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RCCCUK 11/07/2011 02:18Collectors and Users Open Forum1,967 views

Zenit-E

According to J L Princelle's book, Zenit-Es manufactured by KMZ between 1965 and 1968 did not have instant-return mirrors. The earliest camera that I have found so far is a 1968 model, and that certainly has got an instant-return mirror. Can anyone confirm that the earliest versions of the Zenit-E did indeed not have instant-return mirrors. I assume that these early versions would only be available with 39mm lens mounts. Any information would be much appreciated.

David.

okynek11/07/2011 07:16

I'll have to check my cameras. I should have Zenit E made in 1966, 1967, 1968. It hard to tell on sure if these cameras were modified during they life or was born this way. So I'll tell in which conditions it came to my collection. As I remember earlier cameras from 1966 had M42 lens and then later SOME cameras from 1967 and 1968, had M39 lens. Weird. Probably left over parts from Zenit 3M got to production of Zenit E.

Guido11/09/2011 19:31

Hello David

I have one more time checked two Zenit E from 1966 (one with M39 and one with M42 mount) and I have found that both cameras have instant return mirrors. Both s/n are in the range of 66012xxx of around 27500 Zenit E's build in 1965 and 1966.

Some years ago I had discussed this question with some collectors and my conclusion was that Jean Loup Princelle was probably wrong at this point. A later modification may be an explanation, but I don't think this could be realistic because no one I have talked with ever seen such an "unmodificated" Zenit E.

The first instant return mirror was described for a Kristall 2 prototype in 1960 (?) and the Zenit 3EM prototype in 1964, maybe (or for shure ...) there exist even earlier prototypes with this mechanism. BTW: I'm only talking about KMZ cameras.

Best wishes - Guido

RCCCUK11/10/2011 02:28

Hello Guido,

Many thanks for checking your cameras for me. I have been searching for a long time for a non-instand return Zenit-E. Maybe I should now give up. If I see JLP at Bievres next year, I will ask him if he has ever seen one.
Best wishes,

David.

fotomuda11/10/2011 03:55

I know one zenit-E, year 66, but without flash shoe. Back is like zenit-3M camera. But also instant-return mirror.
My 66 year camera has also instant return mirror.
You can find pictures in my homepage!!!

Best, Martti

Luiz Paracampo11/11/2011 18:28

To fotomuda
PLs send us your homepage address.
Regards LP

cedricfan11/13/2011 09:53

Click the "My Collection" on left...

Best regards,
Juhani

runner08/17/2026 04:39

I purchased my earliest Zenit-E recently with serial 65000669. And it has an instant return mirror as any other Zenit-E. Also I checked mirror of 66001210 camera and several latest cameras of the same year. I'm definetely sure that old type mirror of earliest Es is just a myth. I wrote about it at Kosmo Foto here: https://kosmofoto.com/2025/03/the-krasnagorsk-cutlet-solving-the-mirror-mystery-of-early-zenit-es/
And if you interested about Zenit-E evolution you can also read this: https://kosmofoto.com/2022/11/zenit-e-solving-the-enduring-mysteries-of-the-worlds-most-popular-slr/

runner