Zenit AUTOMAT (1988) Problem

First off, i`m new to this forum, and i`m sorry if i make any mistakes.
So, i have the Zenit 14 or AVTOMAT,(АВТОМАТ), bought it of from local private seller (macedonia), didn`t seem to be used a whole lot.

The problem itself is, the metering system, together with the shutter does not work properly. During the actual metering (half pressed button) it takes a reading but when you try to take a picture, nothing happens. Even on selftimer, it doens`t fire.

I don`t dare to open the case, i`ve never reraired any of these cameras.

I know these cameras especially their electronics are not very reliable, so if anyone knows anything, it might help :)

Few different batteries were used, it works for some time, and then it stops working properly..

Hope to hear from you guys :)




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If it is "Zenit-14" then it is so rare, that it is wiser to start using a less expensive one. I could say that it may be easy to find people who will trade a "14" to a working "Avtomat".
In the case it is "Avtomat" I am afraid that the repair costs easily exceed camera value. Like you say, these are delicate cameras, and spare parts are hard to get. Especially electronic parts. Many problems are also due to bad soldering and corroded contacts, so some times it is very hard to find the actual problem spot for repairing it.

Best regards,
Juhani

Thanks for the reply :) I`ve had suspicions about the soldering, but i`m not that "qualified" to open it :) And i like it a lot :)

Zenit AVTOMAT are the series, not a 14 :)

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That's too bad that it's not 14 because as Juhani said I was prepared to give you my working Avtomat plus money on top for it. :). To be honest it's cheaper to get another one than repairing it.

Sorry for the misleading you guys.. Which Zenit should be better than the Automat, the AM series? Or should i just get the Zenit KM Plus and get it over with..

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I've neither repaired a Zenit Automat series myself before. Though I did many Praktica L series.
The Zenit 122k is a very reliable starter. Very good groundglass, TTL metering and led indication. Relies on the succesfull basic Zenit shutter.

Yeah, i`m hanging around with zenits for 6 years now...Have the m42 mount 12sd model, and it proved to be a tank... I`ll be looking for another K-mount zenit, something better than the autimat :) Km-plus :D

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