Fantastic Rifle Camera Zenit Fotosnaiper, 80s.

Impressive Fotosnaiper 12 rifle camera (model name derived from the words photo and sniper), made in by the Soviet factory Zenit in the 1980s. The camera remains in striking condition and wonderful working order: it comes in its original metal storing case and includes a complete accessory set. It can be used with the rifle accessory or by itself, just like any other camera. It comes with two rechargeables roll films.The camera mounts an outstanding powerful Senit lens (500 magnifications) with an inscription in English that indicates it was made in the Soviet Union. The case contains another Zenit Helios-44M-4 lens with serial number 88136694. The camera itself bears the embossed brand name at the front together with the model, 12S. At the cameras base we can see the brand logo and the inscription MADE IN THE USSR. The frame bears the engraved serial number 33095335. The gun-shaped accessory bears the inscription FOTOSNAIPER 12 and really resembles us of a conventional gun, with its butt and trigger. The accessory set that comes with this stunning Zenit camera includes several filters, tools for its correct maintenance and reparation, a carrying leather strap and the original instruction leaflet. The storing case remains in excellent condition and bears the printed logo, brand name and serial number 8808799. Every lover of photography and historic pieces will recognize a real jewel in this Zenit camera, high-precision and top-quality piece.History of KMZ and Zenit cameras The KMZ (Krasnogorski Mekhanicheskii Zavod Fábrica Mecánica de Krasnogord) was founded in 1942 near Moscow. In the beginning the company produced scopes and binoculars, as well as reconnaissance cameras. In 1945 they started manufacturing photographic lenses to the specifications of the Carl Zeiss Co. (the factory had been overrun by the Red Army to perform war reparations). Later they began producing the Zorki camera and became the biggest supplier of photo lenses of the USSR. The Zenit camera was developed from the Zorki camera, which in turn was a copy of the Leica II. During the first years of production and until the Zenit-E appeared in 1967, the development of the Zenit was similar to the Zorkis. Between 1967 and 1969 the KMZ built an automatic line that led to serial production. It was then when the most famous and popular Zenit camera appeared: the Zenit-E, with more than 12 million units produced. During the 70s and the 80s, the company focused its production to the domestic market; after the USSR disappeared, the activity stated to decline because of the strong competition of the western market. Currently the company found its niche in the manufacture of rifle scopes, nocturnal vision scopes, binoculars and other optic material.