Description

Project:
Dark Chamber

Subject:
Assembled Zenit Photo Sniper

Origin:
Russia

Description:
Photo Sniper was an observation camera, developed in Russia during the Cold War by KMZ. Having the look and feel of a rifle, it was ideally suited for observation and surveillance tasks. It enabled the user to shoot steady images of distant or moving objects, such as people passing in a car. The camera was used by counter intelligence teams of the KGB, the Border Guards and by the intelligence services of the other countries of the Warsaw Pact. Photo sniper consists of a modified Zenit E-type camera with Praktica mount, and a 300mm telephoto lens, mounted on a long boom with a pistol grip. When assembled, it looks like a 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 tripod. The camera was named Zenit ES and had an extra shutter-release button at the bottom, that mated with a pawl on top of the boom, allowing the shutter to be released by pulling the trigger. When operating the camera, the user could easily adjust the focus with a large knob at the front end of the boom. When pulling the trigger, a spring quickly releases the diaphragm just before the picture is actually taken. The image shows the Russian text on the pistol grip of the USSR version of the camera. The camera was manufactured by KMZ (Kraznogorsk Mechanical Works) in Kraznogorsk near Moscow during the Cold War. The company still exists today

Limited edition prints:
Bespoke limited edition prints are available in three sizes or customised on request of the purchaser
Each size has a limited edition of only: 30
Print type: Digital C-Type

Presentation:
Mounted onto Perspex (frameless)

Presentation explained:
Perspex mounting is a contemporary way to present photographic prints for interiors. The colour print is bonded to clear acrylic using a silicon gel and then backed with a black acrylic substrate. Once the Perspex has been bonded to the front of the print the appearance is of high definition with deep saturated colours. The completed piece is supplied with an aluminium sub-frame, which floats the panel from the wall

Authentication:
All prints are supplied with a Certificate of Authenticity

Printed, mounted & finished by: Metro Imaging, London

Image copyright: © Mr. Steel