Zenit Photosniper

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Revision as of 01:30, 7 November 2012 by Masfoto (talk | contribs) (Photosniper FS-12)
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The Photosniper SLR-"guns" were made by KMZ. Maybe the conception behind these "shooters" was to give photographers who were gunmen a tool for shooting tele-exposures with a more quiet hand.



Photosniper FS-2

The Photosniper FS-2 was made in 1944-5, and was for military use by the Soviet forces. It comprises a modified FED 1 on a wooden rifle stock incorporating a reflex viewfinder housing. The lens is a GOI 300 mm f/4.5, in a special version (since the camera body plus the added reflex viewfinder has a unique film-to-flange depth). It was based on similar cameras (an FS-1 and FS-2) made shortly before the War by GOI itself.[1] McKeown estimates that less than 300 of the KMZ FS-2 cameras were made.


Photosniper FS-3

Produced 1965-69, the FS-3 was supplied as a complete kit housed in a steel container. Individual components were fastened to the container by screws, bolts and clips. In later versions the steel container was replaced by a canvas bag.

The kit comprised:

  • The camera body: a Zenit ES (a Zenit E with an extra shutter release in the base)
  • Helios-44 58mm f/2 lens
  • Tair-3AS 300mm f/4.5 lens (again, the Tair-3AS is a modified version of the Tair-3,with a focus control added on the underside)
  • Two yellow filters, 2× and 1.4×
  • UV filter
  • Orange filter
  • Green filter
  • Two film cassette cases
  • Two screwdrivers
  • Lens hood
  • Trigger assembly and strap
  • Shoulder stock




Photosniper FS-12

The Photosniper FS-12 is a very similar kit, with updated components. The camera body is a Zenit 12S; this photosniper therefore has the marked advantage over the FS-3 of through-the-lens metering. It was again supplied in an enamelled steel suitcase, with the the updated Helios 44 - a Helios-44M4 (or 44M5 or 44M6) 58 mm f/2 - and Tair-3AS 300 mm f/4.5 tele lens.


Notes

  1. McKeown, James M. and Joan C. McKeown's Price Guide to Antique and Classic Cameras, 12th Edition, 2005-2006. USA, Centennial Photo Service, 2004. ISBN 0-931838-40-1 (hardcover). ISBN 0-931838-41-X (softcover). p552.

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