Here is my experience with the Zenit 312 after
three rolls of film. Meter was worthless from the
start. Several guys offered good suggestions, but
nothing helped. After the first roll, the film speed dial
refused to stay in one position - it spins freely.
Shutter release is the heaviest I've ever experienced.
Makes it a lot tougher to get a shake-free picture.
Also, be SURE to move the film advance lever ALL the
way to it's stop each time, preverably in one smooth
motion. It has a long travel. I didn't push it all the
way to the stop a few times without realizing it. The
shutter was still cocked and I was able to release the
shutter. Little did I know that the shutter curtain wasn't
making it's full travel! It was staying open about 1/4"
thru a couple frames. Then it closed fully, but didn't
open for a couple frames. I verified this later with
no film in the camera and the back opened up.
Eventually everything got back in sync. Very educational! On
the plus side? The camera cost me $69 US new on Ebay.
It's a comfortable camera to hold - I like the
sculpted body. The lens is pretty good too. Focussing is
easy and the pics I got back are reasonably sharp. If
I had paid more for the camera, I would have sent
it back to the Ukraine and asked for a replacement
or a refund. But for $69, I why bother? I guess I'll
run a few more rolls thru it and see if the shutter
release gets "broken in" and/or the meter settles down.