The Zenit 11 is an SLR camera. It was produced by KMZ from 1981 to 1982. KMZ stands for Krasnogorski Mekhanicheskii Zavod (translated: Krasnogorsk Mechanical Factory) and was founded in the 1940s near Moscow.
The Zenit 11 is a member of the Zenit E family and a variant of the Zenit ET. It differs by differently placed control elements and that it was only available in black.
The lenses of the Zenit 11 are interchangeable. Instead, the 35mm SLR camera has a mount for M42 lenses. The Industar-50 3.5/50 is often the standard lens. There is no autofocus function on the Zenit 11. The focus is adjusted manually.
The 35mm camera has a built-in selenium meter for proper exposure. The aperture and exposure time can be freely set by the photographer. The camera has a bulb setting. In this, the shutter is open for a variable time. A flash can be used via the hot shoe or PC flash port.
Films for the Zenit 11
The Zenit 11 uses 35mm films. These are still easy to get today and are still being developed. One possible film for color images is Agfaphoto Vista 200, and the color film is processed in the C-41 development process. A possibility for B/W pictures is the Kodak TRI-X. This development process is available at almost every photo lab.
The area of the Zenit 11 negatives is 24 mm x 36 mm. With this exposure area, at least 36 photos usually fit on one film (135-36). The film in the camera must be rewound manually by the photographer.
The Zenit 11 can be released by self-timer or with an additional cable release. A thread for a tripod is available. Batteries are not required for the 35 mm camera.
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 |
| Exposure modes | Manual mode |
| Auto DX (Film sensitivity) | No |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Flash Connection | PC-Flash, Hot Shoe |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Country of production | Soviet Union (USSR) |
| End of production | 1982 |
| Estimated value / Used price | 78,85 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 36 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of May 18, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 69,80 Euro (74.69 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 74,98 Euro (80.10 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 68,27 Euro (73.60 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Zenit 11
Is the Zenit 11 an automatic camera?
No, the Zenit 11 is a manual camera. You have to set the aperture and shutter speed yourself. It doesn't have autofocus; focusing is done manually.
What kind of lenses can I use with this SLR camera?
The Zenit 11 uses M42 mount lenses. Many lenses are compatible, and the Industar-50 3.5/50 is a common choice. You can find various lenses easily.
How do I control the exposure on the Zenit 11?
The camera uses a built-in selenium light meter to help you determine the correct exposure settings. You manually adjust the aperture and shutter speed.
What size film does the camera take?
It takes standard 35mm film. These are readily available and easily developed, even today. You can use color or black and white film.
Does the camera need batteries?
No, the Zenit 11 doesn't require batteries. The light meter operates without them. It's fully mechanical except for the flash.