Zenit 12XP Reviews
Latest Reviews
“The Zenit is probably one of the worst SLRs ever made....”
Written on: 14/03/2011
The Zenit is probably one of the worst SLRs ever made. Some people seem to like this camera because it is simple and mechanical and i makes you learn to shoot photos. The same can be said about Nikon F, F2, Nikkormat, Pentax Spotmatic, Olympus OM1 etc. I've used all of them. And they have much better quality and useability, Zenit wasn't even the best russian mechanical SLR the Kiev 19 was much better.
Problems:
The main problem with Zenit, is the hard shutter button, the 60% finder coverage...
(read more)
“I just love this camera! I have a Pentax MZ-M and a...”
Written on: 19/01/2011
I just love this camera! I have a Pentax MZ-M and a digital Pentax A30 but the Zenit is a school of fotography in itself! (read more)
Cpartha's Comment
Written on: 07/09/2012
school of fotography in itself ... LOL! I agree!!
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“The Zenit 12XP was my first SLR camera, practically I...”
Written on: 06/01/2011
The Zenit 12XP was my first SLR camera, practically I learned photography with this amazing camera. I bought it here in Colombia in 1990 a real bargain by the time compare with the japanese models, very robust, reliable and excellent Helios lens. I used it extensively in all kinds of conditions and always worked great, the LEDs system indicators very accurate. (read more)
“I may have gone digital now and never looked back,...”
Written on: 22/10/2010
I may have gone digital now and never looked back, except when i think of my old Zenith 12xp my old friend never once let me down was serviced regularly I even bought a second one and a second hand Zenith E (bit trickier that) This was the camera all my early photography was done with - accepted Agfa HDC with high ISO ratings of 400 and those pictures were as good as any digital shots today!!! (read more)
“Shame on you condemning the 12xp as rubbish. No one...”
Written on: 03/06/2010 by paulbuzz (2 reviews written)
Shame on you condemning the 12xp as rubbish. No one can dispute the fact it was a great picture taker and you need to understand the technical side of taking a photo with this camera. I started on this camera and today I understand pretty well what it takes to take a decent shot. Carl Zeiss lenses are not to be shunned I may add. The great part about it was the light meter in the form of flashing LEDs inside the view finder. (read more)
“The Zenit 12 XP is a brick of a camera which will...”
Written on: 23/01/2010
The Zenit 12 XP is a brick of a camera which will simply keep working. And the Helios 50mm F/2 lens is one of the most underated pieces of optics ever. I now own a Zenit E amongst other cameras, made in 1974 and still working quite happily. Compared to modern plastic junk, it feels like a Rolls Royce in your hands. (read more)
“this is not about the perfect exposure, contrast, or...”
Written on: 04/01/2010
this is not about the perfect exposure, contrast, or sharpness. Nor about ease of use or practicality. My old photography teacher taught me one thing: "the only thing that really matters [in photography] is what you point your lens to."
The Zenit 12xp, with its limited features, tight restrictions and relative user unfriendliness, is the perfect tool developing visual intuition.
http://www.alexzakkas.me
(read more)
“I think everyone realises that the Zenit cameras are...”
Written on: 04/10/2009
I think everyone realises that the Zenit cameras are bargain basement, old school heavy chunks of metal, but what has that to do with basic photographic potential? The metering, with two LEDs in the viewfinder, is very accurate. The shutter speed, albeit limited, are accurate.
I used mine for many years, it beat the hell out of my other Praktica cameras in terms of reliabilty and quality of images with the Helios 28m, 58mm and 135mm lenses. I went over to Minolta when sold my Praktica set,...
(read more)
“I find it extraordinary that the Zenit 12XP has...”
Written on: 21/07/2009
I find it extraordinary that the Zenit 12XP has attracted so many favourable reviews. I can only conclude that it is the only 35mm SLR which its reviewers have ever owned and therefore have nothing else with which to compare it - I would venture to suggest that even the similarly mechanical Olympus OM1, say, is rather ahead of the game. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a camera snob; indeed, I will readily concede that the Olympus OM1 was substantially more expensive than the humble Zenit and... (read more)
“I had a Zenit 12XP from May 1985 to August 1987 and it...”
