ZENIT 12 XP User Manual

The illustration/description of equipment and accessories throughout this book is for
information only and should by no means be considered an offer of sale.

To get the best results from your Zenith study these instructions thoroughly to make sure you
are familiar with the essential features of the camera before you start taking pictures. It is

suggested that before loading the first film you sit down with the instructions in front of you
and try out all the controls to generally 'get the feel' of the camera. It is also recommended
that a 'test' film be shot and the results examined before taking further pictures. This will
enable any early operator errors to be corrected and will give you confidence for the future.4www.butkus.org

As a 'system' camera your Zenith will accept a large number of different lenses and additional
accessories; we particularly recommend as most suitable those from the Hellos range which
will enable you to cope with almost any photographic situation.

Your Zenith is sturdily built to work happily under widely varying conditions but it should
always be remembered that as a precision optical instrument it must at all times be treated
with due care and consideration and protected from shock, damp, dust, sand and sudden
changes of temperature. With care it will give many years of reliable service - and ;

brilliant

pictures.

This booklet has been provided to enable you to get the best results as quickly as possible and
is not intended to be a comprehensive manual of photography. There are many good
inexpensive books on photographic technique available and your dealer will be pleased to
recommend one suitable for your particular need.

Format: 24 x 36mm;using standard 35mm cassettes of 12, 20, 24 or 36 exposure color or
black and white film.

Shutter: Horizontal traveling Focal Plane type, speeded 1/30,1/60,1/125, 1/250 and 1/500th
second plus B (brief time). Linked to self-timer giving approximately 7 seconds delay.

Flash Synchronization: Electronic flash at 1/30th sec. through 'Hot-shoe' or standard 3mm co­axial socket

Viewing/Focusing system: Eye-level pentaprism/instant return mirror shows upright laterally
correct image. Bright Fresnel focusing screen with central microprism spot.

4www.butkus.o rg

Exposure meter: Zenith 12. Built-in CdS cell with L.E.D. indicators in the viewfinder.

Power source: two Mallory D386 cells. (These should be replaced once a year.) Zenith 11
Selenium cell with match-needle read out. Both meters calibrated for 16-500 ASA/13-28
DIN.

4www.butkus.o rg

Frame counter: Additive 0-36 manual resetting type

Standard Lens: Helio 44M-4, 58mm focal length

Construction: 6 elements in 4 groups

Diaphragm type: Fully automatic instantly re-open.

Aperture range F2-F16 with click stops at full and half apertures (except between F11 and
F16)

Distance scale: 0.5 to infinity

Filter size: 52mm screw

Lens mount: 42mm thread, accepts standard single pin automatic lenses and accessories

Loading the Camera - Step by step instructions

Depress Shutter
Release Button [3] ­if shutter does not
fire advance
Transport Lever [2]
in short strokes until
it stops and press
Shutter Release
Button [3] again.

Always load the
camera in subdued
light; if outdoors
shield from direct
sunlight.

Make sure that the
indicator on the
Shutter Release
Button [3] is facing
towards the front of
the camera.

Lift Rewind Knob
[16] to open back.

Insert film cassette
into Film Chamber
[21] projection of
cassette to bottom.
Push Rewind Knob
[16] down turning
slightly to seat into
cassette.
Draw out enough film
to insert tip of leader
into any of Take-up
Spool's

[22] slots ensuring
that the second hole
engages with a tooth
on the spool. Ease
film forward by swat
strokes of Transport
Lever [2] until it
stops. The lower
Sprocket Teeth [26]
should be properly
engaged.

Fire shutter. Advance film by
short strokes of transport
lever until both top and
bottom sprockets are
engaged. If necessary tighten
film on Take-up Spool [22]
by turning the flange at the
base of the spool anti­clockwise with the finger and
in the cassette by gently
turning the Rewind Knob
[16] in the direction of

the arrow on the lever until
resistance is felt. This is
especially necessary with
twelve exposure films.

