Zenit B

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 1968-77 with quantity of 889.617 units. There are 15 types of the camera.

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/2.8, 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)

Links

• in Fotoua by Alexander Komarov
• in Sovietcams by Aidas Pikiotas
• Zenit B on rus-camera.com
• JM Burtscher sovietcamera website : Sovietcamera french website
• on www.collection-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand
  • Krasnogorsk Zenit B
  • Krasnogorsk Zenit B