Written on: 13/07/2009
I had a Zenit 12XP from May 1985 to August 1987 and it was very much of a curate's egg - good in parts. To be fair, I only used the standard Helios lens and so I can only really speak for the camera itself, not its supplementary M42 screw thread lenses (although I would avoid the Helios teleconverters as the resultant lens flare just has to be seen to be believed). OK, it's not particularly reliable, but the fact that it is so very slow to operate certainly makes for a more considered,... (read more)
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Showing 1 - 10 of 25 Reviews
“I love this camera. I am an amateur, and my first ever...”
Written on: 08/06/2009 by vumpsh (1 review written)
I love this camera. I am an amateur, and my first ever SLR was an older zenit-E. Since then, I have used many newer, much more high end pieces, but when I got a Zenit-12XP recently as a present, I fell in love with the Russian SLR again. Some people criticize Zenits for being clunky, but I love how solidly it feels in the hand. Controls are significantly improved over older models by the same brand, and I could consider this to be the best Zenit. Why? It has many technical improvements... (read more)
“Overall a fun manual camera to take snapshots with. ”
Written on: 07/05/2009 by gpower
Overall a fun manual camera to take snapshots with.
For the price it cannot be beaten as it can be had online for as low as £5, I paid just over £10 for mine in near mint condition. And the standard lens, the Helios 44M, is a very nice bit of kit, with a fairly large aperture and silky smooth bokeh.
There are a few things to watch out for though, Zenit quality control is legendarily iffy, so it is probably best to buy the camera from a fair where you can check all shutter speeds, the light...
(read more)
“I love photography.... I use this camera since I was...”
Written on: 10/12/2008
I love photography.... I use this camera since I was young... I know it just like the back of my hand... it is perfect... Recently I bought on ebay a soligor 25-55mm.... and it just rocks... I love it! It is a masterpiece for learning photography! (read more)
“A few months before I noticed that I have an old...”
Written on: 11/09/2008 by Augy (1 review written)
A few months before I noticed that I have an old camera in my shelf. It was the current zenit. And now I've done a few shots, but haven't looked at them yet, so I can't tell anything about the quality, but I heard it's very good. I really like it. Also, a zoom lens would have been fine also, but unfortunately it didn't even exist at that time.... (read more)
“Great collection camera, i bought one which is still...”
Written on: 27/07/2008
Great collection camera, i bought one which is still working and looks new! Rock Solid, beautiful U.S.S.R. camera! (read more)
“SOLID! Dependable, satisfying, and the helios lens is...”
Written on: 13/04/2008
SOLID! Dependable, satisfying, and the helios lens is sharp and contrasty. What a juggernaut. (read more)
“I purchased my Zenit 12XP 35mm SLR Camera, or perhaps...”
Written on: 08/05/2004 by harlee112833 (1 review written)
I purchased my Zenit 12XP 35mm SLR Camera, or perhaps it should be referred to as the 12HR, since the Russian cyrillic letters stand for XR, on Ebay for around $25.00. It was being sold under the Cambron label. Apparently the seller had no idea what it was, for he mentioned that there is some sort of battery holder on the back of the camera. The camera was in "like new" condition. I had a Zenit back in the 80's, with an external meter, and this one had the same heft and feel of of that... (read more)
“Ah Soviet engineering! Well, what Carl Zeiss was to...”
Written on: 05/03/2004 by redbaron (16 reviews written)
Ah Soviet engineering! Well, what Carl Zeiss was to the DDR, Zenit was to the USSR. I have a Zenit 12XP which has finally given up the ghost on me and I think I am actually going to have to replace it. That being said they go cheap on ebay so it is tempting to nab another. It was my first 'proper' 35mm camera and I got it with a few lenses to play with. The Zenit is good and chunky, it's a durable bit of kit and can take a knock or two without a problem which compares well with many of... (read more)
Bertie's Response to redbaron's Review
Written on: 30/08/2004
"you are restricted to screw fitting lenses"
<br>
<br>No restriction friend - there are thousands of such lenses out there and most of them for peanuts. They're 'old fashioned' you see.