Close the back of the camera
until it clicks shut. Complete
wind-on if necessary until
Transport Lever [2] stops.

Fire shutter. Advance film
Transport Lever [2] using
short strokes until it stops.
The Rewind Knob [16]
should revolve while this is
being done.

Fire shutter and advance film
again. Set Frame Counter [4]
to zero.

Set Film Speed Selector Dial
[15] against Indicator [17]
appropriate to the speed of
the film to be used. There are
two scales for films rated in
ASA and DIN. Only click­stopped numbered or
intermediate positions may be
used. Intermediate positions
are proportional. If using
1000 ASA film set the

selector to 500 ASA but use
the next faster shutter speed
than indicated by the meter or
close the aperture ring by one
full stop.

Zenith 11 owners see Page 15
for how to set exposure meter.

The camera is now ready for
use.

Using the Camera

b

Set the Speed Dial [1 ] appropriately
according to the subject. The dial is marked in
figures that represent fractions of a second-i.e.
"60" is 1/60th second. It may be turned in
either direction but not between "500" and
"B" and must not be between marked speeds.

Initially we suggest that outdoors the speed
set should not be less than 1/125th sec.

4www.butkus.o rg

Focusing. Look through the
Viewfinder [27] and roughly
decide what you wish to take
remembering you are actually
looking through the lens. Focus by
turning the Focusing Ring [11]
clockwise for close and anti­clockwise for far distance until the
subject is sharp and clear on the
large viewing screen.

For critical focusing using
the inner of the two rings in
the center and adjust until
the image is clear and
undistorted. Since you are
viewing and focusing
through the actual lens that
takes the finished picture
you can feel safe in the
knowledge that there will

e no parallax problems (no
more cut-off heads in close­up

portraits and the like).
There's a built-in safety
margin of course, in
common with many other
modern single lens reflex
cameras, the viewfinder
showing an overall area
somewhat smaller than the
total film area. this ensures
that everything you see in
the viewfinder appears in the
finished picture despite the
fact that slide mounts and
masks in printing equipment
cover part of the film's
image.4www.butkus.or g

Depth of Field

Depth of Field is also greater with a more
distant subject that a nearby subject and
increases nearly twice as much beyond the
subject than in front of it.

The lens is also provided with a scale
calibrated in meters but it will seldom be
necessary to refer to this.
This is the depth of field scale [13] and works
the following way:
All lenses when focused on a given subject
will show some objects in front of and behind
that subject sharply in focus. This range is
called "Depth of Field" and varies with
different lenses. With any lens you will find
that "Depth of Field" is always great as small
apertures such as F/16 and less at large
apertures such as F2.

Using the Meter

To use the depth of field scale, first focus on
your subject then determine how great a
Depth of Field a given aperture will give by
reading distances against the two marks for
that aperture. The figure on the left will be
the nearest point in focus and that to the right
the furthest, thus enabling you to select that
aperture which will give the desired Depth of
Field.

Having focused on the

If it is the upper one this

-

If it is not possible to get

subject set the Lens

Aperture Ring [9] in the
middle of the range (say f/8)
and press the Shutter
Release Button [3] about
half-way. This will switch
on the meter and one of two
red lights on the right-hand
side of the viewing frame
will come on.

the Aperture Ring [9] should
be turned clockwise thus
reducing the amount of light
reaching the film. Should
the lower light come on it
indicates under-exposure
and the Aperture Ring [91
should be turned anti­clockwise. Turn until both
lights flash rapidly in
sequence - this is the correct
exposure.4www.butkus.o rg

sequence even at the end of
the range of the Aperture
Ring then alter the Shutter
Speed Dial [1] up or down
and repeat the process. The
meter fitted in the Zenith 12
XP is very sensitive and in
some cases the indicator
lights may move from top to
bottom without an
intermediate 'flashing' stage.
In this case choose the
exposure at the point of the
change from top to bottom
when the latitude of modern
film will still give you the
correct exposure.

