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There is a phenomenon I observe with people being fascinated by russian/soviet things even when in reality the subject of interest is pure shit.

Being it either a low quality lenses in which people see a artistic quality of manufacturing defects or text from Dostoevsky which ruminates in extended length the inner thought process of a moronic character which some mistake for a mysterious russian soul.

I own Helios lenses with Zenit camera I inherited from my father which is of the sentimental value as it was a first significant purchase after my parents wedding, and most of my childhood photos are done with it, but even my dad will trade it for a good Nikon lenses without a second thought.

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I myself dislike Dostoevsky and all this "old Soviet lenses" obsession reminds me of audiophile's craziness. I however can assure you that "shit" is not the only things USSR has produced. Far from it.
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The swirly effect is certainly unique, though I always considered it a bug as it's not even, some parts look oversharpened, some diffused. Like some weird algorithmic filter in Photoshop.
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