color balances.

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Why use the Mir1:

1) 37mm - All rounder focal length

2) Sharpness

3) Painterly bokeh, can "swirl" and be very artistic in the right situation

4) 10 aperture blades

5) Unique flares

6) 3D Pop

7) The clickless aperture ring is good for video work

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Weaknesses:

1) Minimum focusing distance of 0.70m (but can be modified to 0.50m)

2) The Russian, "reverse" preset aperture mechanism can be confusing for some