A Helpful Hint for Better Exposure

The meter measures all the light reaching it and "averages" it to achieve a reading which is
correct when dark and light areas are evenly balanced. When dark and light areas are not
evenly balanced (such as an illuminated face against a dark doorway or a person against a
sun-lit background) then it will be necessary to take a close-up reading of the main subject
thus excluding the distracting area- and use this setting when you return to your original
viewpoint.

The Zenith 11

The Zenith 11 incorporates a built-in selenium exposure meter which needs no batteries. See
pages 36/37 for operating controls. Apart from this it is identical to the Zenith 12 XP
described throughout the rest of this booklet. Zenith 11 owners, therefore, should carefully
study and follow all the instructions for the 12 XP apart from the meter.

Set Film Speed

In the cut-outs in the Aperture Indicator Dial [15a] there are two scales for ferris rated in

ASA and DIN.

Set the speed of the film in
use by turning the dial with
the small projection. Any
intermediate positions may
be used and are
proportionate.

Point the camera at the
subject, if outdoors with a
bright sky tilt it downwards
somewhat. Also study the
'Helpful Hint for Better
Exposure' on page 14.
Always ensure Exposure
Meter Window [15c] is not
obscured in any way when
taking a reading.

With the camera still
pointed at the subject turn
the Shutter Speed Indicator
Dial [15b] until the ring of
the Exposure Meter Cursor
[19b] is centered over the
Exposure Meter Needle
[19a]. Read off possible
combinations of speed and
aperture opposite each
other on the two dials.
Only those speeds in white
may be set directly on the
camera; of the others, 2-15
represent fractions of a
second and are for
information only but the
figures 1-30 are whole
seconds which may be
used in a time exposure.
Choose the most suitable
combination.

In extremely dim lighting,
the Exposure Meter Needle
[19a] may rest near the
right-hand edge of the
transparent window. Should
this occur, place your hand
close in front of the
Exposure Meter Window
and watch the needle
carefully. If the needle
moves when you block the
meter cell the exposure
meter is able to function in
the existing light -remove
your hand and determine
exposure in the normal way
However, if no needle
movement occurs-when you
place your hand in front of
the meter cell the existing
light is insufficient and the
exposure meter cannot be
used. In this event either a
time exposure or use of a
flash gun is recommended.

Removing Exposed Film - Step by step instructions

Replace the lens cap to
prevent accidental
exposure of film during
rewinding.

With the finger tip
depress the Film Rewind
Sleeve (arrowed above)
into the cut-out portion of
the surrounding sleeve. It
will click and stay down.

Lift out Rewind Crank
[16] and rotate clockwise
in the direction of the
arrow. You will feel the
film being rewound into

-

Button [3]. resistance ceases.4www.butkus.o rg

Advance Film Transport
Lever [2] in short strokes

until it stops. The Film
Lift Rewind Knob [16]
fully to open camera
back. Remove exposed
cassette.

Rewind Sleeve will return

to its original position.

Fire shutter.

The camera is now ready

for your next film.

Photography with Flash

The meter cannot be used when
taking flash pictures as the burst
of light is too short. In all cases
the Speed Dial [1]
to, "30-X", the aperture being
determined by the camera-to­subject distance. Tables or
calculators for this are given in
the instructions for the flashgun
often being incorporated into the
gun itself. Some flashguns have
built-in computers which allow
the aperture to be left at one
setting regardless of camera-to­subject distance.

must be set

Set the Speed Dial to "30-X".

Remove square shield from Accessory Shoe [18] and put in

a safe place.4www.butkus.o rg

A lightweight compact gun may
be slid into the accessory shoe.
If there is a lead connect the
plug to Flash Sync. Socket [5].

A large or heavy gun must be
fitted to a flash bracket screwed
into one of the Tripod Bushes [23]
on the camera base. Connect the
lead to the Flash Sync. Socket [5].

Set Aperture Ring [9] in
accordance with the flashgun's
instructions.

Switch gun on, wait for "ready"
light, focus and proceed.

Remember to replace the
accessory shoe cover after
removing gun.

For exposures longer
than the meter range
(1/30th at f/2) the "B"
setting on the Speed
Dial [1] must be used.
The exposure should be
determined by using a
hand-held meter such as
the Leningrad or by
experience/estimation.

Although the camera may
be rested on a firm surface
the best results will be
obtained by the use of a
tripod but avoid those of a
flimsy nature. A

Tripod or Hellos Mini­Tripod (illustrated) is

ideal.

Hellos

Set the Speed Dial to "B"

Set the Aperture Ring [9].
Focus and cock shutter by
advancing Film Transport
Lever [2] in short strokes
until it stops.4www.butkus.or g

Fit a short cable release
(obtainable from any
good dealer) into the
screwed portion of the
camera's Shutter Release
Button [3]. Depress the
cable release and the
shutter will stay open
until pressure is released.
Some cable releases have
a screw lock which avoids
the need for holding it
during a lengthy exposure

If you do not have a cable
release depress the
camera's Shutter Release
Button until the shutter
opens and turn it fully
anti-clockwise to the "T"
position. The shutter will
remain open until the
button is returned to the
normal position. We
recommend the use of a
cable release where
possible as this will
reduce the chance of
"camera shake" during the
exposure.

The Self Timer [7] provides
about a seven second delay in
the firing of the shutter and
enables you to get into the
picture yourself. Flash can be
used.

Place camera preferably on a

tripod, otherwise on a firm
surface.

Set speed and aperture. Frame
area In Viewfinder [27j and
focus. Cock Shutter by
advancing Film Transport
Lever [2] in short strokes
until it stops.

Turn the Self-Timer
Lever [8] down until it
will go no further. The
"V" that is revealed is
just a reminder that
you should have set the
Release Button [3] to
its "V" position.

Depress Shutter Release
button [3] halfway until
lens closes down and turn
it fully clockwise to the
"V" position.

Press the Self-Timer Release
Button p1 and move into the
picture area as quickly as
possible. The Lever [8] will
slowly return firing the
shutter during its travel.

IMPORTANT- Do not
leave the Shutter Release
locked in the 'V' position
longer than necessary in
order to minimize battery
drain.

The Meter is powered by
two Mallory D386 cells
which should be changed
every twelve months.

Changing the Batteries

Fit two new batteries both with
"+" outwards. Replace battery
cover with slot horizontal locating
the two cover arms in the camera
body slots. With a coin edge push
inwards and turn to lock in vertical
position.

Use a clean linen cloth when

To remove. Place coin in
slot of Battery Cover [19]

handling batteries -the grease from
bare fingers can adversely affect
the electrical contacts.

until slot is horizontal.
Remove cover and old
batteries.

To extend the range of your photography

. . . many accessories are
available from your dealer
suitable for your Zenith
including an exciting range
under the Hellos name.

Alternative Lenses.
The Zenith lens has a 42mm
screw mount and may be
removed from the camera
body by grasping the whole
lens barrel and fuming it
anticlockwise. Other 42mm
screw lenses of a different
focal length may then be
fitted providing they are of
the single-pin operating type.

Lenses may be
interchanged at any point
without losing any
frames.4www.butkus.or g

In the Hellos range specially
computed to suit the Zenith - are
Wide-angle 28mm and 135mm
Telephoto lenses, together with a
range of Zoom Lenses some with
Macro or Close-Focusing facility.
From the USSR come the well­known Mirror Lenses, MTO 3M5A
and MTO 1000A. All lenses
(except Mirror type) operate in the
same way as the standard lens.

In addition there are x2 and x3 Helios Teleconverters which are very small, light and
convenient to carry and when fitted between the lens and camera body double or treble the
focal length of the lens employed. Some additional exposure is necessary when using
teleconverters. Helios converters come in their own carrying case together with full
instructions.

