The Zenit-TTL camera is intended for amateur shooting on a color and black-and-white film. This device has an exponential semi-automatic device with a function for measuring light that passes through the lens (this is the TTL system), a self-timer, and also a synchronization mechanism designed to operate with a flash lamp. Zenit-TTL allows the use of interchangeable lenses that have an M24x1 connecting thread and a working distance of 45.5 mm.
The camera is used for the following types of special shooting:
- reproduction works in which extension rings are used;
- shooting small products in close-up, from very small distances (this type is called "macro photography");
- using a microscope (this type is called "micrography"), etc.
Zenit-TTL has several advantages:
1. An exponential semi-automatic device of the TTL system provides the installation of the necessary exposure when shooting with standard and interchangeable lenses, light filters, nozzle lenses, extension rings.
2. The presence of a Zenith-TTL camera with a constant viewing mirror allows continuous monitoring of the subject before exposure and after.
3. A fast lens is equipped with a “jumping aperture” mechanism, which automatically closes when the shutter releases (this mode is indicated by the letter “A”). A manual control mode is also provided (this mode is indicated by the letter "M").
4. The function of the fully open aperture in the Zenit-TTL camera provides the maximum possible image brightness, which can be viewed in the viewfinder. This is very important at the time of the sighting, as well as focusing.
5. The latter is carried out on a frosted surface and on a microraster.
6. The system of fast charging the film, the function of quickly setting the exposure, rewinding, which is performed with a fixed shutter-off sleeve, all this significantly reduces the time required for preparatory operations when photographing with the Zenit-TTL apparatus.
The instruction contains the following list of technical specifications:
1. The frame format is 24x36 mm.
2. Recommended film - perforated 35 mm.
3. Its length is 1.65 m. The number of frames is 36.
4. Shutter speed - from 1/30 to 1/500 s, “B” and long.
5. The standard lens of the camera - “Helios-44M”:
- focal length is 58 mm;
- aperture scale - from 2 to 16;
- distance scale - from 0.55 m to “∞”;
- the maximum relative aperture is 1: 2;
- power supply of the exposure mechanism is carried out by one element of the RC-53.
6. The sensitivity range of the films used is from 16 to 500 units. GOST.
7. Mounting lens thread - M42 × 1.
8. The thread of the filter is M52 × 0.75.
9. The thread of the socket under the tripod is 1/4 ″.
10. The linear field of the image of the viewfinder is 20 × 28 mm.
11. Overall dimensions - 138 × 100 × 93 mm.
12. The mass of the camera is 1.01 kg.
According to the instructions, the camera must be charged and discharged in low light, avoiding direct sunlight. It is not recommended to rotate the shutter speed dial in the interval between adjacent designations “500” and “B” and the photosensitivity setting dial in the un-digitized interval. Do not turn the shutter-release button unnecessarily. This leads to a shutdown of the mechanism. It is always necessary to cock the bolt all the way (preferably with two or three small turns of the lever). This eliminates the omission of frames on the film during exposure. It is forbidden to leave the device with the cocked shutter for a long time, as this can lead to a deterioration in the operation of the latter. When shooting in frosty weather, it is not recommended to leave the unit in the open air. It is necessary to wear it, for example, under outer clothing, taking it out only for the duration of work.