KMZ Zenit 5K Space Camera

The Zenit 5K camera was developed by KMZ in 1965-66 by order of the Rocket and Space Corporation "Energia," it was an addition to the equipment onboard Soyuz-type spacecraft, operational in the latter half of the 1960s. Designed specifically for the rigours of space photography, this semi-automatic camera utilises standard 35mm film, is equipped with a central shutter and captures images in the classic 24×36 mm frame format. Its advanced features included an electric motor for shutter cocking and a battery recharging capability, making it a pioneer in this category. Remarkably, a fully charged battery allowed for an impressive range of 350 to 400 frames, ensuring extensive photographic coverage without the need for frequent battery replacements.

Equipped with an iconometer-type viewfinder, the camera was designed to precisely target objects from within the spacecraft, a crucial feature for space exploration photography. The shutter speeds were deliberately limited to 1/500, 1/250, and 1/125 seconds, optimizing exposure times for the highly photosensitive films produced specifically for space industry applications by the Svema Production Association. This adaptation was essential for capturing clear images in the unique lighting conditions encountered in space.

The camera features a V-3K 2.8/50 lens no.00008, with a working distance of 44.70 mm. This bespoke piece of equipment represented a significant technological advancement, combining precision engineering with specialized features to meet the demanding requirements of space photography, setting a new standard for cameras used in space exploration missions.