ZENIT Automat

Shown at the 1986 photokina, but I had already heard about it at the previous Paris photo show (it was said there that the model shown was dummy). Since that completely untraceable. I heard a rumour saying that SLAVA, the importer, had distributed some around Besancon as a test. But I never saw one in store… So far of 1991 when I stopped in a superstore at "La Roche sur Yon"to buy a water bottle, and saw “That” in the Photo counter showcase; I think the salesman never made a similar sale: “no, you don't unpack it, I don't want any explanation, I take it!”
I thus have the original polystyrene box, containing the camera with it's lens, as well as the leather satchel with 2 belts, and the dedicated M42 adapter.
I made two films with it, before removing the battery and storing it carefully. It is an automatic-shutter only camera, textile shutter; in the sight, two diodes: if the one on top remains lit, too much light (under 1/1000s) : close the diaphragm; if that of bottom remains lit, not enough light (exposure time longer than 1/30s), open the diaphragm or use a tripod; if the two diodes flicker alternatively, you can shoot!
Without battery, no shutter release.

The K bayonet with a particular notch in bottom on the right, and the dedicated M42 adapter which uses this notch for its locking.

Ordered by Christophe for exposing in his home in the south of France. The lever for testing depth of field is broken and glued in place. The lens in not the original one (built in 1991 while the body was made in 1988).

That one lived much (lack of the battery cover leatherette ), but works. Came with a 2.8 / 135 Pentacon lens on which was mounted the M42 adapter, rather worn by many manipulations. It's previous owner bought it for 950F at Thonon les Bains in 1991.
Electronics have the same small additional card that AUTOMAT-EFCO No. 9108656, but with different components, this is also I suppose a repair done at the factory.

Ordered for it's unusual lens. It was out of order when delivered (a contact bent under the mode selector). The logo "Automat" was almost completely erased, I had decals made to replace it, see the do-it-yourself pages.

This camera is a little older than the other Automats (1987), the film speed selector is in GOST, values are: 22..45..90..180..350..700..1400, corresponding to values 25..50..100..200..400..800..1600 on the following bodies, in GOST / ISO (new standard).

Same lens as the previous one, seems to operate correctly. I made the photo before sticking a decal to redo the logo.

This camera is so far the oldest (1986) of all the Automats of this collection. I observed two interesting differences with the newer bodies:
The hinges of the battery compartment are in bare metal then they are painted black on the later models,
The leatherette covering has a different aspect, it is the one of Zenit TTL, 12, 12xp, while newer models have a specific covering.

We go back in time, this one is even older! arrived with its original box, indications on the lens are in Cyrillic.

Please calm down, there is no more room on the page!
When you write Zenith instead of Zenit on the ad, no bidders!
As a gift, two filters and a new battery in addition to the one already in the camera.
The classical, western markings Helios 44K-4, has no MC indication.

It is one of the few to wear on it's cocking lever the USSR quality logo.
The shutter does not work, I suspect the solenoid of the first curtain to be burned-out.