Zenit B

The Zenit-B is an SLR camera. It was built by KMZ from 1968 to 1973. There are a little under 900 000 pieces of the camera. The first two digits of the serial number indicate the year of production.

The Zenit B was sold under the names Revueflex-B, Kalimar SR100, Prinzflex 500, Meprozenit-Pro and Cambron-B, among others. In terms of functionality, these models are most likely identical.

The lenses of the Zenit-B can be changed. There were different editions of the Zenit-B. It was mostly delivered with an M42 thread. But there are also models with an M39 thread. The latter models, however, are very rare. The Helios-44-2 58mm f/2.8 is often found on SLR cameras. The focus of the lens has to be adjusted manually. There is no autofocus system.

The Zenit-B does not have a meter for proper exposure. The exposure time and aperture can be freely selected. The shutter has a bulb mode. In this, the shutter remains open as desired.

Films for the Zenit-B

The Zenit-B is designed for 35mm film. Films of this format are still readily available today and are still being developed. Possible films for the SLR are the Fujifilm Superia 400* for color images and the Ilford HP5* for black and white images.

The color film is a color negative film and is developed using the C-41 process. The C-41 process is performed by almost all photo labs. The black and white film must be processed in a black and white developer. The best results are obtained, usually, by developing the film yourself.

The film in the camera must be rewound manually, as there is no automatic film transport.

The use of a flash is possible via the PC flash socket. The Zenit-B comes with a self-timer. There is also a connection for a cable release and threads for a tripod.

The 35mm camera weighs 887 grams. It does not need batteries, as it is completely mechanical.