Just got a great condition zenit b and pairing it with a smc 55mm f1.8 for an asia trip gonna be great for travelling and self portraits thanks for the tips :)
Please never operate your winding lever as shown in this video. Gently return it to rest and do not allow it to snap back under spring pressure. Please treat these old cameras with respect. The plastic covering to the winding lever, being old and brittle, can snap it treated like this
Hello, thank you so much for the video. I have a small confusion regarding the shutter speed dial. I am not able to identify what value i have set after rotating the dial, i mean i am confused about the indicator near the knob
Hi. You should match the speed (next to the number, there is a white dash) to the small black dot in the center of the knob. For example, in 3:41 I set the speed at 125
When you remove the lens, can you see through the viewfinder? If not, then there might be a problem with the mirror and it stays up. Make sure the speed isn't set to B and the shutter activated.
You can use both. But since the camera has a top shutter speed of 1/500, if you choose to use 400 ASA, you must be more careful when choosing the aperture, in order to avoid over-exposed images.
You can use any 35mm film you want. I would suggest the Ilford HP5 Plus or Kodak T-Max 400 black and white films which are cheap and easy to find. Regarding colour films, it depends on the colour tones and the aesthetic you want (and the price). Kodak Portra 400 is brilliant but expensive. Kodak ColorPlus 200 and Fujicolor C200 are very good and more affordable options. There's so much more and you can find reviews with samples online and on TH-cam that can help you choose.
The correct way is to load the film as in the video. Otherwise, the film might snap or slip out of the take-up spool and it won't actually roll when taking photos.
@@FilmCameras oh i never realised. pretty sure i’ve always done it the opposite way 😅 do you think i should take the film out? i’ve only taken one photo
You can try taking photos as it is. It might stay on the spool. If you want to take it out and start over again, then rewind the film a bit (but not fully because you won't be able to take it out again) and try loading it anew. You will just loose a couple of frames.
@@FilmCamerasthanks! i’ve taken it out and put it in the right way. think all is well with my camera apart from the shutter speed dial can move without pulling it up.
This is probably a problem concerning the shutter curtains. If you remove the bottom of the camera there are some screws with springs that control the shutter curtains and consequently, the knob. These need adjustment, but it needs to be done by an expert, otherwise you might damage the camera. You can find some tutorials online, but I wouldn't recommend it doing it on your own if you have no experience in this.
@@FilmCameras It turns out that at least one of the screws was loose. This was the cause of the problem. I tried to fix it, but one of the screws was partly damaged. My screwdriver had trouble grabbing it. I ended up buying a new camera body for $14 shipped. Anyway, thank you for the reply and a very informative video
Great video, thanks for putting it out! My Zenit B came with the Helios 44-2 and it gives me some wonderful images. I was always confused about the M symbol (X being standard nomenclature for flash sync) so your video clarifies that nicely. One thing I am still not clear about is a functionality where you can depress and turn the shutter button which seems to deactivate the shutter till you turn it back the other way. I don't know if it is meant to be a safety release or used in conjunction with B to work like a T function. Any idea about this? Also another point where things are not so clear is whether all M42 mount lenses can be used with the Zenit? I've read that this may not be the case and it's better to stay with the lenses that come with the camera.
The function you mention with the rotated depressed shutter button, doesn't exist on this model. Though some other Zenit models have it. As you say, apart from rewinding it was also meant to be used as a "T". But it is not a very good choice because in order to activate and deactivate it, it usually gives a good shake to the camera. It might be ok for long exposures though, I haven't tried it. For "T" exposures though you can use a cable release which usually have a lock position. Regarding the lenses, yes, if you buy a Helios lens with automatic step-down feature it will not work properly on the Zenit B. Have a look on this other video of mine to see an explanation of the auto lens on a Zenit EM: th-cam.com/video/vK0tXwyu5-8/w-d-xo.html There are versions of this auto lens which have the pin but don't have the auto/manual switch on the side. These will definitely won't work on a Zenit B and the shutter will remain open all the time.
