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ZENIT M39 Lens Mount SLRs

Zenit

This was the first Zenit Single Lens Reflex and was derived from the Zorki as is obvious from the photograph and an examination of both cameras. Zenit-1 cameras were manufactured from 1952 to 1956. The body is a Zorki body with an added lens mount extension to give room for the viewing mirror. A folding foot was added to the bottom of the lens mount to allow the camera to stand on a flat surface. "Zenit" is engraved on the front of the prism in Cyrillic script and a small curved piece of leather embossed with the KMZ symbol is on the top front. There are shoulder strap lugs on the front corners of the body. The serial number is engraved below the viewing window. On the left top deck is the rewind knob. The higher right deck has the shutter release, a small lever to select rewind and the shutter speed dial. The shutter release is threaded for a cable release. The shutter speeds are 500,250,100,50,25 and B. There is a horizontal traveling cloth focal plane shutter. The bottom is identical to the Zorki. Early models had Industar-22 or 50 lenses with focusing levers. The first few preproduction models had Zenit engraved in a border on the front. The eveready case for this camera has two snaps and is made of brown leather with "Zenit" embossed inside a large circle on the lens cover and the KMZ symbol on the back.

Zenit-S

Zenit-3

Crystal

Zenit-3M

ZENIT-4 Lens Mount SLRs

Zenit-5

The Zenit-5 is a modification of the Zenit-4 with a built in motor drive and rechargeable batteries. It is labeled "Zenit-5". The base plate of the camera is a little higher to make space for the batteries and there is a jack in the baseplate for the recharger. Because the camera was motor driven it did not have a film wind lever, however the film reminder knob was attached to function as an emergency film advance. There are no differences other than these. These cameras will normally be found with the batteries removed because they leaked. It is not uncommon to find that all the connections for the batteries have been removed. Zenit-5 cameras were manufactured from 1964 to 1968. This camera has a brown or black everready leather case with chrome trim around the top and bottom and one snap. On the lens cover is "Zenit" in Cyrillic block letters above and in English block letters below a "5". This camera is rare.

Zenit-6

The only differences between this camera and the Zenit-4 are the labeling and the standard lens. The Rubin-1 zoom lens was available as an accessory for the Zenit-4 but standard on the Zenit-6. Zenit-6 cameras were manufactured from 1964 to 1968. The Zenit-6 came in a large black leather case which had no markings. The camera fit in the case with the lens down. The case had a compartment on each side for accessories. There were a yellow and an orange filter, a cable release, a lens cap, an accessory shoe and a waist level finder provided as standard accessories.

ZENIT M42 Lens Mount SLRs

Zenit-7

The Zenit-7 is a totally new design having little or nothing in common with previous designs. The Zenit-7 looks like a cross the large electronic Range finder cameras of the early 1970s and a Single Lens Reflex. Part of the cameras strange look is the black rounded prism and lens mount. Zenit-7 cameras were manufactured from 1968 to 1971. The front of the camera has "ZENIT-7" in Cyrillic block letters on a chrome name plate centered on the prism. The bottom of the body is covered with black leatherette and the top is satin chromed. The shutter release is a large black button with a gray plate on the front. It has a cable release socket on the bottom. On the left top of the camera is a collapsible rewind knob with a film reminder on top. There is a rectangular window for the film counter and the shutter speed dial on the right. The shutter has speeds of 1000,500,250,125,60,30,15,8,4,2,1 and B. The shutter is a horizontally traveling focal plane shutter with a high flash synchronization speed of 125. There are shoulder strap lugs on the sides of the camera and a the flash jack is on the left end. The rear of the camera has the serial number engraved below the KMZ symbol to the left of the viewfinder. The viewfinder takes a removable accessory shoe. On the right side is the black plastic covered wind knob. The bottom has a quarter inch tripod bushing and the rewind button. The eveready case for this camera has one snap and is made of black leather with "Zenit" in Cyrillic script above a large "7" and "Zenit" in English block letters below all surrounded by an oval on the lens cover.

Zenit-B

The "Zenit-V"("B" in Cyrillic is "V") is a continuation of the Zenit-3M family. It has a new design for the body with square corners and a new top deck assembly but allowing for cosmetic changes it is directly related. Zenit-V cameras were manufactured from 1968 to 1973. This camera introduced the m42 lens mount to the Soviet camera. There are two other changes to the camera, it has a new design for the rewind knob and the wind lever assembly is new, but these are actually cosmetic changes. "ZENIT-B" is engraved on the front of the prism in block letters. On the left upper rear is the serial number and the KMZ symbol, while the upper right may have "Made in USSR". It can also be found with plates added saying Prinzflex 500 and Kalimar SR 100. The eveready case for this camera has one snap and is made of black leather with "Zenit" in Cyrillic block letters above "Zenit" in English block letters on the lens cover.