<br>
<br>BTW, the 'screw fitting' was originally called 'Edixa thread' from the name of the camera that first used it. It subsequently became known as 'M42' being 42 millimetres in diameter.
<br>
<br>Just thought you'd like to know that.
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Redbaron's Response to redbaron's Review
Written on: 01/09/2004
Hi Bertie, thanks for your comment. For the serious enthusiast M42 is indeed little of a hindrance but many will be buying cameras such as this in car boot sales and the like and for children etc. and they may need to hunt a little harder for the M42, but your addition is correct.
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Fivish's Response to redbaron's Review
Written on: 25/05/2006
Good god man, this camera is a dinosaur! <br>I had a Zenit E 35mm camera 40 years ago! It was rubbish!
My next camera was a Nikkormat FT2 - wow what a beaut!
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Redbaron's Response to redbaron's Review
Written on: 28/05/2006
I think you'll find there are many people who learnt on Zenit's. I know 2 people who started with 12XPs who now do freelance work and they said it was a great camera to learn with.
Sure, it's old now but because it was built out of tank metal it'll last longer than you or I will mate!
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“I am a beginner in photography,Zenit12xp is a true...”
Written on: 11/09/2003 by kikhobor (1 review written)
I am a beginner in photography,Zenit12xp is a true master for my development of photographic senses and camera handling. But I am having a problem since I bought the camera from an auction and could not have any manual.Could anyone be kind enough to send me complete Zenit12xp manual at kikhobor@rediffmail.com (read more)
“I own a Zenit12xp 35 mm camera. I bought it in Cuba. ...”
Written on: 22/07/2003 by Enrique.
I own a Zenit12xp 35 mm camera. I bought it in Cuba. I emigrated to the United States, and after 9 years living in the US, somebody brought it to me from Cuba. I had to clean it, and after 9 years without use, the camera works perfectly, and take better pictures than the Canon cameras. I have it as my favorite collectible toy, and still use it, and the pictures impress everyone. (read more)
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Showing 11 - 20 of 25 Reviews
“If you want to own a cheap camera, reliable, that can...”
Written on: 02/07/2003 by Diobonik.
If you want to own a cheap camera, reliable, that can allows you to do very good pics and understand photography, this is the camera for you. No frills, sovietic style, but will never abandon you. Black and white pics are great with this camera. Works with any time and condition. I am happy with it, because it's "retro" but give you a lot of satisfaction. (read more)
Misa D.'s Response to Diobonik.'s Review
Written on: 01/08/2003
Hi all,
<br>
<br>I am looking for Zenit-12xp to buy, would you suggest me where to buy it? I am using Zenit-122k but my Zenit just broken last week, thus I need to find the other one.
<br>
<br>Zenit cameras were good ones, especially for those that were made before 1984, it is cheap and
<br>resonable camera.
<br>
<br>Thanks for any possible helps,
<br>Rgds,
<br>/Misa
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“Have not owned this camera but I owned a Zenit B many...”
Written on: 31/05/2003 by David.
Have not owned this camera but I owned a Zenit B many years ago. It was heavy and crude but it took good photos through its helios PRESET aperture lens. The Jupiter-9 85mm portrait lens for it was excellent and the lens I used for most of the time. The Zenit 12XP looks considerably more refined than my Zenit B was. Yes, I agree the Praktica cameras were the most unreliable ever made with their shutter problems, plastic top and bottom plates. (read more)
“The 12xp represents REAL photography. If you truly...”
Written on: 22/05/2003 by Tom Tiger.
The 12xp represents REAL photography. If you truly wish to
learn photography then this is the way to go. No programs, no autostuf but a back to basics camera. It's cheap, it's durable and the lenses are excellent. It has a M42 mount which means you can get a lot of good and cheap lenses for it. There are even forums around the world to help you with this camera.