Filters. Are screwed in front of the lens and improve color rendition, contrast and protect the
lens. They are available from your photographic dealer.

Helios 2x Teleconverter Helios 3x Teleconverter
Construction 4 elements in 4 groups 4 elements in 4 groups
Diaphragm Auto/manual linkage Auto/manual linkage
Length 25mm approx. 50mm approx.
Weight 85g approx. 130g approx.

Supplied with Carrying
Case

Supplied with Carrying
Case

To fit Teleconverter: Remove camera lens. Fit Converter to lens. Fit both together to camera
body holding converter.

To remove Teleconverter: Remove lens and converter together holding converter. Separate.
Refit lens to camera body.

Specifications Helios Auto 28 Helios Auto 135 Helios Auto 300
Focal length: 28mm 135mm 300mm
Construction: 7 elements in 6 groups 5 elements in 5 groups 5 elements in 5 groups
Distance scale: 0.4m-lNF 1.5m-INF 4m-INF

Diaphragm:
Filter size:

Length:
Weight:

Specifications
Focal length: 500mm 1100mm
Construction:
Distance scale: 4m-INF 10m-INF

Diaphragm: Fixed at f/8.5 Fixed at F10.5
Filter size: 7mm screw 120mm
Length: 175mm approx. 278mm approx

Weight:

Fully auto/manual
fl2.8-22

58mm
63mm approx.
238g approx.

MTO 500A (or MTO 3M­5A) Mirror Lens

Catadioptric system 4
elements in 3 groups

1.1kg approx., supplied
complete with 4 filters in
fitted leather case.

Fully auto/manual
f/2 8-22

52mm
72mm approx.
290g approx.

MTO 1000A Mirror Lens

Catadioptric system 5
elements in 3 groups

3.6kg approx., supplied
complete with 3 filters in fitted
leather case.

Fully auto only
F4.5-22

72mm
164mm approx.
780g approx.

Specifications

Focal length: 28-70mm 75-150mm 80-200mm 85-210mm
Construction:

Distance scale:

Helios Auto 28­70m close focus

13 elements in13
groups

2.1m (close
focus 0.23m) ­INF

Helios Auto 75­150mm non­macro

9 elements in 7
groups

1.9m - INF 1.5m - INF

Helios Auto 80­200mm non­macro

12 elements in 9
groups

Helios Auto 85­210 Macro Zoom

12 elements in 9
groups

1.7m (macro 0.71
m) - INF

Diaphragm:

Filter size: 67mm 55mm 49mm 58mm
Length: 98mm approx. 115mm approx. 123mm approx. 163mm approx.

Weight: 465g approx.

Fully auto only
f/3.5/3.8-16

Fully auto only
f/3.8-22

400g approx.
One touch zoom
Multi coated

Fully auto only
f5.6-32

440g approx.
One touch zoom
Multi coated

Fully
auto/manual f3.8­22

612g approx.
Macro
Magnification
Ratio: = 1:10
to1:3
(maximum).

Tubes.
Helios Auto Extension Tubes

are in sets of three and are
used between the camera
body and the lens. They

Close-up Lenses.

Helios Close-up

supplementary lenses are
made in strengths of +1, +2
and +3 dioptres. They may be
obtained from your
Photographic Dealer.

In addition to the supplementary lenses, Teleconverters and tripods mentioned earlier a
number of other Helios accessories are available to enhance and expand your photography.

Firstly, a comprehensive range of electronic flashguns ranging from a small manual model,
Guide No.14 (100ASA/m) up to a large automatic model Guide No.35 (100ASA/m) with
power saving thyristor circuitry, 0° to 345° horizontal rotation of the zoom bounce head, plus
a 'fill-in' mini-head. Also in the range is the Helios Slave Flash Unit, which fires a secondary
flash gun in synchronization with the main flash without the need for trailing cables. Secondly
a range of strong aluminum cases, in various sizes and with either foam filled interior or
rubberized grooved interior with adjustable partitions, in which to keep your camera and
accessories safe and secure. Alongside these cases, and performing a similar function, are
several gadget bags and hold alls in vinyl or material for those who prefer a soft beg for their

extend the possibilities of
magnification up to 1/1
reproduction. Some additional
exposure is necessary but
providing this is within the
meter's range the Zenith 12
XP will automatically
compensate.

