Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. Photo Sniper (Russian: Фото Снайпер) was an observation camera, produced from 1965 onwards by the special workshop of the Krasnogorski Mekhanicheskii Zavod (KMZ), the Mechanical Factory of Krasnogorsk. Like its predecessors, the FS-1 and FS-2, it has the look and feel of a rifle, which made ideally suited for observation and surveillance tasks, as it enables the user to shoot steady images of distant or moving objects, such as people or cars passing by. The camera was used by the KGB's 2nd Chief Directorate (counter intelligence), the KGB's 7th Directorate (surveillance), the Border Guards and by East-European intelligence services like the East-German Stasi.
Photosniper consists of a modified Zenit E-type camera with Praktika mount (or equivalent), and a 300 mm telephoto lens, mounted on a long boom with a pistol grip. When fully assembled, it looks like an automatic rifle. At the rear end, the boom has a stock mounting that allows it to be pressed firmly against the shoulder, resulting in steady shots without the use of a heavy tripod.
The Zenit ES camera (Зенит ЕС) has an extra shutter-release button at the bottom, that mates with a pawl on top of the boom, allowing the shutter to be released by pulling the trigger.
Complete 'Fot Snaiper' camera, ready for use
The camera was supplied in a metal storage case, complete with lens, five color filters, the camera's original 35 mm lens, spare films, a leather carrying strap, various tools and other accessories, and the characteristic boom with the pistol grip and the removable shoulder stock.
Storage case
When unused, the camera is usually stored in a purpose-built metal container. The camera, the boom and the stock are separated and are each stored in a dedicated space inside the container. The top lid of the container holds all of the accessories, such as filters, screw drivers and films. The coloured filters were used to improve contrast when using black-and-white film.
The shoulder stock is stored at the bottom of the case, held in place by two clips, whilst the pistol grip can be screwed to the bottom of the container. The camera and the long lens are fixated to the front of the container with a large black knob behind the leather case grip.
The camera could also be used on its own, as an ordinary 35 mm camera. It was usually supplied with a suitable leather case and a standard 58 mm lens that was stored under a plastic cup in the lid of the metal container. Spare films were stored in the top lid of the container.
All items packed nicely in the metal container
Two additional leather straps were supplied that could be attached to the bottom of the container, allowing it to be carried on the back, or to be strapped to something else. The Photo Sniper is also featured in Keith Milton's excellent book Ultimate Spy
This example is offered in very good condition however, we do not promise functionality as we have not tested it.
Photosniper consists of a modified Zenit E-type camera with Praktika mount (or equivalent), and a 300 mm telephoto lens, mounted on a long boom with a pistol grip. When fully assembled, it looks like an automatic rifle. At the rear end, the boom has a stock mounting that allows it to be pressed firmly against the shoulder, resulting in steady shots without the use of a heavy tripod.
The Zenit ES camera (Зенит ЕС) has an extra shutter-release button at the bottom, that mates with a pawl on top of the boom, allowing the shutter to be released by pulling the trigger.
Complete 'Fot Snaiper' camera, ready for use
The camera was supplied in a metal storage case, complete with lens, five color filters, the camera's original 35 mm lens, spare films, a leather carrying strap, various tools and other accessories, and the characteristic boom with the pistol grip and the removable shoulder stock.
Storage case
When unused, the camera is usually stored in a purpose-built metal container. The camera, the boom and the stock are separated and are each stored in a dedicated space inside the container. The top lid of the container holds all of the accessories, such as filters, screw drivers and films. The coloured filters were used to improve contrast when using black-and-white film.
The shoulder stock is stored at the bottom of the case, held in place by two clips, whilst the pistol grip can be screwed to the bottom of the container. The camera and the long lens are fixated to the front of the container with a large black knob behind the leather case grip.
The camera could also be used on its own, as an ordinary 35 mm camera. It was usually supplied with a suitable leather case and a standard 58 mm lens that was stored under a plastic cup in the lid of the metal container. Spare films were stored in the top lid of the container.
All items packed nicely in the metal container
Two additional leather straps were supplied that could be attached to the bottom of the container, allowing it to be carried on the back, or to be strapped to something else. The Photo Sniper is also featured in Keith Milton's excellent book Ultimate Spy
This example is offered in very good condition however, we do not promise functionality as we have not tested it.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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