KMZ "Zenit" back on the market in 2018?

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Printed on: 5/7/2026 2:42:11 PM

Topic

Topic author: Guido

Posted on: 20170821144646

Dear friends

Look at this:

https://www.dpreview.com/news/4583152995/zenit-is-back-in-business-plans-to-release-full-frame-mirrorless-camera-in-2018

Original source (russian):

https://rns.online/it-and-media/V-Rossii-vozobnovyat-proizvodstvo-fotoapparatov-Zenit---2017-08-18/

Just a hoax or a real project this time? Maybe you remember the "Zenit 408DC" and "Zenit N1"? We will see ...

Best wishes - Guido

Replies

Reply author: cedricfan

Replied on: 20170821150935

Wow, this would be great news, where to pre-order [8D]

Best regards,
Juhani

Reply author: Vlad

Replied on: 20170821151335

yeah I've seen these floating on Russian sites past week, I'm not sure whether to believe it. An article with promises like this seems to come out in Russia every couple of years [:)]

Cheers,
Vlad

Reply author: Vlad

Replied on: 20170821151738

I just hope it's not another 22-pound laptop for $3000. [:D] I have higher hopes for KMZ!

https://meduza.io/en/feature/2015/06/02/when-there-s-no-shame-in-made-in-russia

Reply author: Will

Replied on: 20170823091752

I've seen this doing the rounds on other forums for a while.

I'll believe it when I see it.[:)]

Will

Reply author: Zoom

Replied on: 20170910085801

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Guido
 
Original source (russian):
https://rns.online/it-and-media/V-Rossii-vozobnovyat-proizvodstvo-fotoapparatov-Zenit---2017-08-18/
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Nope. The original source is there: http://radio1.news/news/v-2018-godu-na-mirovykh-rynkakh-poyavitsya-legendarnyy-fotoapparat-zenit/
Translating with my notes in (brackets):
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Next year, the legendary Zenit camera will appear on Russian and foreign markets. This was told by "Radio 1" head of the department for the development of civilian instrument making JSC "Shvabe" Igor Sergeyev.
"We ("Shvabe") plan to revive the direction of production of digital photographic equipment. We ("Shvabe") have a working out project of close industrial cooperation with one of the leading photographic equipment companies (is meant Leica Camera AG -- it's not a secret), in order to create a joint product, where KMZ is involved in the production of infrastructure for the production of optics for these cameras (I do not know how to explain this). And electronics (camera body) will be made abroad. Our ("Shvabe") road map provides for the withdrawal of this product in the next year," -- said Sergey.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Reply author: Moxies

Replied on: 20170910093046

As far as I know, Zenit does not export. (at least, on their site, you can only receive the lenses in Russia) The only things you can buy from them is via Lomography or other partner.

I believe that if this new camera will be real, it won't go far if it's not exported.

I still wondering why they do not export. Helios 40 is still a sought after lens, and I think people would prefer buy it directly from Zenit shop then from random re-seller on ebay...

But as I understand what Zoom quoted, it will be partnership with Leica, so it should be exported.

Reply author: Zoom

Replied on: 20170911132144

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Moxies
 I believe that if this new camera will be real...
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
You can buy the original right now:
http://fr.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-SL/Leica-SL
;)

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20170913195301

which kind of mystery is that?
KMZ making Leica? or leica lenses?
regards
LP

Reply author: Zoom

Replied on: 20170915175009

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Luiz Paracampo
 which kind of mystery is that?
KMZ making Leica? or leica lenses?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
According Igor Sergeyev (JSC "Shvabe"): "KMZ is involved in the production of infrastructure for the production of optics for these cameras".
As I said, I do not know how to explain this sentence, sorry. May be simple: KMZ produce lenses...
A camera body presumably (but there are no other variants) based on Leica SL, with another design and named as "Zenit", will be made by Leica. I do not think that the price will be very much lower relative to the original. Miracles do not happen.

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20170915181723

These are really a good News
thanks Zoom
regards
LP

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20170915181831

Better yet!
Exciting NEWS!!!!

Reply author: Vlad

Replied on: 20170916004724

A Russian camera made by Leica, how fantastic is that?! [:)] speaking of ultimate role reversals haha! Love it!thank you Zoom for this information!

Cheers,
Vlad

Reply author: Jacques M.

Replied on: 20170916150620

For the moment, I have not seen anything on the "western" Leica sites. A co-operation is possible, of course. But KMZ cameras made by Leitz, or the contrary, I don't exactly understand... Or only lenses?

Would Lomography officially be involved in that operation?

Jacques.

Reply author: Zoom

Replied on: 20170917061541

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Jacques M.
 For the moment, I have not seen anything on the "western" Leica sites.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
This information has a negative impact on Leica's reputation. They will remain silent.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Jacques M.
 But KMZ cameras made by Leitz, or the contrary, I don't exactly understand... Or only lenses?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Only lenses, of course. Although it is difficult to understand Sergeyev... May be nothing (only "involved in the production of infrastructure for the production of optics for these cameras")
I focus your attention: this is the "Shvabe" project, not KMZ.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Jacques M.
 
