Also known as the 3M-5A
What happens when a Soviet optical designer wants to create a cheap, short, but high performing telephoto in the 1950s? Today’s lens is a descendant of that question. Originally designed by Matsukov, and further improved in the 70’s, the ZM-5A is a prime example of original Soviet engineering.
With a 500mm focal length and fixed f8 aperture, getting the right shot on the ZM-5A isn’t that easy. However, when you do, it pays off – delivering strong contrast, decent sharpness, and fantastic low chromatic aberration and fringing qualities.
Manufactured at the Lytkarino plant, the copy I managed to get my hands on is from 1975, and is in perfect condition, almost as new. In today’s review, I take a look at what makes it a real collectors piece, and good lens to boot.
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