Zenit-B, type 6b export model, (1971) image by Süleyman Demir (Image rights) |
The Zenit-B (ЗЕНИТ-B, B = V in Latin] was one of a long series of M42 screw mount Zenit cameras from KMZ. Zenit means Zenith, a point in the sky that appears directly above the observer.
The Zenit-B was a purely mechanical 35mm SLR similar to the Zenit E but without the light meter. Like the E, it had no automatic diaphragm; the lens had to be stopped down manually after focusing. There were also no focusing aids apart from the plain ground-glass screen.
Mostly available in a chrome-topped design, there were also some all-black models. As with the Zenit E, a small number of B cameras were made in M39 screw mount.
All Zenit-B produced between 1968-73 with quantity of 889.617 units. There are 15 types of the camera. [1]
It could be found under export names: Revueflex-B, Kalimar SR100, Phokina, Prinzflex 500, Meprozenit-Pro, Cambron-B, Global.
Specifications[]
- Lens: Helios-44-2 58mm f/2, M42 screw mount, filter thread: 44mm
- This lens is standard one and others are Helios-44 2/58mm and Industar-50-2 3.5/50mm
- Lens release: simply turn to anti-clockwise
- Aperture: up to f/16
- Focus range: 0.5-20m +inf
- Focusing: Fresnel matte glass screen; ring, distance scale and DOF scale on the lens
- Shutter: Horizontally traveling, cloth focal-plane shutter, speeds 1/30-1/500 +B
- Shutter release: on the winding knob, w/cable release socket
- Cocking lever: also winds the film, long stroke
- Frame counter: on the winding knob, additive type, manual reset
- Viewfinder: SLR pentaprism
- Re-wind knob: on the top-plate
- Re-wind release:
- Flash PC socket: on foront of the camera, X sync 1/30
- Cold-shoe
- Memory dial : on the re-wind knob
- Self-timer
- Back cover: hinged, opens by a latch on the left side of the camera
- Engraving on the bottom plate: KMZ logo and Made in USSR
- Tripod socket: ¼", Off-centre
- Strap lugs: only on type 9
- Body: metal; Weight: 887g (with standard lens)
- Serial no. first two digits show the production year, on the back of the top plate
Zenit-B (Зенит-B ) type 4 (1970) w/ Industar-50-2 3,5/50mm image by Siim Vahur (Image rights) |
Notes and references[]
- ↑ Typing is as to Alexander Komarov
Links[]
- in Fotoua by Alexander Komarov
- in Sovietcams by Aidas Pikiotas
- Tom Tiger's Zenit Historical Timeline
- Zenit B on rus-camera.com
- JM Burtscher sovietcamera website : Sovietcamera french website
- on www.collection-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand
- Zenit Collector by Luciano Belviso