Would Lomography officially be involved in that operation?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
They obviously have nothing to do with it.

Reply author: Jacques M.

Replied on: 20170917105739

Thanks, Zoom. Wait and see now...

Jacques.

Reply author: SteveA

Replied on: 20170917133103

Funnier things have happened - who would have thought VW would be making Skodas a few years ago...

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20170918202419

Remember that VW copied Tatra Project in the early days
Regards
LP

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20170918202616

also the todas common car recalls were born in Russia with the GAZ M20 "Pobieda"
LP

Reply author: Jacques M.

Replied on: 20170919114350

Confirmation here: https://leicarumors.com/2017/09/16/rumors-zenit-to-work-together-with-leica-on-their-upcoming-full-frame-mirrorless-digital-camera-did-leica-purchased-zenit.aspx/

And there: http://www.summilux.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=84037

But these sites partially refer to USSRphoto. So, perhaps we will be half responsible if things are successful? [8D]
Really great news!

Amitiés. Jacques.

Reply author: Zoom

Replied on: 20170919151740

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Jacques M.
 Confirmation here: ...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
This is not a confirmation, but a re-link: to the source (Igor Sergeyev, the head of the "Shvabe" department -- via "Radio 1"), to USSRphoto.com, to zenitcamera.com sites and nothing more...

And why do they* all talk about KMZ ("Zenit"), although, as we see, this is a "Shvabe" idea to write on Leica camera another name and proudly declare that "the brand Zenit is revived"?

* I mean:
https://leicarumors.com/2017/09/16/rumors-zenit-to-work-together-with-leica-on-their-upcoming-full-frame-mirrorless-digital-camera-did-leica-purchased-zenit.aspx/
https://photorumors.com/2017/09/16/rumors-something-is-going-on-between-leica-and-zenit/
https://petapixel.com/2017/09/16/zenits-full-frame-mirrorless-camera-rebranded-leica-sl-rumor-says/
https://www.dpreview.com/news/7688263968/zenit-s-full-frame-mirrorless-camera-will-use-components-made-by-leica
https://www.fotointern.ch/archiv/2017/09/19/zenit-comeback-mit-leica-elektronik/
http://www.diyphotography.net/zenits-full-frame-mirrorless-camera-actually-modified-leica-sl/
http://www.mirrorlessrumors.com/zenit-launching-rebranded-leica-sl/
etc.

Btw, on the page http://www.zenitcamera.com/qa/qa-digital.html there is such a note (in my translation):
"All announcements, plans, etc., related to the development of digital cameras, which appeared in the media since November 2014 and later, did not directly have any relation to the Krasnogorsky Zavod (KMZ)."

Reply author: Zoom

Replied on: 20170919173308

I found some interesting about this "Leica-Zenit news" and USSRphoto:

https://camerajabber.com/leica-working-zenit-full-frame-mirrorless-camera/
I will give only one phrase from the author -- Jeff Meyer (he's been a journalist!): "PetaPixel reached out to USSRPhoto, the Russian website that reported the news..."

It was also curious to read this discussion:
https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/276976-zenit-launching-rebranded-leica-sl-never-ever%E2%80%A6/

Reply author: Vlad

Replied on: 20170919182503

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Zoom
 I found some interesting about this "Leica-Zenit news" and USSRphoto:

https://camerajabber.com/leica-working-zenit-full-frame-mirrorless-camera/
I will give only one phrase from the author -- Jeff Meyer (he's been a journalist!): "PetaPixel reached out to USSRPhoto, the Russian website that reported the news..."

It was also curious to read this discussion:
https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/276976-zenit-launching-rebranded-leica-sl-never-ever%E2%80%A6/

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

All the information on Petapixel comes from this open public forum thread. PetaPixel has my explicit permission to use any materials from here in their articles as we are an open wiki/forum site. How it gets interpreted on other reposting sites is a case of "broken phone" as they do not know the people behind the user names here [;)]

Best regards,
Vlad.

Reply author: europanorama

Replied on: 20170919214654

Shvabe, Rostec, KMZ they are a family. google.
In my opinion there will be a Zenit-camera with parts made by Leica used in SL adapted to Zenit FF mirrorless. Lenses will be made by the russians. KMZ?

www.europanorama.ch.vu
3DStereo-Aeropanorama
Swiss Alps like never before
Marspanoramas in 3D
sorry temp.ltd. access
3DSTEREO-Media
Photos/Panoramas/Videos

Reply author: Jacques M.

Replied on: 20170920030743

Of course, Zoom, it is a re-link. I have not said anything else, but with a smile: perhaps USSRphoto will get royalties, if everything turns well? [:D]

About the question Zenit/Shvabe... I remember when the first Zenit arrived in France... It was a clap of thunder: at least, a cheap camera, reflex, with interchangeable lenses ! Old people have not forgotten this period. So, I am not surprised that the name "Zorki" was put ahead...