Zenit-E

The "Zenit-E" is the Zenit-B with an added selenium light meter. The changes are primarily those required to add the meter. Since the meter is where the name is on the Zenit-V the name was moved to the upper left next to the Flash receptacle. The rewind knob has the meter controls placed around it and a semicircular window added next to it for the meter indicator needle. The flash is now labeled "MF" instead of just "F". There were three changes that have nothing to do with the metering system, the fabric is now pebbled leatherette, the serial number was moved to the right side and a fixed accessory shoe was added(late cameras only). There are a few minor variations, Zenit symbol and "Made in USSR" on the bottom and Moscow games symbol on some cameras. There is a very rare version of this camera made for the 25 Communist Party Congress in 1976. They can also be found engraved REVUEFLEX E and with glued on plates Kalimar SR 200 and Delta 1. Very close to the end of production all black cameras were made. It appears that this camera may have predated the Zenit-V with production starting about 1965, however, this is speculation as I have never seen an older model. It is interesting to note that this cameras linear descendants are still in production. The eveready case for this camera has one snap and is made of black leather with "Zenit" in Cyrillic block letters above "Zenit" in English block letters, surrounded by a circle on the black plastic lens cover.

Zenit-BM

This camera adds lens aperture automation to the Zenit-B. There are several other minor cosmetic changes but only this major change. Production started about 1972. The prototype was called R1. They are much more uncommon than the Zenit E because they were priced almost the same. The eveready case for this camera has one snap and is made of black leather with "Zenit" in Cyrillic block letters above "Zenit" in English block letters, surrounded by a circle on the black plastic lens cover.

Zenit-EM

This camera adds lens aperture automation to the Zenit-E. There are several other minor cosmetic changes but only this major change. Production started about 1972. The eveready case for this camera has one snap and is made of black leather with "Zenit" in Cyrillic block letters above "Zenit" in English block letters, surrounded by a circle on the black plastic lens cover. The camera can be found marked Cosmorex with a Cosmogon lens and Kalimar also sold a version of this camera marked "Kalimar SR 300". Cambridge Camera also produced one of these with a Cambron plate.

Zenit-ET

This is an attempt to modernize the "Zenit-EM". Initially there It looked just like an EM with new lettering, then there was a polycarbonate plastic top and is finished in black with new designs on the dials. The serial number is on the inside of the back door.

The eveready case for this camera has one snap and is made of black leather with "Zenit" in Cyrillic block letters above "Zenit" in English block letters, surrounded by a circle on the black plastic lens cover.

Film rewinding procedure:
1. press the shutter release down and turn it to the right(facing the camera from the rear) until it locks.
2. Press the chrome sleve around the shutter release button down. This releases the sprocket for rewind.
3. after rewinding the film thrn the shutter release to the right until it pops up. The camera is now ready to load.

Zenit-10

This is a cosmetically enhanced version of the "Zenit-ET". They typically have Helios 44-2 lenses that have older year codes than the camera. It has a metal top deck and redesigned dials but is the same camera with out lens aperature automation. The serial number is on the top rear deck. They are quite uncommon and I would speculate that they were made to use up leftover stocks of lenses without aperature automation. The eveready case for this camera has one snap and is made of black leather with "Zenit" in Cyrillic block letters above "Zenit" in English block letters, surrounded by a circle on the black plastic lens cover. This case has chrome trim.

Film rewinding procedure:
1. press the shutter release down and turn it to the right(facing the camera from the rear) until it locks.
2. Press the chrome sleve around the shutter release button down. This releases the sprocket for rewind.
3. after rewinding the film thrn the shutter release to the right until it pops up. The camera is now ready to load.

Zenit-11

This is a cosmetically enhanced version of the "Zenit-ET". It has a metal top deck and redesigned dials but is the same camera. The serial number is on the top rear deck. The eveready case for this camera has one snap and is made of black leather with "Zenit" in Cyrillic block letters above "Zenit" in English block letters, surrounded by a circle on the black plastic lens cover. This case has chrome trim.

Film rewinding procedure:
1. press the shutter release down and turn it to the right(facing the camera from the rear) until it locks.
2. Press the chrome sleve around the shutter release button down. This releases the sprocket for rewind.
3. after rewinding the film turn the shutter release to the right until it pops up. The camera is now ready to load.

