The Zenit-E is an SLR camera. The KMZ company built the camera from 1965 to 1986. More than 3 million units were produced. It was additionally sold under different names, such as Revueflex-E, Zenit-E Global, Phokina RX2, Kalimar SR200, Prinzflex-500E and the Diramic R-1. Compared to the Zenit 3M, the camera comes with a built-in light meter, among other things.
The Zenit-E comes with the M42 thread. The lenses are interchangeable. In most cases it was sold with the Helios-44-2 58mm f/2. The lens is focused by hand. The Zenit-E does not have an autofocus function.
Photography is made easier by the Selenium light meter built in above the lens. It is designed for films from ISO 16 to ISO 500. Exposure time and aperture can be selected manually. A bulb mode is available for long exposures. Here, the shutter remains open as desired. An external flash can be used on the PC flash port or hot shoe for pictures.
Films for the Zenit-E
35mm film is exposed in the Zenit-E. Films of this format are still readily available today and are still being developed. For color images, for example, there is the Kodak Ultramax 400*, and one option for black and white images is the Ilford HP5*.
Color film is a color negative film and is developed using the C-41 process. This development process is done by all photo labs that offer development of 35mm film. The film is manually wound for the next photo.
A tripod can be connected to the Zenit-E. A cable release can also be used with the camera. Additionally, the self-timer can be used to take photos. Once you have bought the Zenit-E, you have to carry around 916 grams. The 35mm camera does not need batteries to take pictures.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Single lens reflex camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | M42 lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/500 second to 1/30 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Light meter | Yes |
| Supported film speeds | ISO 16 to 500 |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | Hot Shoe, PC-Flash |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Weight | 916 Grams |
| End of production | 1986 |
| Production duration | 21 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 53,73 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 98 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 52,92 Euro (56.28 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 58,73 Euro (62.78 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 55,94 Euro (59.53 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Zenit-E
How old is this Zenit-E camera?
The Zenit-E was manufactured by KMZ from 1965 to 1986. Over 3 million units were produced during that time, making it a very popular camera.
Does this SLR camera have autofocus?
No, the Zenit-E does not have autofocus. It's a manual focus camera, meaning you adjust the focus on the lens by hand. This adds to the charm of using a classic camera.
What kind of film does the camera use?
The Zenit-E uses 35mm film, also known as small-image format. This type of film is still widely available and easily developed at most photo labs.
Can I use a flash with this camera?
Yes, you can use an external flash. The Zenit-E has both a PC-flash connector and a hot shoe for attaching a flash unit. This allows for creative lighting possibilities.
What's the built-in light meter for?
The Zenit-E has a built-in selenium light meter, located above the lens. It helps determine the correct exposure settings for films with ISO speeds from 16 to 500.