So... free support, a good camera, and it even has a TTL meter. Which, imho, is a good meter. The 12xp forces you to think...
(read more)
“I have had a Zenit 12XP 35mm SLR camera with Helios...”
Written on: 19/09/2002 by Vaidis OK.
I have had a Zenit 12XP 35mm SLR camera with Helios 44, Mir 1B and Jupiter 37A lenses since 1994. The TTL exposure calculation system works perfectly. The only bad point is that there are no automatic modes for fast shooting - every time you need to set shutter speed and aperture by hand. And no autofocus, of course. (read more)
Doðan Akay.'s Response to 38564_Vaidis OK.'s Review
Written on: 13/05/2003
I have this camera for about 3 months.But I really don't know how to use it.I can't use the posometer.And it is too heavy but you can get a real performence from it.
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“The Zenit 12XP is an excellent 35mm SLR camera for its...”
Written on: 08/05/2002 by Misiek.
The Zenit 12XP is an excellent 35mm SLR camera for its price. A real workhorse, I have had it for 19 years without any trouble. The helios lens is magnificent. I recommend this camera to anyone that is on a budget or just starting out in photography. (read more)
28787_Moderntech.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 21/06/2002
This particular Zenit takes Pentax style Screw mount lenses, which are inexpensive of high quality and available on the used market in droves! Russian lenses have excellent glass and are considered to be very good quality. (My only bad experience with one is when a seal had allowed dirt inside the lens when dropped in the desert; I have to take responsibility for that one! It still took wonderful pictures and worked flawlessly.) I paid $12 for my Zenit 12XP. (In Russian it is sometimes seen marked as the 12CD.) Wonderful value whose only drawback has been camera snobs turning their noses up at Russian cameras.
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32122_Bungle.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 06/08/2002
Thanks for this review.
<br>I have found one of these camera's at my local second-hand store for $45 (approx US$25).
<br>It looked interesting but I wasnt sure what lens system they used.
<br>Thanks to your review, I now know they are a M42 screwmount just like my Pentax! Excellent!
<br>I already have M42 SM lenses, so I might buy it for the fun of it and I will Gain another lens, worth it for the lens alone I reckon. Thanks again
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40049_Need Help.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 26/09/2002
can anyone tell me how to rewind film on the Zenit 12 xp? PLease, i messed up a couple of rolls trying to do so.
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40446_Moderntech.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 29/09/2002
Replace the lens cap to prevent accidental exposure during the rewinding procedure.
<br>
<br>Press Shutter Release Button.
<br>
<br>With the finger tip or a non-marring tool tip depress the Film Rewind Sleeve below the shutter release into the cut-out portion of the surrounding sleeve (it looks like a half moon cut out.) It will click and stay down.
<br>
<br>Lift out Rewind Crank and rotate clockwise. You will feel the film being rewound into the cassette - stop when all resistance ceases.
<br>
<br>I hope this helps, I'll also post the on-line English manual for the Zenit 12XP & 11 which should be useful: http://www.butkus.org/chinon/zenith_12/zenith_12.htm
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41075_David.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 02/10/2002
i use a zenith 12xp which belonged to my dad. Recently I've been having a problem that no one in Malta seems to be capable of resolving. The first 2 cm (starting from the left)of some photographs appear whiter, as if they were overexposed while the remaining area of the photograph is ok. It appears mostly on a sky background but can also be detected on other backgrounds. Yet it is random and I could not find out a particular f/stop or shutter speed at which this was happening. A technician changed the curtain and added a seal between the camera body and the bottom cover to stop a leak. Yet the next film I developed again had the overexposed band at the left edge of some pictures. I use a Helios 44 lens and a 70mm-210mm Cosina Zoom Lens and the problem occurs with both lenses. Now I am being told to give it up. Is there hope that it will be fixed? Anyone out there knows how to solve this fault? Thanks
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41405_Moderntech.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 03/10/2002
Sounds like intermittent shutter bounce to me. I'm a camera collector and I now do most of my repairs myself. When I get a Zenit that develops problems now, I just archive it for spare parts and go to eBay and purchase a working one, as they are so reasonable in price. I believe the last 3 Model 12XP/CD's I have purchased ran around $12.00 $21.00 and $24.00 respectively. (The picture at the top of this thread is of my $12.00 Zenit 12XP.) The model TTL is very similar and a good choice also. Hope this helps...
