First Impressions
The Russar MR-2 20mm f/5.6 is a lens that immediately commands attention with its unique, almost quirky design. Unlike most modern lenses, the Russar MR-2 stands out with its small size and pancake-like form factor, making it surprisingly compact for a 20mm wide-angle lens. The lens is lightweight, yet its all-metal construction gives it a robust feel, characteristic of Soviet-era craftsmanship. Handling this lens, you get the sense that it was built to endure the rigors of both time and use, a relic from an era when lenses were built to last.
Unboxing this lens, you can't help but marvel at its distinctive appearance, with the large front element dominating the small body. The aperture ring is smooth but firm, providing satisfying clicks as you adjust, while the focus ring, though narrow, moves with a precision that belies its age. The Russar MR-2 is a lens that feels both utilitarian and exotic, a combination that is as intriguing as it is inviting.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Russar MR-2 20mm f/5.6 |
| Type | Prime |
| Focal length | 20mm |
| Focal format | Full-frame / 35mm |
| Magnification | 1:20 |
| Max aperture | f/5.6 |
| Min aperture | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 6 |
| Angle of view | 94° |
| Optical formula | 6 Elements in 4 Groups |
| Minimum focal dist. | 0.5m (1.6ft) |
| Filter thread size | 49mm |
| Lens hood | Optional |
| Mount type | M39 / L39 Leica Thread Mount |
Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Focus ring | Manual |
| Autofocus | No |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Optical coating(s) | Yes - Single-coated |
| Front element rotation | No |
| Internal focusing | No |
| Lens extension while focusing | No |
| Aperture ring | Manual, with clicks |
| De-clickable aperture | No |
| Architecture | Full-frame / 35mm |
History and Background
The Russar MR-2 20mm f/5.6 was developed in the early 1950s by Mikhail Rusinov, a prominent Soviet optical engineer, at the KMZ (Krasnogorsk Mechanical Plant) in Russia. This lens was part of a series designed to offer wide-angle capabilities for rangefinder cameras, particularly those with the M39 mount. It was a significant achievement at the time, being one of the first ultra-wide-angle lenses available to the general public, and it quickly gained popularity among Soviet photographers.
The lens’s optical design was based on Rusinov’s own patented system, which later became the foundation for many other wide-angle lenses. The Russar MR-2 was known for its relatively low distortion, a feat that was impressive given its wide 94° angle of view. This lens became a favorite for architectural and landscape photography, offering an expansive field of view while maintaining a compact form.
Image Quality
The Russar MR-2 delivers a unique image quality that is distinctly vintage. The lens exhibits moderate sharpness across the frame, with a noticeable drop-off towards the edges—a characteristic common in many wide-angle lenses of its era. Wide open at f/5.6, the lens produces a slightly soft image that becomes sharper when stopped down to f/8 or f/11. This makes it ideal for capturing detailed landscapes or architectural shots where edge-to-edge sharpness is crucial.
Color rendering is natural, with a slight warm tint that adds character to images. Contrast is decent, though not as high as modern lenses, giving photos a softer, more filmic quality. The Russar MR-2 also handles flare relatively well, thanks to its single-coated optics, although you may encounter some ghosting when shooting directly into strong light sources.
Sharpness
Sharpness is a mixed bag with the Russar MR-2, but in a way that adds to its charm. At f/5.6, the center of the image is reasonably sharp, though not clinically so. The edges, however, show a noticeable drop in sharpness, especially when the lens is used wide open. This drop-off can actually work in your favor if you’re aiming for a more artistic or vintage look, as it helps to naturally draw the viewer’s eye towards the center of the frame.
When stopped down to f/8 and beyond, the lens sharpens up considerably, offering a much more uniform performance across the frame. This makes it more than capable of capturing detailed scenes where edge sharpness is a priority, such as in landscape or architectural photography.
Bokeh
Given its f/5.6 maximum aperture, the Russar MR-2 isn’t a lens you would typically associate with bokeh-heavy imagery. However, when focusing close, it does produce some background blur, though it’s more subdued compared to faster lenses. The bokeh quality itself is fairly smooth, with out-of-focus areas rendering as soft, non-distracting shapes that complement rather than compete with the in-focus subject.
For a wide-angle lens, the bokeh is more of a secondary consideration, but it’s worth noting that the Russar MR-2 handles out-of-focus areas with a gentle touch, avoiding harsh or distracting elements that could detract from the overall image.
Build Quality
The build quality of the Russar MR-2 is a testament to Soviet engineering. The lens is constructed entirely of metal, giving it a rugged, durable feel. Despite its small size, it feels dense and well-made, with a focus ring that operates smoothly and consistently. The aperture ring is equally satisfying to use, offering distinct clicks that make it easy to adjust settings on the fly.
The lens’s compact form factor is one of its biggest strengths, making it an ideal choice for photographers who need a lightweight, portable option for wide-angle shots. The lens’s minimalistic design also means there are fewer moving parts, reducing the likelihood of mechanical issues over time.
Manual Focus Performance
Manual focusing on the Russar MR-2 is a straightforward process, though it requires a bit of finesse due to the lens’s small focus ring. The focus throw is relatively short, allowing for quick adjustments, which is particularly useful for street and documentary photography where speed is often essential.
The lens’s design, which emphasizes compactness, means that the focus ring is narrower than on many other lenses, but it still offers enough grip to make precise adjustments. The Russar MR-2’s wide depth of field, even at its maximum aperture, also makes focusing a bit more forgiving, which is a plus for those new to manual focus lenses.
Feature Breakdown
The Russar MR-2 is a no-nonsense lens that focuses on delivering solid optical performance without unnecessary frills. The manual aperture and focus rings are smooth and precise, allowing for full control over your shooting experience. The lens’s wide 94° angle of view is its standout feature, making it ideal for capturing expansive scenes.
While it lacks modern conveniences like autofocus or image stabilization, the Russar MR-2 makes up for it with its compact size, solid build, and distinctive image quality. Its simple design and reliable performance have made it a favorite among vintage lens enthusiasts.
Pricing and Availability
The Russar MR-2 20mm f/5.6 is a relatively rare find on the second-hand market, which makes its pricing somewhat variable. On average, you can expect to pay between $300 and $600 for a copy in good condition, depending on factors like cosmetic condition, mechanical functionality, and whether it comes with original accessories such as the lens cap or case.
Given its rarity and historical significance, the Russar MR-2 represents good value for collectors and photographers looking to add a unique wide-angle lens to their kit. As always, when purchasing vintage lenses, it’s important to inspect the item thoroughly or buy from a reputable dealer to ensure you’re getting a lens in good working order.
Conclusion
The Russar MR-2 20mm f/5.6 is a lens that offers more than just wide-angle capability—it provides a window into the history of Soviet optical engineering. Its distinctive design, combined with its ability to capture expansive scenes with a vintage aesthetic, makes it a valuable addition to any photographer’s collection.
Whether you’re drawn to its historical significance, its unique handling, or the character it imparts to your images, the Russar MR-2 is a lens that rewards those who appreciate the quirks and qualities of vintage gear. Its compact size and solid build ensure that it’s as practical as it is collectible, making it a worthy investment for those looking to explore the world of wide-angle photography with a lens that truly stands out.
