The Zenit-E was produced between 1965-1986 by KMZ in the USSR (now Russia) they made over 3 million units. Camera in collection was made in 1973.
This particular camera in the collection was also gifted to me by my father and sadly I have not yet been able to shoot with it as of yet because of mechanical problems with the shutter. I am in the works in having it serviced and I’m hoping that I’ll be able to get this camera up and shooting once more.
The Zenit-E was a step up from the Zenit 3M by introducing an added internal light meter and a few other modifications to the mirror and cocking lever. However, the camera did not come with an automatic aperture automation and so the lenses coupled to the camera had to have manual diaphragm control by the photographer.
The Zenit-E used a M39 screw mount from 1965 to early 1968, then switched over to the M42 screw mounts. During the time period it was manufactured the both screw mounts were very popular and could have many lenses of various brands attached to it.
As a side note the M39 screw mounts were also used for negative enlargers. That being said, the lenses had a dual purpose, 1: to capture the image in the field or studio then 2: taken off and put on the enlarger to help make the print. This made for increased savings to the photographer.
The Specs:
Type of camera: Single lens Reflex (SLR)
Film/picture format: 35mm film producing a picture format of 24x36mm
Lens Mount: M39 (From 1965-early 68) M42 (early 1968-1986)
Lenses: Came with a Helios-44-2 58mm f/2 but interchangeable with various manufactures using the same screw mount.
Shutter: horizontal travel cloth focus plane shutter with 1/500 to 1/30 sec. + B speeds
Exposure metering: Selenium cell meter with match and needle settings
Viewfinder: SLR pentaprism
Focussing screen: Fresnel matte glass screen
Reflex mirror: Automatic instant-return with lock up capability
Depth-of-field preview: Yes, by stopping down the lens
Frame counter: additive type
Power source: no
Camera Back: fixed hinge.
Body Finish: metal with black leatherette