Zenit MA-2 - what is the point?

Hi All!

I acquired an interesting version of Zahod (KGB, last iteration in Ayaks cameras line) called the Zenit-MA2, which appears to be a commercial variant. I found it listed among “spy” cameras alongside the MA-1 and the MF-1 (the F-21 version ordered by Lomography) on http://www.zenitcamera.ru/catalog/cameralist-eng.html.

I wonder if this is the unit Lomography ordered but never received. It’s really odd that it was produced. Perhaps Detlev and Zoom can shed some light on it.

http://www.ussrphoto.com/resize/resize_image.aspx?ImgWd=800&IptFl=/UserContent2/332025_PXL_20250228_035839133.jpg

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent2/332025_PXL_20250228_035839133.jpg

http://www.ussrphoto.com/resize/resize_image.aspx?ImgWd=800&IptFl=/UserContent2/332025_PXL_20250228_035857104.jpg

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent2/332025_PXL_20250228_035857104.jpg

And in comparison to Zahod it has a slightly different streamlined body:

http://www.ussrphoto.com/resize/resize_image.aspx?ImgWd=800&IptFl=/UserContent2/332025_PXL_20250228_035942729.jpg

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent2/332025_PXL_20250228_035942729.jpg

http://www.ussrphoto.com/resize/resize_image.aspx?ImgWd=800&IptFl=/UserContent2/332025_PXL_20250228_040000568.jpg

http://www.ussrphoto.com/UserContent2/332025_PXL_20250228_040000568.jpg

Best regards,
Vlad