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43120_Chris.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 11/10/2002
Hi,
<br>I have a Zenit 12xp camera. I am a TOTAL beginner so don't know much. I have two questions.
<br>1) when I play with the aperture, the objective doesn't get darker or ligher when i turn the ring.
<br>2)When I turn the ring, the red light which shows whether there is too much or too little light never goes green. WHY????????
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43478_Moderntech.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 13/10/2002
To: Chris from Russia (but I'm Canadian)
<br>Sounds like your lens is the Helios 44M or an equivalent. This is an automatic lens in that the aperture will remain wide open, then the lens will automatically 'stop down' to the correct aperture when the shutter is depressed either partially or fully. You can manually stop down this lens by flipping a lever or rotary switch (usually white in color,) on the lens itself.
<br> I have had a meter that stayed red no matter the lighting conditions. This is what I checked, is the battery compartment free of corrosion, do the batteries need replacement, (also check if they are the correct voltage,) is the automatic lens aperture pin damaged or broken (a small silver colored pin protruding from the back of the lens near the screw mount,) or the lens diaphragm frozen. Finally (as in my case,) the meter itself might be in need of calibration (as well as a Cleaning Lube and Alignment known as a C.L.A.,) which was enough of a cost for me to just replace the body.
<br>
<br>Here is my e-mail address should you need any further help, (as I’m fairly sure Review Centre doesn’t want to get into the nitty gritty of support for the Russian cameras...)
<br>
<br>moderntechnician@yahoo.com
<br>
<br>Hope this helps...
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61599_Gabriel.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 30/12/2002
I have a 12XP, and the film selector knob is broken (don't "click"). It's locked on ISO 100 films (I know that because when I use them the photos are fine and when I use the 400 the photos are croped), and I wouldn't mind if it were locked on 400. Is there any easy way to open the camera and roll the inner part of the knob (or whatever it should) to change it to 400?
i'd apreciate any hint, my email is
gabriel.barros<!---->@<!---->folha.com.br
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61716_Moderntech.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 31/12/2002
I have had some limited success with Break Free CLP - a lubricant that frees frozen screws and the like. Use a small amount and try very hard to isolate the rest of the working mechanism from getting any on it; (use a clean towel and hold the camera upside down so the excess drips away from the rest of the camera, might be a good idea to remove the lens also.) Zenits usually have a type of grease on the sprockets/gears and I have had this paste melt off in our hot desert Southwest thus freezing the gear in place. CLP will leave a fine coat of lube behind but if this does free your mechanism, this fine coat will soon dissipate leaving the gear unprotected. Thus a CLA (Cleaning Lube and Alignment might be the way to go. Here is a post from a Pro-Russian camera thread that might help you and others seeking a good inexpensive Russian camera repair:
<br>
<br>'There are competent Russian/Ukrainian technicians who will repair most Soviet cameras at very modest (by Western standards) prices.
<br>
<br>I've had work done by Oleg at "OK Camera". He sells cameras and has a website. Oleg repaired two Kiev 4AM's for me - bad shutters = for $10 apiece.
<br>
<br>Oleg's email address is: ok@capital.mari-el.ru
<br>
<br>Oleg accepts credit card payment via Paypal or personal checks to "Western Bid", a US firm.'
<br>
<br>I have not tried this camera tech’ as yet but imagine I will need to soon. Hope this helps!
<br>Moderntech
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61994_David.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 01/01/2003
hi
<br>
<br>The light metre in my Zenith 12XP never turns green but there is a reason for that - there is actually no green bulb. Correct exposure is indicated when the two red bulbs start flashing together. The flashing of the two bulbs concurrently fulfills the function of the green light. Therefore I don't find it strange that no green light goes on - and i have never heard of Zenith 12xp with a green indication light inside the viewfinder. Hope that this helps you chris (Russia) Thanks
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84672_Jorge.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 31/03/2003
Hi, i own a Zenit 12xp camera who has a M42 screwmount, and i have an Osawa Lens. I will like to know which models of Pentax camera bodies have the same type of mount as my camera. Thanks a lot.
