Arsat 30mm f/3.5 Fisheye [MC]
At f/3.5 and 180 degrees, it bends light and expectations in equal measure
Overview
This is the Arsat 30mm f/3.5 Fisheye [MC]. Announced in 1981, it was built for 645 medium format cameras, though owners report it performs well on both 6×4.5 and 6×6 formats. It was marketed under several names, including Zodiak-8 30mm F/3.5 and its Cyrillic variants (ЗОДИАК-8, ЗОДИАК-8Б, ЗОДИАК-8В), and was likely produced at the Arsenal factory in Kyiv. It's a prime fisheye with extreme perspective and uncorrected barrel distortion. Both are the whole point. The "MC" designation suggests multi-coating, but exact coating specifications remain undocumented.
The lens has a reputation among medium format shooters. Collectors call it the 6×6 Arsat lens with the highest reputation. It isn't built for clinical sharpness or speed. Its original list price was $269 for versions adapted to Mamiya 645, Contax 645, and Pentax 645 mounts. Owners say it still offers considerable value. One reported paying around 130€ and called it "absolutely stunning" for the cost, while another on Reddit said it's "not bad," though they wished it were faster.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Arsat |
| Product type | Rectangular Fisheye Lens |
| Format | Medium Format |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 30mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Diagonal Angle of View | 180 degrees |
| Flange Focal Distance | 74.1mm |
Key Features
180-Degree Diagonal Angle of View
The lens covers a full 180-degree diagonal angle of view, which puts it firmly in the true fisheye category. The world wraps around the frame in a curved, almost planetary perspective. According to available documentation, getting such a wide angle without significant barrel distortion is exceptionally difficult. The Arsat keeps the distortion as part of its design, so it suits expressive photography rather than corrective work.
Strong Uncorrected Barrel Distortion
Barrel distortion is not minimized. Straight lines bow hard toward the edges, and spatial relationships warp. This uncorrected look is central to the fisheye effect, and the Arsat delivers it consistently. The lens construction isn't detailed in element or group count, but it is clearly optimized for maximum angular coverage rather than a flat field.
Flange Focal Distance of 74.1mm
The flange focal distance is 74.1mm, set by the back-focus requirements of 645 medium format systems. This measurement was confirmed in a scientific imaging application using the lens, and it suggests tight mechanical tolerances. Adapting the lens to modern mirrorless systems may take careful attention to flange depth to hold infinity focus. No official adapter specifications are documented.
Collectibility & Value
The Arsat 30mm f/3.5 Fisheye [MC] holds a modest but respected place in the vintage lens market. Its original list price was $269 for versions configured for Mamiya 645, Contax 645, and Pentax 645 mounts. Current examples vary. One eBay listing priced a pre-owned unit at $354.99, while a Facebook group member reported buying one for approximately 130€. Owners stress the value for money, and one called it "absolutely stunning" at that price. Condition reports are sparse, but one used example was described as being in "good overall condition" with clean, oil-free aperture blades. No common failures or maintenance issues are documented.
Market Value
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ ARSAT 30MM F/3.5 Jul 2026 │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ High $2,237 Latest $791 │ │ Median $884 Trend ▲ Up │ │ Low $194 Volume ~4/mo │ ├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤ │ $3,000 ┤ │ │ │ │ │ │. │ │ $1,757 ┤ │ │ │ . │ │ │ . . . . │ │ │ .. . . . . . . ... .│ │ $100 ┤ . . . │ │ ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ vol │▄ ▄ █▄ ▄ ▄ █ ▄▄▄▄ ▄▄ █▄█ ▄│ │ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│ │ 2026-02 2026-04 2026-07│ └──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
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