Zenit is launching a full-frame digital mirrorless camera in 2018
Aug 22, 2017
Dunja Đuđić Kalinin
Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, concerts, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.
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After more than ten years, Russian camera manufacturer Zenit is back in business. They have announced a comeback in 2018, with a new full frame mirrorless digital camera. The brand started producing 35mm film cameras in 1952, and in the 1960s and 1970s, they were exported to 74 countries. The last camera was Zenit KM Plus. It was produced in 2005, after which the factory ceased.
But now it seems we can expect Zenit’s return, with modern features of a full frame digital mirrorless camera, but recognizable Zenit’s design.
Director, Zverev Igor Sergeyev, told a Russian radio service that they plan to revive the production of digital photo equipment. They plan to consider the cooperation with other companies, both in Russia and abroad. He also said they will make a camera that’s “modernized, but the characteristic contours, ergonomics, camera lines will be integrated into it.”
Unfortunately, there are still no details about the camera’s specs, price, and the exact announcement date. So far, Sergeyev has confirmed that it will enter the market in 2018. It will come in two colors schemes: light and dark, and they will use high-quality materials and leather for the final touch. According to Sergeyev, this will give the appearance that suits the trends and the current market.
I must admit I’m pretty thrilled by this news, even though I’m utterly subjective. My dad bought his Zenit 11 some time in the ‘80s, before I was born. I inherited it and I still use it today when I want to shoot film. I love it, despite the rough design and its enormous weight. While it may not be the best film camera there is, you can still get some pretty nice shots with it. If the new Zenit mirrorless is tough and affordable like their 35mm film cameras and if the features are competitive with the Sony and Fuji – the market could become more interesting. Although, I hope it won’t feature the M42 mount.
[via DigitalRev]
Dunja Đuđić Kalinin
Dunja Djudjic is a multi-talented artist based in Novi Sad, Serbia. With 15 years of experience as a photographer, she specializes in capturing the beauty of nature, travel, concerts, and fine art. In addition to her photography, Dunja also expresses her creativity through writing, embroidery, and jewelry making.
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22 responses to “Zenit is launching a full-frame digital mirrorless camera in 2018”
I WANT IT!
And sorry but it has to be at least M42 retro-compatible ?
Hahaha well even if it has the M42 mount, I can always get an adapter :D
If it’s mirrorless, it can be pretty universal.
Nope. If it’s got a full frame sensor, then using m43 and APS-C lenses will cause serious issues.
Will it still weigh half a ton?
Indeed, it’s the heaviest camera ever. 2 in 1: a camera AND a cold weapon. (y) :D
Zenit sniper is the best :D
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=zenit+sniper&oq=zenit+sniper&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l3.4516j0j4&client=ms-android-samsung&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8
I actually seen one found at a market in Sofia when I travelled. It is real as hell :D
Did you buy it? :)
Nope. It was in perfect condition with the original lens and all but the guy wanted too much for it.
I have one, not in perfect condition – even used the lens on Canon with adapter :-)
I hope it’s an m42 mount full frame digital, or even just compatible with an adapter…
Lol! Don’t beleve to russians… they have never been good in technology, and there’s not single reason to change it now. And if yes; it’s gonna be another Lada, when all carmakers were doing all the airbags, turbos and stuff…
Sure, and the Czechs built the first artificial Earth satellite and sent the first man to space. Not!
Looking forward
Eugen Evgenij Beeren Jagodin
oooh i can add one to go with the B. E and 12 that I own. I love the E but the clasp to close the back of the camera no longer grips properly so one little knock and the back fly wide open. The 12 is so heavy that I don’t take it anywhere
My first ‘proper’ camera!
Blast from the past !!!
Some Kiev branded 35mm cameras used a Nikon mount, so there’s some history of those on Russian SLRs.
It will too expensive… and full of bugs. But I really think, they will not release it.
“ergonomics”… does that include the appalling viewfinder? The old Zenit up to the ET certainly have a quirky steampunk appeal to them, but beyond that, it’s pretty much the Lada of the photography world. And yet some day I will probably get one, and yes, then I will actually use it.
I do love the Helios-44 though :)
I love my Zenit E camera.