Zenit-12/Zenit-TTL

Soviet literature always refers to these two cameras together as if there was no difference other than markings. This camera is a Zenit-B with a TTL meter. The meter is a Match the needle type with a circle between a + and a -. The Zenit-TTL was available completely black or with a chrome top. Two variations exist in two color schemes. The camera is either all black or black and chrome. The variations are distinguished by having an accessory shoe or hot shoe in the case of the newer version. The eveready case for this camera has one snap and is made of black leather with "Zenit" in Cyrillic block letters above "Zenit" in English block letters, surrounded by a circle on the black plastic lens cover. This case has chrome trim.

Zenit-12xp

This camera is a Zenit-TTL with LEDs instead of a meter needle. The eveready case for this camera has one snap and is made of black leather with "Zenit" in Cyrillic block letters above "Zenit" in English block letters, surrounded by a circle on the black plastic lens cover. Cambridge camera put a cheap piece of stick on paper over the name with Cambron on it as a "house brand" camera. This case has chrome trim.

Zenit-122

This camera appears to be just a cosmetic update of the Zenit-12 in a polycarbonate body. This camera was supplied in a small nylon bag marked Zenit.

Zenit-14

Z 14

Film rewinding procedure:
1. press the shutter release down and turn it to the right(facing the camera from the rear) until it locks.
2. Press the chrome sleve around the shutter release button down. This releases the sprocket for rewind.
3. after rewinding the film thrn the shutter release to the right until it pops up. The camera is now ready to load.

Zenit-15

This is apparently Belomos' cosmetically enhanced version of the "Zenit-ET". They typically have Helios 44M-4 or 5 lenses. It has a Metal top deck and body and a redesigned self timer. They are quite uncommon and I would speculate that they were made to use up leftover stocks of lenses and bodies for internal USSR consumption. The eveready case for this camera has one snap and is made of black leather with "Zenit" in Cyrillic block letters above "Zenit" in English block letters, surrounded by a circle on the black plastic lens cover.

Film rewinding procedure:
1. press the shutter release down and turn it to the right(facing the camera from the rear) until it locks.
2. Press the chrome sleve around the shutter release button down. This releases the sprocket for rewind.
3. after rewinding the film thrn the shutter release to the right until it pops up. The camera is now ready to load.

Zenit-15M

This is a cosmetically enhanced version of the "Zenit-15" made at Belomo. They typically have Helios 44M-6lenses. It has a plastic top deck and body and a redesigned self timer. The serial number is inside on the rear door. They are quite uncommon and I would speculate that they were made to use up leftover stocks of lenses without and bodies slightly modified to look new. The eveready case for this camera has one snap and is made of black leather with "Zenit" in Cyrillic block letters above "Zenit" in English block letters, surrounded by a circle on the black plastic lens cover.

Film rewinding procedure:
1. press the shutter release down and turn it to the right(facing the camera from the rear) until it locks.
2. Press the chrome sleve around the shutter release button down. This releases the sprocket for rewind.
3. after rewinding the film thrn the shutter release to the right until it pops up. The camera is now ready to load.

Zenit-16

This is a very unusual camera, it has half-automatic engraved on the prism. I have been informed from several sources that this is not a true production camera but part of a limited prototype run of less than 500 cameras. This camera will not operate without batteries. Zenit-16 cameras were manufactured from 1973 to 1977. The body is made completely of plastic with the upper portion pebbled. The only control on the front is the depth of field preview on the lower right next to the lens mount. Just below this on the side of the lens mount is the flash receptacle. On the top left deck is the shutter speed dial with the rewind crank in the middle. The shutter has speeds of 1000,500,250,125,60,30,15 and B. The shutter is an electronically timed horizontally traveling cloth focal plane shutter. Centered in the flat prism housing is a hot shoe. On the right deck is the film advance with a film reminder in the center. The shutter release is just to the right of the prism and is threaded for a cable release. The view finder window slides up to release the back which is hinged on the bottom. The frame counter is a small rectangular window in the back just to the right of the shutter release. This back is not a very satisfactory arrangement as it is extremely difficult to get the back open. If your finger is not in the way when you push the release then the back still will not open because there is no spring loading to force it open. On the bottom is the rewind button, the film speed dial a quarter inch tripod bushing and a battery compartment. The serial number and a KMZ symbol are also on the bottom.

The eveready case for this camera has one snap and is made of soft black leather with no markings at all.