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84707_Moderntech.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 31/03/2003
These M42 screw mount Lenses were used on Pentax Spotmatics, SP, SP500, SP1000, SP1 and the ES (Electro Spotmatic,) as well as the H1. Note: Ricoh models TLS/TLS 401, Mamiya Sekor models DTL500 & DTL1000, also used this screw mount as did the early Fuji, Chinon and East German Practica/Pentacon cameras. There are other variants as well such as the Ricoh screw mounts made for Sears, and of course the Zenit's...
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Ble.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 09/05/2003
Well I'm writing from Poland where the Zenit 12xp is the most popular amateur SLR (there are loads of these cameras in people's houses - i.ex. I own four zenit's :) - I'll write You something additional about the camera - the non-export version of the 12xp is the 12sd (not CD:) and its the same as the xp model but has writings in Russian :) Well in fact the model is a copy (with some things thrown away) of a german Praktica which in fact is a copy of the Olympus OM-1 (again - with some features thrown away :))) - now something about the lenses - please don't use the standard helios 44m4 lens (that is 1:2/58) - its a rubbish one - I would recommend pentacon MC 1:1,8/50 - its not only about the light - the aperture is a lot better than in the helios (notice that the helios lens does some ugly things in the background of the picture) - another good but rare standard lens is the japanese revuenon 1:1,4/55 which gives very nice photos for a reasonable price (something about 50US$ for a good one - I have one of these lenses and I'm very satisfied - very light, bright and precise) - f/1,4 m42 lenses from different manufacturers are much more expensive and give similar results ! Ultra wide lenses are mostly quite expensive but again there are some exceptions - in ex. the russian MIR 1b (37mm lens) is very cheap (used for about 15-20$) with a good brightness f/2,8-16 - there are also some different popular lenses here - 500/8 and 1000/11 mirror tele's are very popular also - 16mm wide lenses are expensive but also very popular - almost every lens I mentioned before is availible as a new mint product in Poland (especially jupiter lenses) - only ultra bright 1,4 and CZJ DDR - (CARL ZEISS JENA DDR) lenses are things you have to buy second hand :)
<br>
<br>well have fun with Your zenit cameras :) and when You find it too simple switch to a praktica mtl camera with the m42 and you won't have to sell and buy new lenses !!!
<br>
<br>any questions ?
<br>mail me - michal@astral-group.net
<br>BYE ! :)
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96278_Moderntech.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 09/05/2003
Have to agree on your assessment on German glass, (we love the Polish!!!) The Pentacon cameras are nice pieces of work also, however they break too EASILY. (My Beloved Pentacon Six is an expensive paperweight thanks to stamped soft metal gears and poor lubrication.) Only Broken Petri cameras rival Broken Pentacon cameras on eBay. The people here at Camera shows avoid them.
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97999_Justyna.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 15/05/2003
Can anyone please advise what kind of battery I need to power the auto exposure facility?
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98298_Kv.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 15/05/2003
batteries: LR42, but recently I was forced to buy LR43 and they work fine.
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98386_Ble.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 16/05/2003
about batteries: yep most of the batteries with the same shape work fine (alkalines work well also) - but look out not to leave Your camera shutter release button in the V position - once I did that and the batteries did not last a night !
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102873_David.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 31/05/2003
Anyone know the difference between the Zenit 11 and the 12XP?
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103143_Moderntech.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 01/06/2003
The Zenit 11 and 12XP are very similar cameras with one very notable exception. They both use the same M42 (Pentax) screw mount but the Zenit 11 has the externally mounted selenium light meter (compared with the 12XP's internal meter.) These meters are infamous for giving poor readings and usually become useless in time. The plus is they never require a battery.
