Russar's symmetrical ultra-wide — MR-2 20mm f/5.6 in M39, even illumination, scarce and collectable.
The Russar MR-2 is a Soviet ultra-wide lens for the M39 (Leica thread) rangefinder mount, used on FED, Zorki and Leningrad bodies. It uses a symmetrical wide-angle optical layout, and at 20mm it was one of the widest rangefinder lenses available in the Soviet system, aimed at photographers needing a very broad field of view.
This is a manual-focus, rangefinder-coupled Leica Thread Mount lens with a 20mm focal length and an f/5.6 maximum aperture. It uses the 39mm rangefinder thread and mounts on Leica screw bodies, subject to the slight Soviet-versus-Leica register difference. Its symmetrical design keeps the barrel compact, and the modest f/5.6 aperture suits the deep depth of field expected at this focal length.
As a symmetrical ultra-wide, the Russar MR-2 is valued for even illumination and controlled distortion, making it a natural for landscape, architecture and expansive travel and street scenes. The very wide angle and generous depth of field at f/5.6 make it easy to zone-focus. Rendering has the character of a vintage Soviet wide, prized for its coverage and its place in rangefinder history.
On the used market the Russar MR-2 is a sought-after and comparatively scarce Soviet ultra-wide, so prices run higher than the common standards while still offering value for a 20mm rangefinder lens. Soviet QC varied by year and factory, so inspect each sample carefully. An external 20mm viewfinder is normally used for framing. Adapting to Leica may need a register check or shim. Check for haze and coating condition, feel the aperture ring, and test focus. It adapts readily to mirrorless with an M39 adapter.