I actually just got my grandads 1968 one recently refurbished it had the helios 44 2 58 mm in really good condition I'm doing shoots with it today at my sons communion indoors thing is I don't really know exactly how to use it I got 400 iso film I'm wondering what F stop and shutter speed to use indoors not the best of lighting if you get me we're all having a dinner in a pub and if I was to take outside shoots in the sun do you know what settings I'm looking at for that 🤔📸 thanks in advance
For the interior shots it depends on the lighting conditions. Normally you might need a flash. So you can give it a try with f/2 and speed 1/30. Or f/5.6 and speed 1/30. But if the place is well lit, or the subjects are hit by lights then you can increase your shutter speed. Keep in mind that from speeds 1/30 and lower you will need to keep the camera as steady as possible. 1/30 is the hand-held limit. Also if you use an open aperture (like f/2) you will need to be very accurate focusing the distance. For outside day shots you can use the "Sunny 16 rule" as a start. The rule is: On a sunny day set aperture to f/16 and shutter speed to the ISO of the film (500 in zenit-b case) for a subject in direct sunlight. By having this as a base, you can play with shutter speed or aperture by compensating one to another by "stops". For example if you want to open the aperture by one stop, you'll have to increase the shutter speed by one stop too.
Better do so. In some early models of zenit and other soviet cameras, if you set these the other way round the shutter speed might get stuck, or the speed indication won't match the actual shutter speed. In later models though there is no problem. But the users manual usully say to cock the shutter first.
Hi! I don't have a Praktica to do a video. Maybe in the future! But you can have a look at this Olympus video I've made. which a bit similar in some functions and might help you: th-cam.com/video/v0PQ8JopZ1c/w-d-xo.html
thank you so much! time to put my grandad's camera to use again after many years :)
wow, i have the same camera also from my granddad!! (only the lenses are different
@@troliroli our grandfathers are legends haha
This was so helpful. And that message at 3:49! You’ve probably saved so many cameras with that weird factoid. 😂
These videos are so useful! thank you!
Just got a great condition zenit b and pairing it with a smc 55mm f1.8 for an asia trip gonna be great for travelling and self portraits thanks for the tips :)
Careful of the SMC lenses and their additional pin on the the back. It can get stuck in the screw holes on the lens mount
Please never operate your winding lever as shown in this video. Gently return it to rest and do not allow it to snap back under spring pressure. Please treat these old cameras with respect. The plastic covering to the winding lever, being old and brittle, can snap it treated like this
very helpful video- thanks!!
Great video
Also exported to Australia as the zenit global and fitted with Helios 44/2lens.....mines a 71(?) and is in for cleaning 👍
Thank you so much!
I am buying one the same as in your video(one Zenit -B with Industar 50-2 f3.5/50mm Lens) for 20 dollars , is it a good camera ?
Hello, thank you so much for the video. I have a small confusion regarding the shutter speed dial. I am not able to identify what value i have set after rotating the dial, i mean i am confused about the indicator near the knob
Hi. You should match the speed (next to the number, there is a white dash) to the small black dot in the center of the knob. For example, in 3:41 I set the speed at 125
@@FilmCameras thank you so much
I have a zenit B with a helios-44m 2 lense, when i look through the viewfiner its black. Any ideas on why this could be?
When you remove the lens, can you see through the viewfinder? If not, then there might be a problem with the mirror and it stays up. Make sure the speed isn't set to B and the shutter activated.
For this camera, is better 100 or 400 ASA?
You can use both. But since the camera has a top shutter speed of 1/500, if you choose to use 400 ASA, you must be more careful when choosing the aperture, in order to avoid over-exposed images.
Hi, what brand/type of movie can I use for this camera please? I im beginner at these things and I got camera from grandparents.
You can use any 35mm film you want. I would suggest the Ilford HP5 Plus or Kodak T-Max 400 black and white films which are cheap and easy to find. Regarding colour films, it depends on the colour tones and the aesthetic you want (and the price). Kodak Portra 400 is brilliant but expensive. Kodak ColorPlus 200 and Fujicolor C200 are very good and more affordable options. There's so much more and you can find reviews with samples online and on TH-cam that can help you choose.
does it matter that i put the film over the thing it rolls around and then under it instead of the way you did?
The correct way is to load the film as in the video. Otherwise, the film might snap or slip out of the take-up spool and it won't actually roll when taking photos.
@@FilmCameras oh i never realised. pretty sure i’ve always done it the opposite way 😅 do you think i should take the film out? i’ve only taken one photo
You can try taking photos as it is. It might stay on the spool. If you want to take it out and start over again, then rewind the film a bit (but not fully because you won't be able to take it out again) and try loading it anew. You will just loose a couple of frames.
