KMZ Zenit ET After the first Zenit generation had ended with the Zenit 3M, a succession of short-run models followed. Namely, 4, 5, and 6. All with uncoupled meter, all variations of the same melody, neither gained any followers. The next generation saw the Zenit E, early run with a non-return mirror and later with an auto return. This model...

KMZ Zenit 3M After the two less successful models, the Zenit 3 and the Kristall, came the Zenit 3M. The only (?) difference between the two models is the top fascia style. See the images below. While the Kristal was a kind of Soviet art deco, the fancy style there gave way to a more traditional, classic SLR here. The...

KMZ Kristall After the modest success of the early Zenit line came the Zenit C (Zenit S), of which 230,000 units were made with a body derived from the Zorki rangefinder line. The next model, the Zenit 3, sold about a quarter of the C, so designers changed course and name, where the Kristall (Crystal?) was born. The design moved...

KMZ Zenit camera family model list Model Years Qty made Thread Winder Meter Shutter Common lens Zenit 1953-1956 30,000 M42 Knob None Focal plane Industar-50/3.5 Zenit C 1955-1961 233,000 More M39 Knob None Focal plane Industar-50/3.5 Zenit S Zenit 3 1960-1962 82,000 M39 Lever None Focal plane Industar-50/3.5 No name, Zeniflex Kristall  1961-1962 65,000 More M39 Lever None Focal plane...