Zenit B

Zenit-B with Helios-44 58 mm f/2 image by Arty Smokes (Image rights)

The Zenit-B is a 35 mm SLR, one of a series of Zenit cameras made by the Russian maker KMZ between 1968 and 78. Sometimes marked ЗЕНИТ-B, where B is the Cyrillic equivalent to the English V, the Zenit-B is a mechanical 35mm SLR similar to the Zenit E but without the light meter. Like the E, it does not have an automatic diaphragm; the lens must be stopped down manually after focusing. There are also no prismatic focusing aids, just a plain ground-glass screen. It has a focal plane shutter with speeds 1/30-1/500 s, plus B. Most examples have a chrome-finished top housing, but all-black cameras also exist. It was usually sold with a 50mm f/3.5 Industar (Cyrillic: Индустар) or 58mm f/2 Helios (Гелиос) 44М-4 lens.

The Zenit-B was also sold under various other brand names, including Kalimar, Revueflex and Prinzflex 500.

Other features

• Cold accessory shoe.
• Flash sync for X (electronic) or M (bulbs).
• Self-timer.
• Off-centre tripod socket.
• Usually sold with two-part black leather case.

Zenit-B with Industar-50-2 50 mm f/3.5 image by phillisca (Image rights)

Links

• Zenit B on rus-camera.com
• JM Burtscher sovietcamera website : Sovietcamera french website
• Zenit B on www.collection-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand