Zenit M camera is now available in the US and it’s priced like a Leica

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]