During the years of its existence, the Soviet photoindustry produced several weird and excentric camera models, like the FT-2, the Agat or - the Fotosniper. This photo rifle was produced by the KMZ factory of Krasnogorsk near Moscow from 1937 on, starting with the very rare model "FS-2", of which only 500 pieces were produced. In 1945 the production of the FS-2 ended, it should take 20 years until the sniper should come back.

In 1965 the production of the FS-3 started, the production lasted till 1982. The FS-3 was replaced by further models with TTL exponometer etc. But the FS-3 was a real alternative for the ambitious nature photograph to take pictures without a tripod, which is especially useful for moving objects. But, what the hell IS this photosniper at all?!

First of all: the phosniper was NEVER produced for the KGB, don't believe what several sellers want to make you believe. It is true that the photosniper was used for securing the USSR borders, but not for any spy work. With the FS-3, the photosniper was available for the general public.

The FS-3 is made of three components: an SLR camera Zenit ES (a modified Zenit E), a TAIR-3-PhS 300mm 1:4.5 tele lens and the rifle body. After the lens is mounted on the camera, the rifle body is attached and you're ready for taking shots!

The engineers developed a witty aperture release and shutter release system: the rifle body contains two little pegs that will pop up when you pull the trigger. One peg releases the diaphragm of the TAIR lens, the other peg releases the Zenit ES' shutter shortly afterwards. Ok, you have to cock the lenses diaphragm manually and the whole construction has a recoil like a Kalashnikov, but it's darn funny!

To be released with the rifle peg, the Zenit ES has a special second release button on the bottom. You find more about the camera and the TAIR lense in their own articles on this page.

So, does the photosniper work? It does work, very well indeed! With a 400 ASA film you can make sharp and clear photographs, even of moving objects like birds or other animals. You can use speeds up to 1/60 s without problems, you'll always get a good photo. The fact that the Zenit ES has no focussing help (you have to focus the image until you think it might be sharp) is no problem for me, I was getting used to it quite quickly. Focussing is done by the wheel at the end of the TAIR lense with the hand that is holding the rifle. With that system you can make very good pictures in a short time.

The FS-3 was delivered in a heavy case made of green painted metal, together with the standard lens Helios 44-2 (58mm, 1:2.0), two film cassettes, two screwdrivers, a front and back cap for the TAIR lens, a set of five filters (four colour filters and a UV filter) and a sun shade. All the parts of the set are fixed by screws inside the case, you can shake it around and nothing will move.

The image quality of the TAIR and the Helios lenses is very good, no matter if you're using a colour or a b/w film. I'm really confident with the FS-3, especially because I bought it for 30 EUR at eBay...









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