Saimon’s work often utilized repurposed Soviet camera equipment—hence the reference to "Laika." In photography circles, the (often a reference to the Zenit or LOMO cameras produced at the KMZ factory named after the dog Laika) was known for its heavy build, misleading light meter, and a lens that produced a distinct, painterly distortion. Saimon reportedly carried a modified "Kingpouge" (believed to be a phonetic play on the phrase "Kinpo-ji" or a specific lens mount modification known only to a repair shop in Shinjuku).
Before diving into the imagery, one must understand the equipment. The Kingpouge Laika 12/78 is not your standard commercial lens. Known among collectors for its unique focal depth and specific glass coating, the 12/78 series is celebrated for:
Kingpouge Laika 12 78 Photos Photography By Hiromi Saimon Jun 2026
Saimon’s work often utilized repurposed Soviet camera equipment—hence the reference to "Laika." In photography circles, the (often a reference to the Zenit or LOMO cameras produced at the KMZ factory named after the dog Laika) was known for its heavy build, misleading light meter, and a lens that produced a distinct, painterly distortion. Saimon reportedly carried a modified "Kingpouge" (believed to be a phonetic play on the phrase "Kinpo-ji" or a specific lens mount modification known only to a repair shop in Shinjuku).
Before diving into the imagery, one must understand the equipment. The Kingpouge Laika 12/78 is not your standard commercial lens. Known among collectors for its unique focal depth and specific glass coating, the 12/78 series is celebrated for: kingpouge laika 12 78 photos photography by hiromi saimon
