Zenit Surpriz MT-1

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Zenit Surpriz MT-1 Kit (brand new!) bought on eBay september 24th, 2010, 199$+37$ shipping.

The Zenit "Surpriz" are cameras for medical use. The first model (MT) was developed from a Zenit 16, this one from a 19. Differences with Zenit 19: the format is 18x24 (so the shell molding and film advance are different). No light meter incorporated. Depth of field test button is used to control the data-back, which connecting socket takes the place of the selftimer lever. Was supplied in two versions: either with endoscope, or (this one) with lenses designed to fit on laboratory instruments.

Zenit Surpriz MT-1

This one, out from the factory April 29, 1986, has never been used, unpacked for the first time by my seller. The silvering of the pentaprism was defective, I had to replace it (with a pentaprism taken from a Cosina!).

Kit Zenit MT-1 Package Contents: (from the attached "passport")

1. Photographic apparatus "Surprise-MT-1" with cover flap
2. Lens "Mir-25MT"
3. Lens "Industar-50MT"
Spare parts
4. Lamp SMN6 ,3-20-2 OST 16.0.535.014-80 *
Belongs
5. 5 batteries RC-53, GOST 12537-76 *
6. Film cassette, GOST 3543-80
7. Eyecup
8. Cable release
9. 5 diopter lenses (positive) *
10. 5 diopter lenses (negative) *
Bearings
11. Case (wooden)
12. Box
Documentation
13. Passport

Notes:
4: Fortunately I had the idea to translate this part of the passport, the replacement bulb (for the back) was dropped from the package, it is 1.5 mm in diameter, 3 in length (plus wires) This represents, wrapped in brown paper, the size of a match!
5: Equivalent to the PX625. These batteries (mercury) are in the package since 1986!
9-10: fitting the eyepiece to adjust the camera to the user's view!

Les objectifs du MT-1 The lenses, Industar-50MT 7/50mm, Mir-25MT 3.5/30mm , are fix focus, set to infinity, fixed iris also. The front is designed to fit on laboratory instruments.

Zenit MT-1 dos The data-back is a basic design: a rotating semi-trensparent disk , lit by a small bulb, projects onto the film through a lens a number between zero and 30. Electronics is only there to adjust the exposure time according to the film speed.
Supply: 3 batteries type PX625.

Zenit MT-1 dessus Want to impress more numbers: no problem, advance the film in several steps, helping you with the white spots around the lever, and at each stop impress the desired number by pressing the button on the front! (Note: these informations will be for the next photo you'll do!)
As for Zenit 19, there are several versions of shutters, flash sync at 1/60s or 1/125s, some stop at 1/500s.
No hot shoe.

Zenit MT-1 Zenit MT-1 M42 Zenit MT-1 Helios 44
The lenses of the MT-1 are mounted with a bayonet. You can easily replace that bayonet with a screw mount (here I borrowed one from a Zenit TTL that was on my desk) and put (for example) a Helios 44M (beside you can find on eBay Surpriz modified like this). The control to close the diaphragm, useless on the MT-1, was nevertheless kept. Interest is limited: the focusing screen is not frosted, you can not use it to adjust the focus. No meter. No need to use the depth of field test button, everything seems in-focus in the viewfinder, and it triggers the data-back!
You can see that the mirror was cut, the back of Mir-25MT protruding relatively far.