stephen_dowling1 Posted July 8, 2016 Share Posted July 8, 2016 <p>I picked up one of these last year for less than £10, and in perfect working condition; the meter is exactly the same as that on my Nikon F100.</p><p>I've enjoyed shooting with this over the last few months, and reviewed it on my blog.</p><p><a href="https://zorkiphoto.co.uk/2016/07/03/zenit-ttl-review/">Zenit TTL review</a></p><p>The TTL metering makes it faster to use than the Zenit E on which it's based, as long as the metering's working OK. I get the feeling mine might have been one of the old TO&E models that were stripped down and recalibrated once they came into the UK to make sure they were up to scratch.</p><p>The proper rewind crank is a godsend after the E too; that knurled knob is hell on my fingers.</p><p>I wish they could have kept the bright screen of the E, however. It's definitely harder to see stuff in poor light.<br><br />S</p><p> </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MTC Photography Posted July 8, 2016 Share Posted July 8, 2016 <p><img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/18256910-md.jpg" alt="" width="680" height="615" /><br> Zenit-E with Helio lens</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDMvW Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 <p>The entire Zenit line represents a kind of alternative history -<br /><a href="/classic-cameras-forum/00cFEQ">http://www.photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00cFEQ</a> - early Zenit-S<br /><a href="/classic-cameras-forum/00X4HR">http://www.photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00X4HR</a> -outdated Soviet film in a Zenit ET</p> <p>I find them fascinating - built, for the most part, like a Soviet tank - crude but functional.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MTC Photography Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 <p>Zenit-E is a lot better than another soviet camera Chaika, which is real crude</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m42dave Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 <p>Thanks for sharing the review. Of all the screw-mount cameras I have, I keep coming back to the TTL and Zenit 12XP as users. I just like the simplicity of using them, and they take great pictures.<br> <br />The viewfinders are a bit dim due to the front of the prism being semi-silvered. Fortunately, they made it easy to calibrate the meter--just remove the screw on the right front of the top cover, and the variable resistor is underneath. By the way, if you experience issues with internal reflections, Protostar telescope flocking works well, applied carefully as needed inside the mirror box.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony_lockerbie Posted July 9, 2016 Share Posted July 9, 2016 <p>Great read, thanks Stephen. The Zenits really could take great pics if you found a good one...agricultural sure, but tough as nails.<br> Students here bought them in the thousands, nothing better if you are a starving student living on one minute noodles! The Zenit was cheap enough to allow a pizza on friday night! </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Evans Posted July 11, 2016 Share Posted July 11, 2016 <p>Dave,<br> Can you give a bit more detail (for the non-mechanical) on adjusting the meter. My EM is grossly over-estimating. The needle is all the way to the right (maximum) at about EV 12 or 13. Stephen, thank you for a great post. T.</p> Tony Evans Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m42dave Posted July 11, 2016 Share Posted July 11, 2016 <p>Tony,<br> Remove the screw above the right strap lug (looking at the front of the camera); this screw just covers a hole. Underneath it, you will see a variable resistor with a slot in it. Just turn this resistor one way or another (I calibrate my meter against a gray card in daylight). For accurate adjustment, use a ceramic or plastic screwdriver, or even a bamboo toothpick with the end trimmed flat. If you use a metal screwdriver, the meter needle will jump around. I wish other camera meters were so quick and easy to adjust! Hope this helps.<br> Dave</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephen_dowling1 Posted July 13, 2016 Author Share Posted July 13, 2016 <p>Thanks Tony E and Tony L for your kind words.</p> <p>The TTL is going off to my friend in France who wants to try film - guess the Zenit 12XP should be on the list now for the Zorki Photo review treatment.</p> <p>Cheers all<br> <br />S</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Evans Posted July 13, 2016 Share Posted July 13, 2016 <p>Dave,<br> Thank you for that. Will give it a try. Very grateful. T.</p> Tony Evans Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m42dave Posted July 13, 2016 Share Posted July 13, 2016 <p>You're welcome, Tony. BTW, I use a CD-15 1.3x0.4mm ceramic screwdriver, available on eBay for $1.99 plus shipping. Well worth having just for this purpose.<br> D.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Evans Posted July 14, 2016 Share Posted July 14, 2016 <p>Dave,<br> Took your advise and cut a toothpick "screw driver" which worked well. Meter now behaving as it should. Actually, I seldom use camera meters, ancient or modern, but prefer my Soligar Digital Spot or Combi II Incident. However it is still nice to know the EM is back in working condition. Thanks again. T.</p> Tony Evans Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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