An iconic camera
The most produced SLR camera in history
Between 1965 and 1986, more than 8 million Zenit E cameras were produced, according to some sources. The Soviet camera found its audience in the Communist bloc, but also proved popular in Western Europe.
Several factors explain this success:
An affordable M42 mount camera
Supplied with a basic lens that has become very popular today, the Helios 44, this camera was sold at a very affordable price.
Its robustness and the use of the widely used M42 mount also made it very popular with casual and amateur photographers.
A basic camera
In terms of features, the Zenit E delivers the bare minimum:
The shutter
Speeds range from mode B to 1/500th of a second. There are no slow speeds.
The device uses a canvas shutter.
No automatism when pressing the shutter button
The sole function of the trigger button is to raise the mirror and then move the curtains. The mirror returns to its original position on its own.
There is no mechanism for closing the diaphragm when the shutter is released.
And even less so for raising the mirror.
An external cell
The cell is external, which is not optimal from an accuracy standpoint.
There is no coupling between the sensor, the camera, and the lens.
You must therefore ensure that you set the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO correctly so that the small needle on the dial at the bottom right displays the correct values.
A viewfinder that does the bare minimum
The viewfinder covers only 65% of what will appear on the negative.
It has no focusing aid (stignometer or other).
And it displays no information about the cell, speed, or diaphragm.
A camera that does what it’s supposed to do
A robust camera
What the Zenit E lacks in sophistication, it makes up for in robustness.
It’s clear that the mechanisms used to take a photo and advance the film are not marvels of engineering, but they do work and give an impression of reliability.
A correct handling
Made entirely of metal, the camera weighs 700 grams, which can become tiring over time.
In its quest for simplicity, the Zenit does not forget to be a camera that is pleasant to use. The Zenit E fits comfortably in the hand. We also appreciate the presence of two shutter buttons that can be used according to preference.
Zenit E today
A camera that doesn’t age well
If you’re not put off by the spartan nature of the Zenit E and would like to buy one, you’ll be disappointed to learn that these cameras haven’t aged very well:
- The selenium cell is no longer functioning.
- The glue used for the prism has deteriorated over time, causing a yellow line to appear in the middle of the viewfinder.
- The grease in the closing mechanism has also deteriorated and needs to be replaced so that the curtains can move at the correct speed.
No longer in working order in most cases
While the Zenit E was an attractive option from an in the 1970s, purchasing one today is no longer worthwhile:
- Very limited in terms of features and ease of use.
- And most of these cameras are no longer in working condition.
Sources :
« The camera is supplied in two variants: with HELIOS-44-2 lens 58 mm f/2 and with INDUSTAR-50-2 lens 50 mm f/3.5. » –http://www.zenitcamera.com/mans/zenit-e/zenit-e-eng.html
« Zenit-E was the most widely produced SLR camera in the world, with about 8 million produced and sold. » –https://www.rbth.com/multimedia/pictures/2017/08/28/zenit-the-worlds-most-widely-produced-slr-camera_830032
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