The KMZ designers lengthened the viewfinder housing, as they did with the earlier "Zorki-C" and "Zorki-2C" models and the sexy looking Zorki-3 turned ugly. The Zorki-3C actually signals the beginning of a new model line. The only difference between it and the early Zorki-4A is the 4A has a self timer [2].


  

Produced: 1955-1956
Name: „Зоркий-3С“
Producer: KMZ
Frame size: 24x36
Lens: Jupiter-8  2/50.
Shutter: 1-1/25s, 1/50s, 1/100s, 1/250s, 1/500s, 1/1000s + B.

Quantity: 45.572 units.

PM1405. The prototype version of Zorki-3C, announced in 1955. Predecessor of famous Zorki-4 group. The high-class rangfinder camera without selftimer yet. Fitted with Jupiter-8 2/50mm lens.

Picture opposite was kindly provided by the authors of SSK book "1200 Cameras from USSR", 2009.

PM1405 - Zorki-3C prototype camera.

PM1410. Seems to be an earliest productional version of Zorki-3C camera. Identical to prototype, but with changed nameplate markings. Old style of shutter release knob yet (see picture below). Some cameras come with additional "Made in USSR" or "SDELANO B CCCP" engravings on the rear plate.

PM1410 - Zorki-3C  #5505913.

PM1415. Camera identical PM1410, but with new style of shutter release knob (see upper part of the picture below). Some cameras come with additional "Made in USSR" or "SDELANO B CCCP" engravings on the rear plate (see lower part of the picture below).

PM1415 - Zorki-3C  #5645085.