Zenit-18

In spite of the number this camera is a newer camera than the Zenit 19 and its' body is derived from it.The lens is electronically coupled to the camera. This camera will not operate fully without four PX625 or equivalent batteries

Zenit-19

This camera was the pinnacle of Soviet camera design with the m42 lens mount. It was originally called the MT1. It has a match needle stopped down metering system and an electronically timed shutter. The shutter is a metal fan type vertically traveling shutter. This camera will not operate without two PX625 or equivalent batteries, the databack uses 3more 625 batteries. This camera is fully finished in black with a rubber fabric. Zenit is painted in white on the prism and 19 is painted in white on the right top front. The shoulder strap lugs are on the front and the flash receptacle is on the upper left front. On the lower right is the self timer and release and the depth of field preview which serves as the meter on switch also. On the top left deck is the rewind crank and a red battery test button. There is a hot shoe on the prism. The right deck has the film advance lever, a blue rewind button, a locking shutter release button with cable release connection and the shutter speed dial. The Shutter speeds available are 1000,500,250,125,60,30,15,8,4,2,1 and B. There is also a film plane indicator. On the right rear of the camera is the KMZ symbol and "MADE IN USSR" in white painted Cyrillic block letters. There is a red LED battery indicator and the serial number on the upper left. Some cameras have a pocket for the film carton end on the back. On the bottom is a quarter inch tripod bushing, the battery compartment and a film speed dial calibrated in GOST. The back is hinged on the right and the latch is on the left. The eveready case for this camera has one snap and is made of soft black leather with no markings at all.

Zenit-MT1 Surprise

This camera uses many of the components of the Zenit-19. The markings are ZENIT with SURPRISE underneath it, written in Cyrillic Block Letters on the prism and MT-1 on the right side both in white paint. Essentially this camera is a half frame Zenit-19 with no self timer, no meter and a data back. The self timer has been replaced with a jack for the data back to plug into. The film speed dial on the bottom of the camera has been replaced with a film reminder dial. The back is released by pulling up on the rewind crank. The shutter although basically the same as the Zenit-19 may or may not have the top speed of 1000. This camera will not operate without two PX625 or equivalent batteries. The data back is quite simple. It has a battery compartment for three PX625 batteries a film speed dial and a dial with the numbers from 0 to 31 on it. Iy is plugged into the front of the camera and functions just like a strobe firing the data onto the film when the shutter release is pushed.

ZENIT K Lens Mount SLRs

Zenit-AUTOMAT

This is a new design that borrows only the name and general design from it's predecessors. It is an aperture preferred automatic camera with LED indicators in the viewfinder. It has no manual over rides or control. The camera is finished all in black with black pebbled vinyl and all lettering is filled or painted white. The shutter is an electronically timed horizontally traveling cloth focal plane shutter. This camera will not operate without four PX625 or equivalent batteries. The front of the camera has a small selftimer indicator window on the top left of the front of the camera. Below this on the side of the lens mount are two flash receptacles. Pressed into the prism is "ZENIT" filled with white and on the top right is "AUTOMAT" painted in white, both in Cyrillic block letters. On the right side of the lens mount are the lens release and the depth of field preview. On the top left deck is the film speed dial with the rewind crank in the center. In the center of top of the prism is a hot shoe . The film advance lever , a small curved window for the film counter, the self timer button and the shutter control are on the right top deck. The shutter control has the shutter release in the center. It is threaded for a cable release. The shutter speed dial has settings of "A" for automatic,"X" for flash, "B" for manual exposure times and "L" for lock The back has a lever for a shutter to close the viewfinder just to the right of the viewfinder. On the right rear of the camera is the KMZ symbol and "MADE IN USSR" in white painted Cyrillic block letters. On the bottom is a quarter inch tripod bushing and the rewind button. The eveready case for this camera has one snap and is made of black leather with "Zenit" in Cyrillic block letters above "Zenit" in English block letters, surrounded by a circle on the black plastic lens cover. This case has chrome trim.

Zenit-AM

This camera appears to be a less expensive variation of the Zenit Automat. It has an electronically timed metal fan type vertically traveling shutter. It also has a few cosmetic changes and the lower flash jack has been changed into a power jack to allow operation from a remote battery box in extremely cold weather. The camera does not have the built in viewfinder shutter. This camera will not operate without four PX625 or equivalent batteries. This camera was supplied in a small nylon bag marked Zenit.

Zenit-AM-2

I just purchased one. More info coming soon.

Zenit-AN

This camera is a variation of the Zenit-AM. They can also be found marked ap and apk. The only apparent variations are a flash jack has been added on the left side of the prism, the camera is marked AN and the maximum speed is 2000. This camera will not operate without four PX625 or equivalent batteries. This information is based on a catalog listing with a picture.