Zenit ET Vs. Zenit B

[artistfriendship]

I'm currently doing some comparison shopping.

I know that both of these are part of the popular E-series line, and the ET is just the cosmetically improved E, and the B is comparable but does not have a selenium meter.

The Zenit is arguably infamous for its faulty and temporal meters (my zenit 11 still works luckily), and knowing this, is considering if a B is a structurally more cohesive and parsimonious build than the ET. However, the ET I am interested in seems to be the sturdier black metal-bodied version constructed under KMZ before having the rest transferred to Belomo in which quality lowered.

Alas, I personally have settled on the ET, but was just wondering what the perhaps more informed crowd can tell me! Your experiences and knowledge is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Galah]

Yes, same here, please.

 

[ic-racer]

I have a few Zenits but I would not ever consider 'shopping' for one unless you are only planning on spending only 2 or 3 dollars. There are literally thousands of better 35mm cameras out there.

 

[artistfriendship]

that didn't really pertain to my posed question, but not that we've segued, care to enlighten me on these superior cams?

Thanks!

 

[ic-racer]

In terms of the zenit B, I owned the similar Zenit E back in 1973 (and still have two of them today). At the time, the Zenit was way inferior to the Japanese cameras available.

For example the Zenit had no auto aperture control ('preset' aperture was 'stone-age' technology even in the early 1970s). The shutter was cloth horizontal, when the state-of-the-art was metal vertical. Flash synch was 1/30. The shutter speed knob spins during the exposure. The flash shoe was not 'hot' and was made of potmetal that easily broke. The meter was not TTL (on the "E"). The viewfinder wasy way, way inferior to contemporaries like the Canon F1 (old style) and the Olympus OM-1. At least the Zenit had an 'instant return' mirror

Better 35mm SLR cameras from the early to mid 1970s (and perhaps some of the best 35mm cameras ever made):
Olympus OM-1
Canon F1
Nikon F
Fuji ST801
Minolta SRT 101/201
Pentax Spotmatic F
(basically add any other Japanese 35mm camera from the mid 70s to this list )

 

[artistfriendship]

helpful, thanks.
I'll shoot around with the Zenit and see how these hold water. I personally think that each has its own quirks, or perhaps structural flaws that certainly add some character to the images.

Great list of cams!
I have been looking into the Olympus OM-10 as well. I'm overwhelmed with the variances of the OMs. Could you provide insight on the models?

appreciate it

 

[Anscojohn]

Shooting a Zenit can have a certain amount of reverse-snobbery. Not only that, my gut tells me that the vast majority of decent photographs are taking between the limited shutter speeds avaliable to the user on the Zenit.

The Helios 44, with a good sample, is nice and sharp; and the 58mm focal length is great for people pictures.

My first one came with a Fotosniper outfit. I dropped that outfit out of a knapsack on my back on to the concrete at Wrigler field. I was still able to get pictures. Try most cameras that are propelled by a five pound lens onto concrete from shoulder height and see if they are still useable. And when I got the Zenit to my repair guy, he was able to straighten the bent internal parts in the transport and have it working the way it should.
Is my Pentax Spottie a better camera? Yup. Is the Zenit a funky picture taker with a reverse cachet? Yup. Is my M6 my quiet camera? Yup. Bless 'em all.

 

[MattKing]

I have been looking into the Olympus OM-10 as well. I'm overwhelmed with the variances of the OMs. Could you provide insight on the models?

appreciate it

Here is a link to a very detailed table with information on essentially all the models:

http://olympus.dementia.org/eSIF/om-sif/bodygroup/bodytable.htm

And here is the link to the site itself:

http://olympus.dementia.org/eSIF/om-sif.htm

If you are looking at an OM-10, I'd suggest an OM-20 (aka OM-G) instead. It does everything an OM-10 will do, slightly better.

The OM-1 is a legendary all manual camera. If you get a serviced one, and deal with the issue with the now obsolete battery requirements, it will serve you well for decades.

The OM-2 or OM-2n adds very powerful auto-exposure options, and uses modern batteries.

All of the single digit models (OM 1, 2, 3 or 4) are system cameras that work with a huge number of professional level accessories.

With the exception of a couple of strange orphans (the OM-101 and OM-707) all the bodies will work with all the lenses, and they are excellent!

They also tend to command high levels of loyalty - I've been using them for 30+ years and I have no desire to change .

Matt

 

[ic-racer]

So, I totally agree with AnscoJohn, but if you are starting out get a 'better' camera then go for 'funky' later. I have almost 100 cameras including my 2 Zenits and a Zorki. They are fun cameras but for someone starting out, I'd recommend a 'better' camera. Just my 2 cents. (and worth every penny!)

BTW I have not bought a 35mm camera in many years, most have just been given to me (including a a Zenit and a Zorki). I honestly think that if you present yourself as an honest person some APUG user may just give you a 35mm SLR. They really are headed to the trash in many parts of the world.

In fact, right now I'm in the process of helping a new local APUG user start a darkroom with a donated enlarger, color head and power supply.

 

[ic-racer]

I don't know what part of the world you hail from but in parts of the USA, cameras like this can be had for less then the price of international shipping:
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/pho/1407931618.html
Points to a listing for Pentax K1000 for $35 USD.

Or this Minolta 102 with 1.4 lens for $40
http://cleveland.craigslist.org/pho/1451947165.html

 

[artistfriendship]

fantastic thoughts everyone.

I ended up getting the ET and the B - and i guess it comes down to how big of a difference the selenium meter is. No worries, I do have some "solid" cameras to use in the meantime, and the funky Zenits will be indulgences.

Thanks again.

 

[ic-racer]

I looked through my 58mm Helios the other day and realized that even though 58mm is an 'oodball' lens length, it nearly matches the popular 210mm focal length in 4x5.

Enjoy the Zenit.

I was visiting my parents over the weekend and my mom happend to be showing my kids a picture of me from 1974. I had a Zenit E around my neck.It brought back some good memories.