The Zorki 3 is a 35mm camera and was built by KMZ. The production took place in a period from 1951 to 1956. The factory buildings of KMZ were located in the Soviet Union. The area belongs to Russia today.
The Zorki 3 comes with an M39 thread. The shutter allows shooting with an exposure time of up to 1/1000 second. For the slow shutter speeds, there is a separate wheel on the front of the camera.
The rangefinder and viewfinder have been merged on this model. Focusing the 35mm camera must be manual, of course.
Films for the Zorki 3
What kind of films does the Zorki 3 need? It requires 35mm films. 35mm films are still being manufactured today. They can be developed in most laboratories. One option for black and white images is the Ilford Delta 400*. For color images, there is the Fujifilm Superia 400*, for example.
Color film is processed using the C-41 process. The C-41 process is standardized and offered by most developing labs. Most drugstore chains in Germany offer color film development.
However, developing the film yourself can be a cost-effective solution in the long run. The necessary chemicals and lab supplies can be easily purchased online. Taking the development process into your own hands also gives you full control over the outcome and allows you to achieve the best possible results with the Zorki 3 while saving money.
Zorki 3M
The Zorki 3M is virtually identical to the Zorki 3. However, all exposure times could be set on a wheel on the camera, which was built from 1954 to 1956.
Technical datasheet
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type of Camera | Rangefinder camera |
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film transport | Manual |
| Picture format | 24 mm x 36 mm |
| Lens mount | M39 lens mount |
| Focus | Manual |
| Rangefinder | Yes |
| Exposure times | 1/1000 second, 1/500 second, 1/250 second, 1/100 second, 1/50 second, 1/25 second, Bulb |
| Bulb mode | Yes |
| Date imprinting | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Tripod mount | Yes |
| Power supply | Not necessary |
| Country of production | Soviet Union (USSR) |
| End of production | 1956 |
| Production duration | 5 years |
| Estimated value / Used price | 137,80 Euro Estimate based on used prices of 99 offers (possibly with different scope of delivery and/or condition). As of June 15, 2026 |
| Average used price in the year 2023 | 124,89 Euro (134.22 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2024 | 122,50 Euro (132.05 US-Dollar) |
| Average used price in the year 2025 | 125,15 Euro (135.30 US-Dollar) |
FAQ about the Zorki 3
Is this camera old?
Yes, the Zorki 3 was manufactured between 1951 and 1956 in the Soviet Union, which is now part of Russia. It's a vintage camera.
How do I focus this rangefinder camera?
The Zorki 3 has a combined rangefinder and viewfinder. You'll need to manually focus the lens using the focusing ring.
What kind of film does the Zorki 3 use?
It uses 35mm film, both color and black and white. Many types of 35mm film are still available today from various manufacturers.
What is the fastest shutter speed on the Zorki 3?
The fastest shutter speed on the Zorki 3 is 1/1000th of a second, making it capable of capturing fast-moving subjects.
What's the difference between the Zorki 3 and the Zorki 3M?
The Zorki 3M is very similar, but it has a single dial to adjust all shutter speeds, unlike the separate dial for slow speeds on the original Zorki 3. Both were produced around the same time.