The Zenit 3 is an SLR camera. The KMZ company built the camera from 1959 to 1962. About 80 000 units of the camera in a metal housing were produced. The camera was expensive to produce, hence the short production span. It is the successor of the Zenit 1.
The Zenit 3 has the M39 thread. The lenses are interchangeable. The camera is often found with the Industar-50 3.5/50. The Zenit 3 does not have an autofocus. Focusing is manual.
The Zenit 3 does not have a built-in light meter. It does have a bulb mode. In this mode, the shutter remains open as desired. An external flash can be used via the PC flash socket.
Films for the Zenit 3
The Zenit 3 is designed for the 35mm format. 35mm films are still made today and are fairly easy to get. Possible films for the model are Kodak Ultramax 400 for color photos and AgfaPhoto APX 400 for B&W images.
The color film is a color negative film and is developed using the C-41 process. This development process is offered by most laboratories.
The black and white film must be developed in a black and white developer. This process can be done at home with the proper chemistry. If you develop the films yourself, you have full sovereignty over the results and tend to get better results.
The Zenit 3 negatives are 24 mm x 36 mm. So you can fit at least 36 images on a normal roll of film. The film in the camera must be manually advanced by the photographer.
A tripod can be connected to the Zenit 3. A cable release can also be used with the camera. Additionally, the self-timer can be used to take pictures. The Zenit does not need a battery.
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 | M39 lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Exposure times | 1/500 second to 1/30 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| 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 |
| Country of production | Soviet Union (USSR) |
| End of production | 1962 |
| Production duration | 3 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 97,54 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 84 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 104,22 Euro (112.57 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 99,27 Euro (107.16 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 104,38 Euro (112.57 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Zenit 3
Is the Zenit 3 a digital or film camera?
The Zenit 3 is a film camera. It uses 35mm film, which is still readily available today. You'll need to manually advance the film after each shot.
How do I focus the camera?
The Zenit 3 has manual focus. You'll need to adjust the lens yourself to achieve sharp focus. It doesn't have autofocus.
Does this camera have a built-in light meter?
No, the Zenit 3 does not have a built-in light meter. You'll need to use a separate light meter to determine the correct exposure settings.
What kind of lenses can I use with the Zenit 3?
The Zenit 3 uses M39 lenses. These are interchangeable, so you can use different lenses to achieve various effects. The Industar-50 3.5/50 is a common lens found with this model.
Can I use a flash with the camera?
Yes, you can use an external flash with the Zenit 3. It has a PC flash sync socket for connecting external flash units.