<br>Here is the link to Nathan Dayton's excellent Website on the Zenits, (has pictures data and manuals):
<br>
<br>http://www.commiecameras.com/sov/35mmsinglelensreflexcameras/cameras/zenit/index.htm
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117263_Dan.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 20/07/2003
I like the Zenith XP. It's cheap and takes good photos. I've had three Zenith XPs. Each one has eventually broken after two to five years, with the winding mechanism seizing up. Also, the light meter tends to go wrong and if you strictly obey it you will get under-exposed photographs. In this sense, it's a very Soviet-style machine - it's big, heavy and you have to adpat to it. But when it works, it's excellent and I recommend buying one if it's cheap.
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121389_Andy.'s Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 04/08/2003
I have seen a Zenit 12xp on an auction website, and I am going to have a look at it. It has a Helios 44 lens. Are there any particular things I should check for, and how much do you think I should be paying? Thanks!
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Moderntech's Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 04/08/2003
To: Andy From: Peru
<br>
<br>Watch out for 'haze' or 'cloudiness' on a lens or when viewing through prism, it is a way of getting around admitting it has fungus.
<br>
<br>'I haven't put any film through it' probably means it doesn't work.
<br>
<br>Download the camera manual from the free link that was published here earlier.
<br>
<br>Finally if the price goes to the equivalent of 40.00 US dollars or more, I'd let it pass. For that price you can purchase a Ricoh TLS 401, Mamiya 500 or 1000, or even a Pentax Spotmatic which use the same M42 screw mount and are a HUGE step up in quality.
<br>
<br>(I have not had good experiences with 'as-is' auctions, if the seller offers a return privilege it's probably a trouble free purchase; if he does not, it probably isn't!)
<br>
<br>Check his or her feedback rating!
<br>
<br>Hope this helps...
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Rudygarrido's Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 19/12/2003
In my Zenith 12XP the counter do not function, so I don´t know in what picture I am.
<br>Any good idea to repare it??
<br>Thanks
<br>Rudy
<br>rudy_garr@hotmail.com
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Dexor's Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 19/07/2004
Hello to everyone, I have a big problem : my zenit 12xp works very well, but when I retire the photos from the photographer I see on them two small blue horizontal lines at two cm of distance from the top and the bottom...what problem could be? Thank you very very much.
<br>davibassjh@yahoo.it
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Hotlanta's Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 24/03/2008
David (Poster #11), I was shocked to hear that your Zenit 12XP has dual red LEDS! Mine has two LED's one Red (Left) and one Green (Right). When the exposure is over or under the red LED comes on and when the exposure is correct the green LED comes on and red one goes out! I had always thought all XP's were the same!
<br/>
<br/>I went to my favourite Camera Store locally and had to search out someone that would even speak about Russian cameras. And he referred me to a customer that collects cameras, who said his current 12xp was like yours, but that he had seen both. Apparently there are variations. I wonder (hope) if mine is the rare version. The manual for mine (written in English) matches my dual coloured LEDS.
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Guest's Response to Misiek.'s Review
Written on: 22/06/2011
hello,can anyone help me,i have a zenit 12sd and i need some books to learn :d
thanks in advance,
Onixa
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overview
Top 5 Analogue Cameras
To calculate the top 5's we take the following factors into account:
• All the star ratings the company/product has received,
• The number of reviews
• How recent the reviews are
As rated by real users
-
1. Zenit 12XP
25 reviews read latest review -
2. Nikon F100
17 reviews read latest review -
3. Canon T90
11 reviews read latest review -
4. Canon EOS 500
13 reviews read latest review -
5. Minolta X-300
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Jjbink's Comment
Written on: 02/01/2012
Quite agree Zeniths are a clunky dated (even at the time ) novelty.
They are quaint in a USSR type of way, I own various Feds, Zorki, Zenith etc also Practica and Olympus, Pentax etc.The Zenith is so far behind the Practica in weight, build reliability feel etc. I got out my Practica after 10 years and it works like new, The Zenith needed its shutter retensioning.
They are popular beyond their capability, but at least they kept Technical and Optical in business.