Zenith SLR cameras were once the ultimate dream for many Soviet amateur photographers. Today, they are mostly used by enthusiasts. These are completely mechanical cameras, in which you need to independently select the shutter speed and aperture values. Some of the cameras may have an exposure meter, which makes it easier for the novice photographer to choose the right parameters.
Instructions
Step 1
The complexity of setting up a Zenit camera depends on whether it has an exposure meter in the kit. This is a special device with a photocell that measures the amount of light and allows you to set the aperture and shutter speed at which you get good light and color photos. In "Zenith" there are two types of exposure meters: selenium and TTL. Selenium is typical for models E, ET and others. TTL exposure meter differs in that the photocell is located directly in the lens, it is much more convenient. Determine which exposure meter your camera is equipped with.
Step 2
If your Zenith has a TTL exposure meter, be sure to replace its battery, even if it works. As a consequence, using an old battery will result in underestimated exposure meters and overexposed photographs. The TTL exposure meter has an indicator directly in the lens. This is a small arrow and should be exactly in the middle if the exposure settings are perfect. It rises up when the frame is too light, and lowers when it is dark. The exposure meter arrow shows the value only when the shutter button is pressed. To check the exposure values, press the shutter button lightly, but not so far that the shutter responds.
Step 3
The aperture and shutter speed setting controls the amount of light that hits the film. The simplest approach is to set the shutter speed close to the ISO of the film, and adjust the aperture according to the exposure meter. This means that if the film has a sensitivity of 100 units, then the shutter speed should be 125, 200 units - 250, 400 units - 500.
Step 4
If the exposure meter is selenium, you can ignore its readings. The fact is that such photocells quickly degrade, and since their production has ceased a long time ago, your exposure meter, too, most likely, no longer works correctly. If you don’t have any practical knowledge of how to select an exposure, it’s best to get an external exposure meter. After setting the shutter speed, use the exposure meter to adjust the aperture. If the exposure meter shows that there is little light with the maximum aperture open, you can set a slower shutter speed (the lower the shutter speed, the longer it is). If there is still a lot of light with a fully closed aperture, then the shutter speed should be reduced. Some modern amateur photographers use digital "soap dishes" instead of an exposure meter.
Step 5
When it is not possible to set shooting parameters using the exposure meter, then you can use proven recommendations in this regard. Alternatively, you can use the exposure values recommended in the table below
Step 6
Experiment. At first, use films of 12 frames, write down the shooting parameters at which the pictures were taken. So you will quickly understand what parameters to set in different conditions, even if you do not have an exposure meter that can help with this. Remember that shutter speed determines the amount of time that light is exposed to the film, and exposure controls the amount of light. After trying different settings, you will quickly get used to the camera's capabilities and will be able to take good shots without worrying about shutter speed and aperture values.
Step 7
With the exposure and shutter speed set, focus on the subject you are shooting. This is the easiest part of the setup.
