Zenit Photosniper

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The Photosniper SLR-"guns" were made first by GOI and later by KMZ, originally for military use. Later models were made for sale and export.



Photosniper FS-2

The Photosniper FS-2 was made in 1943-5,[1] and was for military use by the Soviet forces. The first cameras of this model were made by GOI in Leningrad, and later ones by KMZ.[2] The FS-2 comprises a modified FED 1 on a wooden rifle stock incorporating a reflex viewfinder housing. The lens is a 300 mm f/4.5, also made first by GOI and later by KMZ,[2] in a special version (since the camera body plus the added reflex viewfinder has a unique film-to-flange depth). The FS-2 was based on a similar camera (the FS-1) made shortly before the War by GOI.[3] McKeown estimates that less than 300 of the KMZ FS-2 cameras were made.



Photosniper FS-3

Produced in 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 comprises:

  • 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. 1943 GOI FS-2, serial no. 1364, based on FED NKVD body no. 169400, presented by GOI to A.E. Dobrovolsky, director of the Kiev optical plant, who oversaw the transfer of the captured Contax plant to Kiev. The camera outfit, including an instruction book dated 19434, was sold at the November 2012 Westlicht Photographica Auction in Vienna.
  2. 2.0 2.1 1945 KMZ FS-2, serial no. 1369, based on FED NKVD body no. 170511, also sold at the November 2012 Westlicht auction.
  3. 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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