This is a review and testimonial to my faithful Zenit ET. For many years it was and still is a great friend and companion.
I inherited Zenit ET from my father. This faithful camera has been recording my life for almost 30 years now. When I was a little girl, my father used to take photos all the time. He also developed films and made prints by himself. I am really grateful to my father and Zenit ET for capturing the most beautiful moments of my childhood.
When I grew up, sometimes my father let me and my boyfriend (now husband) borrow his Zenit ET. We always had to swear that we’ll be very careful. I am glad that we were.
When I turned 24 my father gave me his Zenit ET for my birthday. I started using it when I turned 28. I still don’t understand, why on earth it took me so long.
Zenit ET was my first camera and my first teacher. I learnt everything the hard way. Mistakes and disappointments visited me quite often. On other hand it was an adventurous journey. Zenit ET took me where I am now – I can’t imagine my life without photography.
Zenit ET was produced between 1982 and 1993 with quantity of 3,000,000. They were supplied with Helios 44-2 lens.
These are Zenit ET specifications:
- Aperture: f/2 – f/16
- Focus range: 0.5-10m, +inf.
- Shutter speeds: 1/30s-1/500s + B
- Exposure meter: uncoupled Selenium cell lightmeter
- Self timer; Hot-shoe; Tripod socket
If you ever find Zenit ET, don’t hesitate and buy it! I think it is a wonderful, reliable and smart camera.
Information and product photo for this article were taken from Camerapedia.
21 comments
simonh82
Great review and some absolutely beautiful photos.
alex34
Agree on the beautiful photos. Does the selenium light meter still work?
lighthouse_keeperess
Thank you for lovely comments!!!
@alex34 Yes it does! I use it every time I take a photo (sometimes I overexpose my photos; on purpose though). My father told me to keep camera in its case if I´m not using it and avoid dust. I think these are the reasons why it´s still alive.
alexzenit
lighthouse_keeperess
Thank you @alexzenit! You are very kind!
droogieboy
I found your account of the history of this camera in your family a moving testimony to the power of photography. Great photos too
ponz
this article is so beautyful!!! really loved it. makes me want to write down the story of my ftb!!!
neanderthalis
Wonderful article and fantastic photos. Thank you for sharing your father's photos too. It is a testament to the longevity of the camera.
lighthouse_keeperess
@droogieboy, @ponz, @neanderthalis, thank you thank you thank you so much!!! ♥ ♥ ♥
plyshbel
Great review and photos! My father also took pictures with Zenit E(which is pretty similar to Zenit ET) in glory Soviet days:)
abarusso
lighthouse_keeperess
Thank you @plyshbel! I also had Zenit E! It is my all time favorite camera! Sadly it broke down last month, but I am thinking of getting a new one :)
@abarusso, thank you so much! :)
screamverz
Wow, what a Great story with beautiful Pictures.
lomodesbro
a delightful photographic gallery and camera testimonial
egor_post
very nice photos!
phantomphoenixphotos
Time and time again, I come back to this lovely article that features the Zenit ET. This article serves as an inspiration to me and my Zenit ET. :)
nuhdos
I'm in love with Zenit cameras. This article is so beautiful, the story and also the photos.
agentmushroom
agentmushroom
agentmushroom
af-capture
great history...lovely pics