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Zenit E and Helios 44m 2 Serial Numbers

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Printed on: 6/9/2026 6:46:45 PM


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Topic author: photocraft

Posted on: 20120404074334

I have a Zenit E and Helios 44m 2 with unusual serial numbers.
Was wondering if they mean something special?

The Zenit E is 7000005*
The Helios is 000173*

I've never seen so many zeros on a camera + lens combo.

Replies

Reply author: Robotnik

Replied on: 20120404134647

Your Zenit E, was Produced in 1970. That serial number by my guess, means it was the 5th one made in 1970 possibly. Which makes it sort of special, but not really. I always thought KMZ put the month in along with the year for camera bodies. I.E my Zenit E:
73030340

Made in 1973, the third month, number 340.

Or my Zenit 19:
82022731
Made in 1982, February (second month) number 2731.

If this decoding of serials is wrong, someone please correct me! :) That means my original source of that info was wrong.

The lens, I am not sure. I have read a lot of stuff, but all of it differing.

Reply author: cedricfan

Replied on: 20120404142038

Yes, you are wrong in the month code, that does not exist. The year is correct.
"Zero-prefix" can mean a lot of things like preseries, special series, or nothing special. In your case it may even be one more engraving fault, as 7000173 would be a perfect pair for the body!

Best regards,
Juhani

Reply author: photocraft

Replied on: 20120404154335

Thanks for the replies.
I forgot to mention that I used the * symbol at the end of both numbers to hide the last number.
I doubt this changes your thoughts though :)

Reply author: martinsmith99

Replied on: 20120501065016

A bit late on the scene, but the preceeding zeros denote that it's an very early run of a lens.

Reply author: fotomuda

Replied on: 20120501160303

One my zenit-E have serial 69050505!