Zenit 122 / E (Olimpic Edition) / Helios 44-2 2/58mm Single lens reflex camera (SLR)
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Zenit 122 / E (Olimpic Edition) / Helios 44-2 2/58mm, tested and working.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Zenit 122 is a 35mm film SLR camera produced in the Soviet Union starting from 1990. Although production stopped in 2000, this camera has maintained a strong presence in the world of analog photography thanks to its simplicity, robustness and affordable price. It is considered an advanced evolution of the Soviet SLRs of the 1960s, as well as a direct improvement over the previous models in the Zenit series. Its popularity was so widespread that today it is still easy to find it at second-hand markets or in the drawers of nostalgic enthusiasts.
Construction and design
The body of the Zenit 122 is made of polycarbonate, a material that improves grip compared to its predecessors. However, inside it retains a metal structure that conveys a sense of solidity. With a weight between 820 and 900 grams, it is decidedly hefty but stable.
Objective and Compatibility
The Zenit 122 uses the M42 screw mount, a standard considered nearly universal. This makes it compatible with a wide range of lenses, even non-Soviet, readily available on the used market.
TTL exposure meter and manual system
The camera is completely manual, except for the TTL exposure meter with a CDS cell. In the viewfinder there are illuminated LEDs: two red ones to indicate underexposure or overexposure, and a green LED for correct exposure. It operates via a stop-down system and is powered by two LR44 batteries, although it can shoot without them.
Shutter speeds and extra features
Shutter speeds range from 1/30 to 1/500 of a second, plus Bulb mode and, on some models, also Time (T) mode. The flash sync speed is 1/30. Among the additional features, we find:
Self-timer improved compared to the Zenit 12 XP.
Hot contact and flash socket with cable.
Lock the shutter button for long exposure.
Film loading made easy with an automatic frame counter.
The Zenit EM 'Olympics' (or Olimpic 80) is a special, limited-edition version of the classic Soviet camera, produced to celebrate the 1980 Moscow Olympics. It is distinguished by the Olympic logo engraved on the camera body, usually in excellent, robust condition, and it represents an updated version of the Zenit E with an M42 lens mount.
Key Features: Produced between 1972 and 1984, the Olympic version often features the Industar 50-2 50mm f/3.5 lens, a selenium exposure meter (often still functioning), and a shutter with speeds from 1/30 to 1/500 second plus Bulb.
Versions and Models: Although the EM is the most common in a commemorative edition, there are several Zenit variants associated with the event.
Lens Helios 44m-2 2/58
Images are an integral part of the description.
Tested and working
Zenit 122 is a 35mm film SLR camera produced in the Soviet Union starting from 1990. Although production stopped in 2000, this camera has maintained a strong presence in the world of analog photography thanks to its simplicity, robustness and affordable price. It is considered an advanced evolution of the Soviet SLRs of the 1960s, as well as a direct improvement over the previous models in the Zenit series. Its popularity was so widespread that today it is still easy to find it at second-hand markets or in the drawers of nostalgic enthusiasts.
Construction and design
The body of the Zenit 122 is made of polycarbonate, a material that improves grip compared to its predecessors. However, inside it retains a metal structure that conveys a sense of solidity. With a weight between 820 and 900 grams, it is decidedly hefty but stable.
Objective and Compatibility
The Zenit 122 uses the M42 screw mount, a standard considered nearly universal. This makes it compatible with a wide range of lenses, even non-Soviet, readily available on the used market.
TTL exposure meter and manual system
The camera is completely manual, except for the TTL exposure meter with a CDS cell. In the viewfinder there are illuminated LEDs: two red ones to indicate underexposure or overexposure, and a green LED for correct exposure. It operates via a stop-down system and is powered by two LR44 batteries, although it can shoot without them.
Shutter speeds and extra features
Shutter speeds range from 1/30 to 1/500 of a second, plus Bulb mode and, on some models, also Time (T) mode. The flash sync speed is 1/30. Among the additional features, we find:
Self-timer improved compared to the Zenit 12 XP.
Hot contact and flash socket with cable.
Lock the shutter button for long exposure.
Film loading made easy with an automatic frame counter.
The Zenit EM 'Olympics' (or Olimpic 80) is a special, limited-edition version of the classic Soviet camera, produced to celebrate the 1980 Moscow Olympics. It is distinguished by the Olympic logo engraved on the camera body, usually in excellent, robust condition, and it represents an updated version of the Zenit E with an M42 lens mount.
Key Features: Produced between 1972 and 1984, the Olympic version often features the Industar 50-2 50mm f/3.5 lens, a selenium exposure meter (often still functioning), and a shutter with speeds from 1/30 to 1/500 second plus Bulb.
Versions and Models: Although the EM is the most common in a commemorative edition, there are several Zenit variants associated with the event.
Lens Helios 44m-2 2/58
Images are an integral part of the description.
Tested and working
Details
Era
1900-2000
Brand
Zenit
Model/ type nr
122 / E (Olimpic Edition) / Helios 44-2 2/58mm
Physical condition
Very good
Functional condition
Tested and working
Estimated Period
1980-1990
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