Digital Zenit? 5 to 7K USD? You gotta be kidding me...

Kino

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 20, 2006
Messages
7,759
Location
Orange, Virginia
Format
Multi Format
https://zenit.camera/

I have a lot of fun with my Russian film cameras, but I asking me to shell-out 5 to 7K USD for a Russian Digital Camera?

Nyet!
 

Paul Howell

Subscriber
Joined
Dec 23, 2004
Messages
9,689
Location
Scottsdale Az
Format
Multi Format
Over the past few years I read that there was a Russian digital camera in the works, not a Leica knock off, a budget priced full frame SLR with Nikon MF mount, projected price was said to be around $800 U.S. Wonder who makes the Sensor? What with the sanctions wonder if it can imported to the U.S?
 

Ko.Fe.

Member
Joined
Apr 29, 2014
Messages
3,209
Location
MiltON.ONtario
Format
Digital
I have no idea why it was decided to call outdated Leica digital RF model as Zenit.
As I could see it is confusing SLR crowd.
 

Eric Hiss

Member
Joined
Feb 24, 2018
Messages
49
Location
San Francisco
Format
Medium Format
A bit of a late reply, but the Zenit-M and 35/1.0 are pretty neat camera kits that come with a special lens . Definitely some checks with Sanctions and had some trouble importing to the US while the OFAC checked to see if Zenit KMZ are on an black lists (they aren't) The cameras are built by Leica. the lens from Russia. You end up with a collectible kit with a lower priced Leica M240 and fast wide thats a lot cheaper than a noctilux. I've been shooting a lot with the lens and it's really quite nice and fun to shoot. The Zenit-M does in camera corrections for the 35/1.0 and also for the 50/1.0 and 21/2.8 (which aren't available yet. I'm using the 35/1.0 Zenitar also on a Sony A7r IV with the techart adapter which is also cool. Full disclosure - I import and sell the Rolleiflex and Zenit items under Rolleiflex USA LLC, and on two websites Rolleiflex.us and Zenit.store
 

Eric Hiss

Member
Joined
Feb 24, 2018
Messages
49
Location
San Francisco
Format
Medium Format
Martin, Interesting point, but in this case the camera is totally made, calibrated and checked by Leica with only design cues and software changes by Zenit KMZ. And if I am being precise, I would say Krasnogorsky Zavod PJSC since that's the name of the public joint stock company. The lens in the kit, 35mm f/1.0 Zenitar is 100% Russian designed and produced.
 

Martin Singleton

Member
Joined
Mar 25, 2019
Messages
20
Location
Anglesey
Format
35mm
Strange repeating of camera history, the original FED cameras being copies of the Leica I. IIRC manufacture of FED cameras was moved to Krasnogorsk (KMZ) during WWII (or Great Patriotic War) where the model was rebranded as Zorki. The basic shutter and body was adapted into the Zenit series of SLRs. One of the interesting things about collecting Soviet cameras is ending up with a little piece of social and political history.
 

Mainecoonmaniac

Member
Joined
Dec 10, 2009
Messages
6,297
Format
Multi Format
I own some Jupiter lenses and both my 35mm and 85mm Jupiter are Leica copies. They have quirks like not having click f stops, but they're not bad.
 

Eric Hiss

Member
Joined
Feb 24, 2018
Messages
49
Location
San Francisco
Format
Medium Format
Patrick Robert James said:
I wouldn't mind having one of those Vodkaluxes. On their website they say a 50 1.0 was coming in 2019. Wonder where that is....
Click to expand...
Patrick, the 50/1.0 and 21/2.8 in M mount are still on the way, and last I was told will be available for me to order for US sales early next year. I still don't have exact pricing however I'll share that as soon as I know it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…