Zenit 3M

The Zenit 3M is an SLR camera. It was produced by KMZ from 1962 to 1970. Over 780 000 units were produced during this period. It is the successor of the KMZ Kristall.

The 3M was sold under different names. In West Germany, for example, it was sold under the name “Revueflex” by Foto-Quelle. On the British market, it was sold as “Zenit” and “Zenith-3”. In the USA, it was available as “Kalimar SLR 100” and in Australia under the generic name “Global”.

The lenses of the Zenit 3M can be interchanged. It has the M39 thread for this purpose. The Industar-50 3.5/50 is often the standard lens. The model does not have an autofocus system. It is focused manually.

The exposure is not metered by the camera. The Zenit 3M has a Bulb mode. In this mode, the shutter is opened as long as the shutter release button is pressed. The use of an external flash is possible via the PC flash socket.

Suitable films for the Zenit 3M

The Zenit 3M is loaded with 35mm film. These films are still manufactured and can be specified from almost any developing vendor. A color film for the 35mm camera would be the Kodak Gold 200*. A possible film for black and white images is the Ilford Delta 100*.

Color film is a color negative film and is developed using the C-41 process. This development process is available at almost every photo lab. The black and white film must be developed in a black and white developer. This process can be done at home with the right chemistry. If you develop the films yourself, you have full sovereignty over the results and tend to get better results.

The exposure area of the Zenit 3M has a size of 24 mm x 36 mm. With this exposure range, at least 36 photos usually fit on one film (135-36). The film is wound manually in the camera.

The shutter of the camera can be released by self-timer or with an additional cable release. A thread for a tripod is available. No battery is required for taking photos.