KGB Zenit Fotosnaiper FS-12: Gun Camera
I recently had the idea to set up my camera on a gun like platform especially when using my Lumix G Vario 45-200mm zoom, with extending stock, fore grip with a torch diffuser (acting as a flash), and using a JJC shutter trigger foregrip. It's still in the idea stages but while doing my research I found a real inspiration called the Russian KMZ FS-12 Fotosnaiper. This thing is the epitomy of camera gadget cool! The gun trigger activates the shutter on a Russian Zenit camera attached to a 300mm lense that comes in a nice leather carrying case including tools and filters. A quick look on eBay and you can see this thing is a collector's item that is still reasonable priced around RM1-2k depending on the wear and tear. The original camera was a black and white SLR but you can pretty much find a mount for the Lense these days and attach it to any modern day DSLR, even attaching custom electronic shutter trigger assemblies. The story is that this camera was employed by the KGB Directorate during the cold war and used right up to the 1980's. The final production model was designated FS-122. It has roots going back to WWII as the FS-2, but back then the camera was an FED made by VOOMP-GOI, a Leningrad plant, with a total production of less than 500. The lense was also a GOI 300mm f/4.5. The camera was intended for military use, and available in olive green and black. The second family of FS2's were produced by KMZ from 1944 to 1945, after Leningrad had been sieged by the Germans.
