Lomography New Russar+ 20mm f/5.6

Lomography Zenit New Russar+ 20mm f/5.6 LTM

The Lomography Zenit New Russar+ 20mm f/5.6 LTM is a modern L39 / Leica screw-mount super-wide-angle lens designed by Lomography and manufactured in Russia by Zenit. It was introduced in 2014 as a contemporary recreation of the Soviet Russar MR-2, a 20mm lens associated with Mikhail Mikhailovich Rusinov and the development of symmetrical non-SLR super-wide-angle optical design [1]. The New Russar+ keeps the compact L39 concept while adding modern multi-coating, chrome-plated brass construction, and compatibility with Leica screw-mount cameras, M-mount cameras via adapter, and mirrorless cameras through additional adapters[2].

The lens uses a symmetrical 6-element, 4-group optical formula with strongly curved front and rear elements. Lomography lists the focal length as 20 mm, maximum aperture as f/5.6, minimum focusing distance as 0.5 m, filter thread as 49 mm, dimensions as 35 mm length, 35 mm width, and 55 mm height, and weight as 98 g. A detailed user specification source records a 53 mm maximum diameter and 7 aperture blades, while B&H identifies the lens under manufacturer code Z250 and confirms that it is an M39 screw-mount lens supplied with a Leica M adapter [3][4].

For LeicaLensList, this entry should be treated as an LTM / L39 lens rather than a true rangefinder-coupled Leica M lens. The New Russar+ is not rangefinder coupled, so it is normally used by zone focusing, scale focusing, live view, or an external finder. Its collector relevance comes from its unusual combination of modern Lomography branding, Zenit manufacture, Russar MR-2 optical heritage, L39 mount, very compact size, and distinctive rendering. On digital Leica M cameras and other digital full-frame bodies, users should be aware of possible vignetting and color-shift behavior typical of very wide symmetrical rangefinder lenses [5].

History

Development and Launch

The New Russar+ was announced in April 2014 as the Lomography x Zenit Russar+ Art Lens for L39 and M-mount use via adapter. Lomography positioned it as a modern continuation of the 1958 Russar MR-2, a Soviet 20mm super-wide-angle lens associated with Rusinov’s optical work. The product was presented as part of Lomography’s Art Lens series, following the company’s broader pattern of reviving historical optical designs for modern photographers.

Production Evolution

The New Russar+ was produced as a chrome-plated brass L39 lens with an included M39-to-M adapter. It differs from the original Russar MR-2 through its updated barrel construction, multi-coated optics, and modernized compatibility with L39, Leica M via adapter, and mirrorless systems. B&H lists the manufacturer code as Z250 and describes the lens as no longer available, but a confirmed production end year is not clearly documented.

Special Variants

No major factory color variants or special-edition finishes are widely documented for the New Russar+ beyond the standard silver / chrome version. Early preorder marketing mentioned selectable low serial-number ranges for an added cost, but these are better treated as serial-number options rather than separate optical or finish variants [6]. The New Russar+ should not be merged with the original Soviet Russar MR-2, because the modern version has different branding, coatings, construction, and accessory context.

Collector Notes

Collectors should verify that the lens is the Lomography x Zenit New Russar+ rather than the original Soviet Russar MR-2. Key checks include the L39 screw mount, included M adapter if relevant, Z250 product identity, chrome-plated brass body, 49 mm filter thread, front aperture control, rear element condition, and complete accessories. Because the rear element protrudes deeply and the lens is not rangefinder coupled, buyers should also verify camera compatibility, focusing expectations, and whether they plan to use scale focusing, live view, or an external 20mm finder.