Kalimar SR300

The Kalimar SR300 is an analog camera model with SLR technology, which was sold under the name Kalimar. This renowned camera was manufactured in the former Soviet Union by the manufacturer KMZ, who offered it as the “Zenit EM”.

In terms of technical features, the Kalimar SR300 is characterized by manual focusing as it does not have an autofocus function. A notable feature of this camera is the ability to swap lenses, supported by the use of the M42 thread, which provides a standardized and independent interface for interchangeable lenses. This thread, which came onto the market as a more modern version of the M39 thread, was used in the production of companies such as Pentax, Pentacon, Zeiss and of course KMZ.

The Kalimar SR300 is equipped with a light meter that allows the SLR to take through-the-lens (TTL) exposure measurements. It should be noted that the selenium light meter used does not require batteries, but can stop functioning after a certain period of use. Nevertheless, the camera offers the photographer the freedom to individually adjust the aperture and exposure time. The available time periods range from 1/500 second to 1/30 second, with the aperture depending on the lens chosen.

For long exposure enthusiasts, the Kalimar SR300 offers a bulb function in which the shutter remains open for an individually selectable time. It also allows the use of external flash units via the PC flash socket and can easily be mounted on a tripod. It also offers a connection for a cable release and an integrated self-timer.

This completely mechanical device requires no batteries to operate, making it a reliable companion for travel and vacations.

Film options for the Kalimar SR300

The Kalimar SR300 is a 35mm camera that is compatible with 35mm films. These are still available from various manufacturers.

For example, the Kodak Ultramax 400* is suitable for color photographs, while the AgfaPhoto APX 400* is ideal for black and white photographs. Both film variants can achieve high-quality results in combination with the Kalimar SR300.

When it comes to developing, the color film is processed using the C-41 process, a process offered by most photo laboratories that develop 35mm film. The black and white film, on the other hand, is developed in a suitable black and white developer. With a negative area of 24mm x 36mm, up to 36 exposures can be taken on standard film (135-36), requiring the user to manually rotate the film.