Zenit?

[Brianog]

I recently got my hands on a Zenit 11 (which takes the M42 thread). Zenit cameras seem to have been made with Pentax lenses in mind. I am waiting for my first roll to be developed to see what it is really like. Anyway, I am surprised it is such a pleasure to use, even though it seems to be made from the gear-box of an old tractor! I just wonder if any of you have used this piece of equipment and what your overall impression of it is. "Precision engineering" would not be the first thought that jumps to my mind but it's hard not to really like it.

[ScotIslander]

Used both the Zenit 11 and the 12XP a few years ago with the Helios 44-M 50mm lens that came with them.

They were quite good cameras and took some nice sharp photographs.

[ChrisPlatt]

Zenit is a Former Soviet Union brand that stuck with the M42 screwmount long after other manufacturers had abandoned it.
My Russian emigre coworker Mikhail says Zenit was considered very good - better than FED and Zorki, but not as good as Kiev.

Chris

[ChrisPlatt]

Mods, this thread belongs in the Pentax Film SLR forum for several reasons.

Zenit used the Pentax/Praktica M42 screwmount exclusively for many years.
Inexpensive, for many hobbyists in the FSU and EU a Zenit was their first 35mm SLR.
Some NYC mail order houses even sold Zenit in the 1970's and '80's.

They are still in business. Check out their website: Zenit Camera
They currently make Pentax K-mount SLR cameras, as well as K and M42 mount manual focus lenses.

Chris

[deadwolfbones]

I agree, mods are a bit too aggressive about moving threads that involve any other brand name, whether they use a Pentax mount or not. My thread about a Yashica TL Electro X (M42) similarly got moved, a while back.

[thomascdk]

We got the Zenit Avtomat (~82) which is a K mount with the Helios 44K-4. We shot a film and was pleasantly surprised with this semi-automatics ability to meter correctly in difficult circumstances. Colors were great too. And view finder/focusing scream is a dream - if you can do without a diopter - so focus was perfect in every shot.

Now it's affectionately known as "the Clonck" and always loaded with a film.

[Damn Brit]

Originally Posted by ChrisPlatt

Mods, this thread belongs in the Pentax Film SLR forum for several reasons.

Zenit used the Pentax/Praktica M42 screwmount exclusively for many years.
Inexpensive, for many hobbyists in the FSU and EU a Zenit was their first 35mm SLR.
Some NYC mail order houses even sold Zenit in the 1970's and '80's.

They are still in business. Check out their website: Zenit Camera
They currently make Pentax K-mount SLR cameras, as well as K and M42 mount manual focus lenses.

Chris

Chris, if you think a thread is misplaced, you should use the reporting system otherwise it's hit and miss whether a posted request to move is seen.
Regardless of whether Zenit uses M42 and K mount or not, the forum is still Pentax Film SLR Forum.
You could try starting a thread suggesting that forum be relaxed to include all film cameras. Personally I agree with you up to a point.

Originally Posted by deadwolfbones

I agree, mods are a bit too aggressive about moving threads that involve any other brand name, whether they use a Pentax mount or not. My thread about a Yashica TL Electro X (M42) similarly got moved, a while back.

Adam decides the rules, Mods just follow his guidlines.
See also my comment above.

[séamuis]

Originally Posted by ChrisPlatt

Mods, this thread belongs in the Pentax Film SLR forum for several reasons.

Zenit used the Pentax/Praktica M42 screwmount exclusively for many years.
Inexpensive, for many hobbyists in the FSU and EU a Zenit was their first 35mm SLR.
Some NYC mail order houses even sold Zenit in the 1970's and '80's.

They are still in business. Check out their website: Zenit Camera
They currently make Pentax K-mount SLR cameras, as well as K and M42 mount manual focus lenses.

Chris

they have some very interesting lenses available. god awful looking bodies though... that 80mm tilt/shift lens looks really cool.

[stevebrot]

There is a Zenit camera discussion group on Yahoo!. Here a link:

Zenitcamera : Zenit Camera Group

I am not a member, but my understanding is that they are an active and knowledgeable bunch.

Steve

BTW...if your Zenit has the Helios 44 58mm lens, you should definitely give the lens a try.

[ChrisPlatt]

Pardon my ignorance, but where are the thread reporting tools you refer to?
Some forums I use have a "Report this post" button. I see none in PentaxForums,
nor any similar selection on a pull-down menu available while viewing the thread.

Chris

[deadwolfbones]

btw, if you can find a Zenit AM2, you'll get a decent camera and one of my favorite K-mount lenses ever made, the Helios-44K-4.

[stevebrot]

Originally Posted by ChrisPlatt

Pardon my ignorance, but where are the thread reporting tools you refer to?
Some forums I use have a "Report this post" button. I see none in PentaxForums,
nor any similar selection on a pull-down menu available while viewing the thread.

Chris

It depends on which skin you are using. The version I see has a red flag at the bottom left. Click it to report an inappropriate post to the mods.

Steve

[Damn Brit]

Originally Posted by ChrisPlatt

Pardon my ignorance, but where are the thread reporting tools you refer to?
Some forums I use have a "Report this post" button. I see none in PentaxForums,
nor any similar selection on a pull-down menu available while viewing the thread.

Chris

Little red flag in bottom left of post Chris.
In this particular case though, I think starting a suggestion thread would be a better option. At least you'll get a definitive answer from the top and also other members will be able to add their thoughts.

[ChrisPlatt]

Done, though Adam's reply is unclear to me.

Please add your opinion here: Non-Pentax cameras in Pentax Film SLR forum

Thanks,
Chris