The Revueflex EM is an SLR camera.It is a version of the Zenit EM. This was built from 1972 to 1988 by KMZ near Moscow. Foto-Quelle was one of the largest mail order companies of camera equipment in West Germany. Cameras from various manufacturers were sold under the Revue and Revueflex brands.
The Revueflex EM has the M42 thread. The lenses are interchangeable. Often you can find the camera with the Helios-44M. The lens is focused by hand. This model does not have an autofocus function.
A lot of screw lenses are available for the M42 lens mount. The lens thread was developed by Carl Zeiss in Jena. M42 lenses were manufactured by Pentax, Pentacon, Meyer-Optik and Beroflex, among others.
The exposure is measured by the camera with a selenium light meter. The aperture and exposure time are freely adjustable. A bulb mode is available for long exposures. Here, the shutter remains open as desired.
An external flash can be used via the PC flash socket. The 35mm camera can be triggered by self-timer or with an additional cable release. A thread for a tripod is available. The camera does not need power to take pictures.
Films for the Revueflex EM
The Revueflex EM is a film camera and is loaded with 35mm film. 35mm films are still offered by various manufacturers. Possible films for the 35mm camera are the Kodak Gold 200* for color photos and the Ilford XP2 Super* for B&W images.
The color film is developed using the C-41 process. This development process is offered by most laboratories. Black and white film can also be developed in this process. The cost of developing a roll of film alone is thus 2 to 5 euros.
The exposure area of the Revueflex EM has a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. Approximately the 36 advertised images fit on one roll at this size.
The Revueflex EM is only available second-hand. The prices for the camera vary depending on the condition. A copy goes for about 20 to 40 euros over the counter.
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 |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Cable release thread | Yes |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Company name of the brand | Foto Quelle |
| Manufacturer | KMZ |
| Country of production | Soviet Union (USSR) |
| End of production | 1988 |
| Production duration | 16 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 55,25 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 8 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 71,44 Euro (76.85 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 74,27 Euro (80.10 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 67,10 Euro (72.52 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Revueflex EM
Is the Revueflex EM a digital or film camera?
The Revueflex EM is a film camera. It uses 35mm film, which is still readily available from various manufacturers. You'll need to develop the film at a photo lab after shooting.
How do I focus the lens on this camera?
The Revueflex EM uses manual focus. You adjust the focus ring on the lens by hand until the image is sharp. There's no autofocus feature.
What kind of lens mount does the camera have?
It has an M42 screw mount. This is a popular and widely available mount, meaning you can find many lenses compatible with it from different manufacturers.
Does the Revueflex EM have a built-in light meter?
Yes, it has a selenium light meter built-in. This means it doesn't require batteries for metering. You set the aperture and shutter speed based on the meter's reading.
Can I use a flash with the camera?
Yes, the Revueflex EM has a PC flash sync socket. You can attach an external flash to the camera using a PC sync cord for flash photography.