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Specification

Manufacturer description

The "Зенит-TTL" camera is designed for amateur photography on black-and-white and color film.

The device has a semi-automatic exposure meter measuring the light passing through the lens (TTL system), a synchronization mechanism for working with flash lamps, and a self-timer. Allows the use of interchangeable lenses with an М42x1 mounting thread and a flange focal distance of 45.5mm.

The "Зенит-TTL" can be used for special shooting: reproduction work using extension rings, close-ups of small objects from short distances (macro photography), shooting with a microscope (micro photography), etc.

The "Зенит-TTL" camera has the following advantages:

• semi-automatic exposure metering device of the TTL system ensures that the correct exposure is set both when shooting with a standard lens and when using interchangeable lenses, filters, attachment lenses, extension rings;
• instant-return mirror makes it possible to continuously observe the subject before and after exposure;
• the fast lens is equipped with a jumping aperture mechanism that automatically closes when the shutter is released (mode "А"), and there is also the possibility of manual control of the aperture (mode "М");
• fully open aperture ensures maximum brightness of the image in the viewfinder, which is important when focusing;
• focusing can be carried out both on a microraster and on a matte surface;
• quick exposure setting, a simplified film loading system, and rewinding of the exposed film, performed with a fixed position of the shutter release sleeve, reduce the time spent on preparatory operations when shooting.

SPECIFICATIONS

Frame format: 24×36mm.

35mm perforated film is used.

Length of the film in the cassette - 1.65m.

Number of frames - 36.

Shutter speeds - from 1/30 to 1/500 s, "B" (bulb) and long.

Standard lens - Гелиос-44М.

The exposure metering device is powered by one РЦ-53 element.

Sensitivity range of the films used - from 16 to 500 GOST units.

Lens mount - М42x1.

Tripod socket thread - 1/4".

From the editor

The first mass-produced KMZ camera to use a TTL stop-down CdS exposure meter with a match-needle system in the viewfinder and semi-automatic exposure control. The camera was developed on the basis of the Zenit-EM and was produced by the Krasnogorsk Mechanical Plant (USSR) from 1977 to 1985. In total, according to KMZ, 1,632,212 bodies were produced. At the development stage, this model was named "Зенит-12", but the first production cameras were sold under the names "ЗЕНИТ-электро" or "ЗЕНИТ-электро-ТТЛ", and then "ЗЕНИТ-ТТЛ".

The Zenit-TTL is a striking example of cosmetic modernization characteristic of Soviet camera manufacturing: the design was based on the outdated technical solutions that were inherited from the very first Zenits and limited the functionality of the camera. The dark viewfinder displayed only 2/3 of the frame, the shutter speed range was limited to 1/30 and 1/500 sec. with flash sync speed of 1/30, exposure metering was performed only at the working aperture, the camera used a threaded mount, while most major foreign camera manufacturers had already switched to a more progressive bayonet mount, which made it possible to implement shutter priority and program auto exposure modes. The hot shoe with a central contact did not appear on this camera until 1982, and before that a cold shoe was used. In 1983, the location of the light-receiving resistors was changed, which made it possible to increase the brightness of the image in the viewfinder.

Nevertheless, in the complete absence of competition with foreign equipment, the Zenit-TTL was popular in the domestic market of the USSR, and was even "fashionable". It was also important that the Zenit-TTL could use a huge array of screw mount lenses that had already been produced by that time in the USSR and other countries. In the Western market, the Zenit-TTL turned out to be competitive due to its very low cost compared to its analogues. The durable cast body and lenses made of metal and glass looked more solid for amateur photographers than plastic Japanese SLRs.

The Zenit-TTL (in its 1983 modification) became the base model for a number of KMZ cameras:

• "Зенит-12" - model with an improved build quality and a higher quality finish. Delivered on special orders and for export. 94,489 bodies were produced by KMZ from 1983 to 1994;
• "Зенит-12сд" - model with 2 LEDs in the viewfinder instead of a match-needle system, and minor ergonomic improvements. 468,956 bodies were produced by KMZ from 1983 to 1994;
• "Zenit-12xp" - an export version of the "Зенит-12сд". 1,550,240 bodies were produced by KMZ from 1983 to 2000;
• "Зенит-15" - similar to the "Зенит-12сд", but produced by BelOMO from 1983 to 1986. In total, about 1,000,000 bodies were made.

The weight and dimensions are indicated for the camera body with the "Гелиос-44М" lens.

***

In 1977, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution, a special limited Zenit-TTL was produced. It differs from the mass-produced version by a special red emblem applied to the front part of the pentaprism casing, which schematically depicted the cruiser "Aurora", a banner with a hammer and sickle fluttering on the mast, and two dates: 1917 and 1977. A total of 100 bodies were produced.

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