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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[]

Zenit-B 04
Zenit-B 05
Zenit-B 08
  • 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

Notes and references[]

  1. Typing is as to Alexander Komarov

Links[]

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