Bellows. Helios Macro
Bellows will give greater - and
infinitely variable
magnification than extension
tubes -up to 4x life size with
standard lens.

equipment, and five neck straps of various widths, designs and colors, plus three lens pouches
in which to keep your extra lenses when they are not in use.

Helios Binoculars, Telescopes, Monoculars and Opera Glasses are further examples of the
fine quality of our optical industry. They will add enormously to your enjoyment of the world
around you. The binoculars all have excellent fully-coated lenses, easy center wheel focusing
and an adjustable right eyepiece. They are complete with neck strap, leather carrying-case and
strap and haze reducing filters and are available in 7 x 35, 7x50,8x30,10x50 and 12 x 40
models. The Telescopes have similar high-quality lenses and come complete with carrying
case 10 x 30 and 20 x 30 models. Also available are four Opera Glasses all complete with
case and two Monoculars (7 x 50 and8x30).

Camera Care

Your Zenith is a ruggedly built camera designed to provide many years of dependable
performance. For the longest service and best performance always treat it with the care and
respect due to any precision instrument. Transport your Zenith in a Zenith ever-ready case, or
Hellos gadget bag or aluminum case if you wish to carry your camera without a case, then
attractive Hellos straps are available to clip on to the camera neck strap eyelets [6] and [141

Do not leave the camera inside a car on a hot day, or in direct sunlight. The lens in particular
must be protected at all times - a UV filter, which needs no additional exposure, may be left in
position permanently. Never attempt to clean the mirror, viewing screen or lens by wet
means; should they ever need cleaning your photographic dealer should be consumed.

If you do not use your camera regularly, and especially before going on holiday, or on an
important occasion such as a wedding etc. we recommend that you run off a test film making
sure that all available settings, including the self-timer mechanism, are used.

Trouble-free photography is assured if the instructions are followed carefully, but perhaps just
a few points could be emphasized;

If this happens . . . Here is why . . . And how to correct it . . .
After loading, Frame Counter

[4] skips two or more
numbers after being is set to
'O' position.

Frame Counter [4] 'skips',
counting incorrectly.

Self-Timer does not trip
shutter.

Film will not rewind. Rewind release not engaged. Refer back to page 17.
If anything should go wrong

with your Zenith and the
preceding chart has not got
you out of trouble never
attempt to mend it yourself ­you could turn a minor
adjustment into an expensive
repair.

Film transport Lever [2] not
fully wound before counter
set to 'O' position.

See above - or Counter set
before Transport Lever was
wound.

Self-Timer Lever [8] not
fully wound. Transport lever
[2] not wound.

Remember that your Zenith
and its accessories are backed
up by top-class service
facilities where factory­trained specialists are
available to put things right.

Advance Transport Lever
fully before setting counter to
'O'.

See above - always wind
Transport Lever before setting
counter.

Wind Self-Timer Lever fully
until lever points downwards
with no further movement
possible. Always ensure
Transport Lever is fully wound
before setting Self-Timer
Lever.

After Sales Service

At Zenith House you will find a well organized team of servicing experts including factory
trained English personnel and a full complement of technicians from the camera
manufacturers, not to mention a highly sophisticated range of electronic test equipment.

Your new Zenith (camera is covered by our comprehensive, transferable two year guarantee.
Should' service be required at any time please return your equipment either to your original
supplier or direct to Zenith House,
ensuring that you include a brief description of the defect. If sending equipment direct it must
be securely packed and carriage paid. It is also recommended that you insure against loss or
damage in transit since this is not covered by the guarantee.