Zenit 212k

The Zenit 212k is an SLR camera. It was built by KMZ from 1994 to 2003. It was produced about 32 000 times. The body of the camera is black.

The lenses of the Zenit 212k can be exchanged. For that it has the Pentax K bayonet. Mostly the camera comes it with the Helios-44K 58mm f/2 or the Zenitar-K2 50mm f/2. An autofocus function is not avaiable on the model. The focus is adjusted by hand.

The Zenit 212k has a built-in light meter. The SLR determines the exposure when metering through the lens (TTL). The aperture and exposure time can be freely set by the photographer. The camera has a Bulb setting. In the Bulb setting, the remains open as long as the photographer keeps the shutter button pressed.

An external flash can be connected to the hot shoe. There is a thread for a tripod on the bottom of the camera.

Films for the Zenit 212k

What is needed for the Zenit 212k is 35mm film. 35mm film is still made and will develop without problems at most photo labs. A color film for the 35mm camera would be the Kodak Ultramax 400*. A possible film for black and white images is the Ilford HP5*. Both films come from manufacturers with a good reputation. They provide beautiful images in cooperation with the SLR camera.

The color film is processed in the C-41 process. The C-41 process is performed by almost all photo labs. The development of the black and white film is a bit more complicated, because it has to be processed in an extra black and white developer. Unfortunately, this process is not offered by all photo labs. The best results are obtained by developing the film yourself in the appropriate chemistry.

The Zenit 212k negatives are 24 mm x 36 mm. At this size, 36 images will fit on a normal roll of film. The film in the camera must be rewound manually, as there is no automatic film transport.