Zenit M camera is now available in the US and it’s priced like a Leica
Dec 16, 2019
Dunja Đuđić
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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Legendary Russian brand Zenit made a comeback last year with a full-frame digital mirrorless camera Zenit M. After a long wait, the camera is now available for orders in the US. And although Zenit has been famous for being budget-friendly, the Zenit M camera is priced like a Leica.
The initial rumors said Zenit M would be based on a Leica SL, but it’s actually a modified Leica M (Typ 240). The difference between the two is in the design and the software: the Zenit M doesn’t feature the 6-bit lens code reader and it packs Zenit software. This means that the only lens profiles in the camera are for Zenit lenses. You can use Leica M lenses, but the camera won’t make automatic corrections.
While we’re at lenses, the Zenit M is sold in the US together with a 35mm f/1.0 Zenitar lens. The kit costs the unbelievable $6,995 – and this is at a discount. The camera with the lens will cost $7,895 at the regular price. It’s worth noting that only 500 cameras will be sold worldwide, so this certainly affects the price tag. And also, this is essentially a Leica camera. So, I guess expecting an affordable Zenit camera would probably be irrational.
If you’re interested in getting a Zenit M, it’s available in the Zenit store and ready to ship. Currently, only the silver version is available, but the black version is coming soon, too.
Specs:
| Image sensor | |
| Resolution | 24MP |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Sensitivity range | ISO 200 to ISO 6400, adjustable in 1/3 ISO increments, automatic control or manual setting |
| Basic settings | |
| White balance | Automatic, manual, 7 presets |
| Shutter | |
| Picture series | Approx. 3 pictures/s, ≤ 12 pictures in serie |
| Self-timer | 2s or 12s |
| Lens | |
| Lens mount | Zenitar M-mount |
| Lens in a set | ZENITAR 35 mm f/1.0 |
| Exposure | |
| Shutter speed | 60-1/4000s |
| Manual setting of exposure and aperture | Available |
| Flash exposure compensation | ±3 1/3 EV adjustable in EV 1/3 |
| Metering principle / method | Spot, center-weighted, multi-field metering |
| Memory and interface | |
| Memory card types | SD, SDHC, SDXC |
| Data formats | DNG™ (raw data), JPEG |
| Power supply | |
| Battery | 1 |
| Battery capacity | 1800 mAh |
| Video and sound recording | |
| Video/sound recording | Available |
| Video recording formats | Motion JPG / Quicktime |
| Maximum resolution for video | 1920 x 1080 |
| Size and weight | |
| Size (Width x Depth x Height) | Approx. 138.6 x 42 x 80 mm without lens |
| Weight | Approx. 680 gr with battery, without lens |
| Lens specs | |
| Focal length | 35 mm |
| Relative aperture (max / min) | 1:1.0 / 1:16 |
| Angular field | 61,7° |
| Transmittance | ≥0,86 |
| Working distance | 27.8 mm |
| Lenses / components | August 9, 2019 |
| Lens mount | Bayonet M-mount |
| Focusing range limits | from 0.8 m to ∞ |
| Length of the lens (set to ∞, without cap) | 88 mm |
| Maximum diameter of the ring | 74 mm |
| Weight without cap | 740 gr |
[via Leica Rumors]
Dunja Đuđić
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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26 responses to “Zenit M camera is now available in the US and it’s priced like a Leica”
April 1st already ?
??♂️ dear lord what are they thinking ?!
i’d go for a leica at that price… or 8 fuji xt3…
It’s a Leica – made by Leica, warranty is with Leica. Leica doesn’t offer such a fast 35mm lens, which is the Zenit. Zenit-M 100% Leica with only design cues and minor software suggestions by Zenit, Lens 100% designed and made by Zenit in Russia. True collaboration.
iso up to 6400?
Yes, mine goes to that :-)
At those prices I’d rather buy a Leica.
Jonathan Lewis-Jones yup
It is a Leica (completely made by Leica nearly same as M240) You can’t buy a Leica M240 for $3k new and you can’t buy f/1.0 35mm lens from Leica at all and if you did you’d pay what $10k? So this is a great deal – you get a Leica rangefinder plus a super fast wide lens.
Reminds me of the Sony rebranded Hasselblad cameras.
Pavlos Pavlidis stellar
Yeah for the camera, but the lens is 100% designed and made by Zenit in Russia.
Should be a great seller
Had a Zenit-D in the early 70’s the shutter slapped like 16′ wave crashing on a beach. I’ll pass.
35mm f.1… that’s interesting
When a knock-off company price their knock-off cameras more then the actual camera that they r trying to copy #smallbrains
Zenith-e my first camera. The difference between that and a leica is in the same league as the difference between a toothbrush and an airplane…..
Sure, but you don’t know the background for this camera (I’m russian and I know): it’s actually Leica, it’s designed and fabricated on the same locations, it just has a NAME from Zenith now… and they hope to sell their optics, that’s it.
But anyway it doesn’t worth it, here I agree.
Priced like a Leica? Hardly, if Leica made a 35mm f/1.0 it would be like $10k and with the Zenit-M kit you’re getting the lens and camera both for about the price the M240 originally sold for. The Zenit-M is 100% made by Leica, warranty handled by Leica.
$enit! M stands for MONEY!
The gangsters must be able to support their mistresses…..
My first 35mm camera was the clunky Zenit E
At that price, i can a few other brand name cameras like canon, sony, and nikon.
In Soviet Russia camera shoots you.
Um, no.
Damn hipsters!
LOL
Stupid deals, gonna die very soon…