Manual SLR camera lowest price category Zenit-12XP (upgraded, from which emerged in 1984 the original is different plastic top and bottom panel, the last configuration changes, amend the shutter speed dial, as well as exposition viewfinder indicators - three LEDs instead of two) was tested camera N 96034833 (made in Russia) with a standard lens. In the camera exposure meter introduced the ISO 100, center-weighted metering was carried out (the only possible).
Zenit 12XP Camera price is above $130 / EUR 90.
The results of testing the camera's shutter works as a whole with sufficient accuracy. From the very grave mistake clipped the longest shutter speed 1 / 30, which actually amounts to 1 / 41 sec. By itself, the error is great, but please note that a nominal 1 / 30 with a shutter sync, and, consequently, the flash photographer gets a little pleasant surprise. All other extracts are processed to be surprisingly accurate. For comparison, take a look at the test results of similar but more modern (for the birth of a) camera Zenit-312m and the Zenit-122K, published in the FM N 10'99 and 5'98, respectively: it seems that the next upgrade only worsen a bad source ...
However, the overall accuracy of the excerpts, is only one aspect of the problem of accuracy. Another weak point is the uniformity of exposure of the frame. Here deviations from zero at working 1 / 500 second up to 40%: at the right edge of the frame (the beginning of the gap, the dispersal of blinds) extract is 1 / 400 sec (2.54 msec), centered -1/500 with almost perfect accuracy ( 1.91 ms), left the same edge (the end of the gap, braking blind, however, is only a guess - by force of impact curtain seems that they do not slow down at all) - 1 / 320 (3.13 ms). Interestingly, the absolute value of deviation is approximately equal for all exposures - approximately + / -1 ms from some central value. This means that the relative, the most important for the exposure error is greater the shorter the shutter speed.
Accuracy mining extracts accuracy Exposure meter built on the testimony of Zenit 12XP
And something about other of Zenit 12XP. Vertical deferred deviation from the exact value of f-stops (EV). Flowers marked area variances for reversal of the film: green - zone tolerance (to + / -0.3 degree), yellow zone of maximum permissible deviations (up to + / - 0.5 degree), red - the zone of large deviations (more than 0, 5 steps).
The graph shows the range of exposure for each value of light and different combinations of shutter speed and aperture. The maximum variation allowed for the extreme values ??of the aperture and shutter speed.
Exposure accuracy of meter readings of the built (ie, in manual mode with metering) varies in a very wide limits and depends heavily on the combination of exposure parameters. In general, one can notice that at the shortest and longest exposures error increases, reaching a level of -0.83 in low light 9 EV. When exposure is 1 / 125 of a tested camera rehearsed exposure almost perfectly in any light (15, 12 or 9 EV; to light six EV, in which we also usually perform the test, the limited range of shutter speeds can not set the correct exposure).
Zenit 12XP - of a family of purely mechanical Zenits, which served as the base model for the development of 122, 212K and 312t. At current production version of the camera is more convenient compared to the original version of the exposition Indie Cator: correct exposure indicates a single green LED, and not winking two red. In addition, the focusing screen enlarged "bright spot" in the center of which appeared wedges Dodena Focus Assist. However, the rest of the matting surface of the screen roughly compared with similar models of foreign production.
The camera has all the drawbacks inherent in the same Zenith: overtravel trigger the shutter cocking / film broaches, excessive force pressing the trigger, the absence of any information in the viewfinder (with the exception of exposure indicators), a small percentage of frames displayed in the viewfinder ...
In terms of functionality, Zenit 12XP also can not satisfy the discerning photographer: the traditional "zenit's" shutter speed range is too small, as well as entered into the meter range of film speed, the same as the models 122, 212K, 312m to denote the value of ISO 25 ( -1 / 2) to 400 (+1 / 2). Of course, this is now very small, given the large range of modern high-speed films, but on the other hand, to use ISO 800 film camera during the day may not be enough range of exposure options, so this limitation is not without a certain sense. Incomprehensible to intermediate values ??of sensitivity: conventional step change 1 / 3 stop, for example, between ISO 100 and 200 are ISO 125 and 160. We again quote themselves. Here's what he wrote about the ferromagnetic Zenit-122K in May 1998: "On the drive input sensitivity has only one intermediate position, as well as one position in front of 25 units (where possible 16 or 20), and one after 400 (500 or 640) . Given fotoshiroty modern negative films you can find it nitpicking, but the FM believes that the politeness of kings must be accurate (that Krasnogorsky plant - the "King" and the de facto monopoly of the Russian production of grain-Culloch - argue impossible). "
Coordination with no outbreaks, have a standard hot shoe. The advantages include the opportunity to "rehearse" the aperture (this is achieved damper on the shutter button, with realized and metering). System camera leaves much to be desired: the camera can not be motorized, native lenses are not available in sufficient variety. As a staff now uses Zenitar new construction, replaced odious Helios-44. Remember that on the camera to use fitting with lenses (in general it is an archaism and lack, but on the other hand, the use of a huge selection of interchangeable optics "second hand" from different manufacturers).
Summary: Zenit 12XP is quite workable, "zenit's" model, more like a traditional camera, rather than its descendants (212K or 312t). A very good buy in terms of price and quality - if an abundance of features and breadth of capabilities are not the main criterion in selecting equipment. If we accept the truth of the postulate of "the best teacher - the strict teacher", the Zenit-12HR still quite able to teach the basics of photography novice (and, alas, poor), the amateur photographer.
Five-point rating scale of Photoshop:
"Excellent." (5) - is different: the shortcomings have been identified;
"Very good" (4) - very good: some shortcomings do not affect the quality and / or operating efficiency;
"Good." (3) - good: the shortcomings in most cases does not adversely affect the quality and / or operating efficiency;
"Less good" (2) - Satisfactory: under favorable conditions, shortcomings still can achieve acceptable results;
"Unsatisfactory." (1) - is unsatisfactory: the use of the product on the appointment was inappropriate.