Zenit-B (Зенит-B) is a 35mm SLR camera made in the Soviet Union from 1968 to 1977. It was part of the long running series of SLR cameras by Zenit which were produced in huge quantities. The camera has an M42 lens mount which supports a large number of lenses. It was usually marketed with the Industar-50-2 3.5/50 which is shown in this video. It was also marketed as
Kalimar SR100,
Prinzflex-500 and
Revueflex-B.
Zenit-B was the same as Zenit-E, but had no built-in light meter. The camera has a self-timer and can support accessories like electronic or bulb flash and cable release.
It is a very cheap SLR camera and like all the Zenits, very easy to find. You can use many lenses with M42 mount including the Helios 44-2 with the famous swirly bokeh. The camera is very heavy and solid, made from metal but problems with the shutter speeds and the shutter curtain are common, so check carefully before buying, because often a repair might cost more than the camera itself.
Zenit cameras in general, because of their low prices and fairly good lenses, are very popular and a good starting point for those wanting to enter manual film photography with an SLR camera.
Important things to remember:
#1 Never attempt to turn the shutter speed dial between "B" and "500" or you will damage it. You'll need to go all the way around.
#2 Advance the film before choosing a shutter speed. Doing otherwise might damage the shutter and disorganize the speeds. Although not necessary in all Zenit models, better remember this rule, to make sure nothing happens.
#3 Always advance the film before activating the self-timer.