Amitiés. Jacques.

Reply author: Zoom

Replied on: 20170920160517

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Vlad
 All the information on Petapixel comes from this open public forum thread. PetaPixel has my explicit permission to use any materials from here in their articles...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Vlad, I did not want to pay attention to PetaPixel. But to "the Russian news website USSRPhoto", accoring Jeff Meyer, the journalist.
Link: https://camerajabber.com/leica-working-zenit-full-frame-mirrorless-camera/
Maybe I'm wrong or naive, but for me the journalist should check the data, not concocte it, out of thin air...
A person who has worked for the UK's photography press for the past 11 years with "Amateur Photographer" can not write such rubbish:
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">KMZ is an optical factory where Zenit is reportedly producing special lenses for its upcoming camera.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Or now they are all the same, not only those who write about politics (bloody dictators, who hacking booths for voting, etc.)?

Concerning PetaPixel... From PetaPixel's article:
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">"KMZ is a mechanical and optical factory, so they don’t do electronics at all," USSRPhoto tells PetaPixel. "Anything [digital/electronic] that is done is outsourced to French and German firms."<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">USSRPhoto tells PetaPixel... Vlad, where did they (PetaPixel) get this enchanting information? I'm curious to know... ;)

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20170920171106

In Brazil there is a common sense that "One who tell a tale, adds another one"
Somewhat like this is happening.

Thanks for the note Zoom
Regards
LP

Reply author: Vlad

Replied on: 20170921114911

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Zoom

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">"KMZ is a mechanical and optical factory, so they don’t do electronics at all," USSRPhoto tells PetaPixel. "Anything [digital/electronic] that is done is outsourced to French and German firms."<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">USSRPhoto tells PetaPixel... Vlad, where did they (PetaPixel) get this enchanting information? I'm curious to know... ;)
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Petapixel reached out with the question to me whether KMZ manufactures electronics for cameras, is it not a true statement? You are right though regarding countries, Silvestri is not French, it's Italian, I made a mistake there. [:)]

Reply author: Zoom

Replied on: 20170921161047

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Vlad
 Petapixel reached out with the question to me whether KMZ manufactures electronics for cameras, is it not a true statement?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Surprise! ;) It is not a true statement...
At first, KMZ does not produce electronic components (chips). This is handled by another industry. At second, KMZ does not produce digital consumer cameras -- indeed.
But KMZ produces other digital cameras and equipment: space and military.

Reply author: Vlad

Replied on: 20170921161519

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Zoom
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Vlad
 Petapixel reached out with the question to me whether KMZ manufactures electronics for cameras, is it not a true statement?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Surprise! ;) Is not a true statement...
At first, KMZ does not produce electronic components (chips). This is handled by another industry. At second, KMZ does not produce digital consumer cameras -- indeed.
But KMZ produces other digital cameras and equipment: space and military.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

No I know that. Here's a part of my reply to PetaPixel:
"we're talking only about [consumer] cameras, KMZ also makes a lot of other stuff where they may or may not make Electronics for other devices I'm not familiar with the other production. There's a lot of Department of Defense products they're doing they may have Electronics in them that they make". My English is not perfect so I guess some stuff gets paraphrased...

Reply author: Zoom

Replied on: 20170922121800

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Vlad
 No I know that...
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
O.K.
Let's now go back to this Zenit-Leica project...
My attitude to this project is that it is bad, it's not a good idea. I think... not: I hope that it will not work out.
This is a pseudo-rebirth, a duble-fake Zenit (not SLR, not Russian), the project that does not bring anything, except the feeling that somebody is engaged in deception.

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20170922165056

I completely agree with half of Zoom declarations The câmera must have Russian origins, its own personality.
But indoubtly it is na international reconaissance of in built Russian quality

the other half is a permanent question _only the Market will answer

Regards
LP

Reply author: Vlad

Replied on: 20170922180303

Unfortunately it today's global economy it's an unrealistic goal. You will not find one "pure" consumer product anywhere. Everything is assembled from parts from all over the world, so I think it's a completely natural step in the evolution of Zenit.

Reply author: Jacques M.

Replied on: 20170923052355

I don't know if the step is natural, Vlad, but for sure there is no way to stop it...
See too the "Biotar 2/58 new generation" thread, by Luiz, as another example of the same question....

Reply author: Luiz Paracampo

Replied on: 20170923112648

there are various samples Meyer is one of them.
Thy have also the Helios 40 with another name
Regards
LP

Reply author: Jacques M.

Replied on: 20170923150558

Of course, Luiz. But I just wanted to say that it's a general problem, due to law market. Good old days are past, for ever, whatever I can think ...
And of course you know that, as well as me.

Jacques.

Reply author: seany65

Replied on: 20171009170810

If this happens, I hope they make it look and feel like a zenit C, but with more speeds and apertures etc.

Reply author: wajahat

Replied on: 20220623105614

I found about this once on this blog: https://cameraprism.com/