@@FilmCamerasthanks! i’ve taken it out and put it in the right way. think all is well with my camera apart from the shutter speed dial can move without pulling it up.
Is it possible to repair the shutter speed knob?? It rotates freely
This is probably a problem concerning the shutter curtains. If you remove the bottom of the camera there are some screws with springs that control the shutter curtains and consequently, the knob. These need adjustment, but it needs to be done by an expert, otherwise you might damage the camera. You can find some tutorials online, but I wouldn't recommend it doing it on your own if you have no experience in this.
@@FilmCameras It turns out that at least one of the screws was loose. This was the cause of the problem. I tried to fix it, but one of the screws was partly damaged. My screwdriver had trouble grabbing it. I ended up buying a new camera body for $14 shipped. Anyway, thank you for the reply and a very informative video
Great video, thanks for putting it out! My Zenit B came with the Helios 44-2 and it gives me some wonderful images. I was always confused about the M symbol (X being standard nomenclature for flash sync) so your video clarifies that nicely. One thing I am still not clear about is a functionality where you can depress and turn the shutter button which seems to deactivate the shutter till you turn it back the other way. I don't know if it is meant to be a safety release or used in conjunction with B to work like a T function. Any idea about this? Also another point where things are not so clear is whether all M42 mount lenses can be used with the Zenit? I've read that this may not be the case and it's better to stay with the lenses that come with the camera.
The function you mention with the rotated depressed shutter button, doesn't exist on this model. Though some other Zenit models have it. As you say, apart from rewinding it was also meant to be used as a "T". But it is not a very good choice because in order to activate and deactivate it, it usually gives a good shake to the camera. It might be ok for long exposures though, I haven't tried it. For "T" exposures though you can use a cable release which usually have a lock position. Regarding the lenses, yes, if you buy a Helios lens with automatic step-down feature it will not work properly on the Zenit B. Have a look on this other video of mine to see an explanation of the auto lens on a Zenit EM: th-cam.com/video/vK0tXwyu5-8/w-d-xo.html There are versions of this auto lens which have the pin but don't have the auto/manual switch on the side. These will definitely won't work on a Zenit B and the shutter will remain open all the time.
I actually just got my grandads 1968 one recently refurbished it had the helios 44 2 58 mm in really good condition I'm doing shoots with it today at my sons communion indoors thing is I don't really know exactly how to use it I got 400 iso film I'm wondering what F stop and shutter speed to use indoors not the best of lighting if you get me we're all having a dinner in a pub and if I was to take outside shoots in the sun do you know what settings I'm looking at for that 🤔📸 thanks in advance
For the interior shots it depends on the lighting conditions. Normally you might need a flash. So you can give it a try with f/2 and speed 1/30. Or f/5.6 and speed 1/30. But if the place is well lit, or the subjects are hit by lights then you can increase your shutter speed.
Keep in mind that from speeds 1/30 and lower you will need to keep the camera as steady as possible. 1/30 is the hand-held limit. Also if you use an open aperture (like f/2) you will need to be very accurate focusing the distance.
For outside day shots you can use the "Sunny 16 rule" as a start. The rule is: On a sunny day set aperture to f/16 and shutter speed to the ISO of the film (500 in zenit-b case) for a subject in direct sunlight. By having this as a base, you can play with shutter speed or aperture by compensating one to another by "stops". For example if you want to open the aperture by one stop, you'll have to increase the shutter speed by one stop too.
Do I always have to choose the shutter speed AFTER cocking the shutter? Does the order of doing these two change anything?
i have this camera the shutter speed remains on the same setting even after rotating from cocking the shutter
Better do so. In some early models of zenit and other soviet cameras, if you set these the other way round the shutter speed might get stuck, or the speed indication won't match the actual shutter speed. In later models though there is no problem. But the users manual usully say to cock the shutter first.
Hi...could you make video about GDR Praktica SLR camera (for example model PLC 3, MTL 50 etc.)? Btw super video and also camera :D...
Hi! I don't have a Praktica to do a video. Maybe in the future! But you can have a look at this Olympus video I've made. which a bit similar in some functions and might help you: th-cam.com/video/v0PQ8JopZ1c/w-d-xo.html
What happens if you shoot on the M position without having a flash?
Nothing as far as I know, I've been using one since 1977!
Mine doesn't have a take up spoil wtf
Ben de var zenit-B.