Zenit 3m SLR with M39 mount ?

[arbib]

Is the Russian Zenit 3m SLR a LTM camera ???
It does have a treaded mount that looks like it is. And it is advertized as having a M39 mount....

Anyone own anyone one ??
Worth getting one ??

 

[wde60]

The m39 zenits including the 3m, Krystal and C were made before the change over to m42 and they are not leica mount. You can put a LTM lens on and use it as a macro but it won't focus at infinity.
I find these cameras to be lots of fun and some of the lenses like the Helios 44 can be pretty good. The Zenit S is the cutest and worth spending $40-50 if it comes with a lens.

 

[peter_n]

An export Zenit 3M was my first SLR. It was a great little camera and very reliable. Whether they are reliable now is another matter... I would think if you could find an export model it might still be good. I took mine to the Soviet Union and they couldn't believe it was built there.

 

[arbib]

Thanks...What kind of Focusing aids does it have ??? or is it a plain ground glass ??

I did find a Industar 22 M39 (52mm F/2.8 ?)

I found this at a FSU EBay store....I have several in my fave list. It is located in the Ukraine.

Just might get it For FUN....
How can I tell if it an export model?

 

[Scarpia]

I own two 3M's which I bought somewhere in Europe abput 45 years ago. The Helios 44 58mm f2 in 39mm screw mount is supposed to be a clone of the Zeiss Biotar. By sheer coincidence I also have a Kilfitt extender which is part of a 90mm f3.5 LTM lens which when used with the Helios 44 makes it fit a Leica thread mount camera perfectly so long as scale focussing is used. I have used it on a Bessa L with excellent results. At f5.6 to f2 it has a "signiture" which a much newer 42mm Helios 44-7 does not have. The 44-7 is sharper in my opinion, however. If I find a picture on my PC taken with this lens I will post it.
The Zenit 3M is a tiny SLR like a Fed or Zorki 1 or 2 with a reflex housing. The viewfinder is not accurate, however, but it is fun to use. Mine caps a bit once in a while.
Kurt M.

 

[arbib]

Great...It looked smallish (OM1 size)
Any wide angle made for...like a 35mm f/2.8 ??/
I think I am getting it without a lens for now...would like a 35mm to put on it too.
$33.00 Bucks...Includes Ship and insurance...
I have $30.00 left in my PayPal account....Need a wide lens .....

 

[Scarpia]

Thanks...What kind of Focusing aids does it have ??? or is it a plain ground glass ??

I did find a Industar 22 M39 (52mm F/2.8 ?)

I found this at a FSU EBay store....I have several in my fave list. It is located in the Ukraine.

Just might get it For FUN....
How can I tell if it an export model?

Its plain ground glass, very bright and easy to focus but does not show anywhere
near the full frame.
Kurt M.

 

[xayraa33]

there was the excellent 37mm Mir-1 lens in M39 for the Zenit C camera.
this is a very good wide angle lens.

 

[pvdhaar]

There's a web page where someone tried different lenses on the Zenit-3m.. If you're into macro photography, it seems quite cool: http://cameras.alfredklomp.com/combos/

 

[wolves3012]

The Zenit 3M is based on the Zorki 6 and should be a reliable camera. I have a Zenit C, which is based on the Zorki 2C and comes with Industar 50 (as did a lot of 3Ms); nice and sharp. Focussing is a plain matte screen. They are M39 screw, which means that LTM lenses will actually mount, but the LTM lenses will only focus out to a couple of metres or so.

The Zenit C is a tiny camera, especially for an SLR, and the 3M won't be much bigger. The C does NOT have an instant-return mirror, which may be considered a handicap. I'm not sure about the 3M but I think it is the same in that respect.

In a wide-angle the MIR 37mm f/2.8 is excellent, though it does make the camera a LOT bigger!

 

[xayraa33]

for all the M42 mount camera users out there, the 37mm Mir 1 B is the one to get.
a truely fine lens of Soviet design.

 

[arbib]

There's a web page where someone tried different lenses on the Zenit-3m.. If you're into macro photography, it seems quite cool: http://cameras.alfredklomp.com/combos/

Thanks for the interesting link.....a J8 for close to 1:2x work....UMMM

 

[arbib]

there was the excellent 37mm Mir-1 lens in M39 for the Zenit C camera.
this is a very good wide angle lens.

Good. I'll try to find one..Thanks

 

[Joao]

The C does NOT have an instant-return mirror, which may be considered a handicap. I'm not sure about the 3M but I think it is the same in that respect.!

I confirm, the 3M has no instant-return mirror, but it is very easy to get used to it.
Joao

 

[arbib]

After some research... I am NOT getting the Export version...That has Roman letering that says "Zenit 3m" Mine says "Zehum 3m"

O well, It will stil be a hoot to shoot with it....When ever I get a lens...the Hellos 44 is readily availble at most FSU camera sites that sell OLDER stuff.
Thanks

Picture of Export Verion

An export Zenit 3M was my first SLR. It was a great little camera and very reliable. Whether they are reliable now is another matter... I would think if you could find an export model it might still be good. I took mine to the Soviet Union and they couldn't believe it was built there.

 

[peter_n]

Thanks...What kind of Focusing aids does it have ??? or is it a plain ground glass ??....

How can I tell if it an export model?

Plain ground glass. The export models were engraved with Roman rather than Cyrillic characters. Mine had "Made in USSR" on it. I remember telling Russians that USSR = CCCP... 🙂 Export models were reputed to have better build quality than those made for sale within the Soviet Union.