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  • WWII K-24 Aerial Camera

WWII K-24 Aerial Camera

WWII K-24 Aerial Camera

In 2011, I acquired a remarkable piece of World War II history at a local gun show: a 1944 Eastman Kodak K-24 aerial reconnaissance camera. What made this find truly exceptional was its condition – it was New Old Stock (NOS), still sealed in its original packaging. The box contained the complete camera system, including all original accessories: various lenses, shutters, film magazines, interconnecting cables, lens heaters, desiccant packs, and even the protective velvet-backed lens paper. It was a complete, untouched time capsule.

To further enhance the camera’s functionality, I later purchased a period-correct intervalometer. This device allows for precise, timed shutter releases, which would have been crucial for aerial photography, particularly in coordinating with ‘bombs away’ sequences during bombing missions. The K-24 itself is in fully functional condition, a testament to its original build quality and the careful preservation of this historical artifact.

www.fold3.com

https://www.fold3.com/image/39019377

Thanks to Eastman Kodak Co. Historical Archives, National Air And Space Museum Archives, The National Museum of the United States Air Force, and the Hangar Thirteen Foundation

The K-24 aerial reconnaissance camera, produced by Eastman Kodak, was a significant development for the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. While it shared a design lineage with the British F.24, it was a distinctly American product, not simply a modification.

Key features and specifications of the K-24 include:

  • Manufacturer: Eastman Kodak Company.
  • Purpose: Primarily designed for aerial reconnaissance, both day and night, and bomb damage assessment.
  • Film Format: Used roll film, typically 5×5 inch or 9×9 inch, offering a large image size for detailed analysis.
  • Lens: Commonly equipped with a Kodak Aero Ektar 7-inch (178mm) f/2.5 lens, renowned for its high speed and image quality. Other focal-length lenses were also used.
  • Operation: Electrically operated, allowing for remote triggering and automated sequence photography.
  • Applications: Widely used in various aircraft, including:
    • B-17 Flying Fortress
    • B-24 Liberator
    • B-25 Mitchell
    • B-29 Superfortress
    • P-38 Lightning (modified for reconnaissance)
    • P-51 Mustang (modified as the F-6)
    • De Havilland Mosquito (including Canadian variants)
    • Supermarine Spitfire (Photo reconnaissance variants)
  • Functions:
    • Tactical and strategic aerial reconnaissance, providing crucial intelligence on enemy positions, movements, and infrastructure.
    • Bomb damage assessment, capturing images of target areas before and after bombing runs.
    • Navigational aid, by taking photos of geographical landmarks.
    • Night aerial reconnaissance when used with flash systems.
  • Production: Thousands of K-24 cameras were manufactured during the war to meet the demand for aerial intelligence.
  • The weight of the K-24 varied depending on the configuration and lens fitted. Therefore stating a specific weight difference from the F-24 can be misleading.

The K-24’s robust design, high-quality optics, and reliable operation made it an indispensable tool for Allied air forces during World War II.

This camera was manufactured by Eastman Kodak Co.

K-24 Aerial Camera Documentation
K 24 Reconnaissance Camera Cover
K 24 Reconnaissance Camera Manual
K-24 Aerial Catalog Aerial Cameras
K-24 Radar Photography
B-17 Camera Bay Parts Blue Print
B-17 Camera Bay Blue Print

This fully functional 1944 Eastman Kodak K-24 aerial reconnaissance camera is available for static display loan to accredited museums. The unit includes all original accessories and a period-correct intervalometer, providing a complete representation of its wartime configuration. The camera is available for loan to institutions with appropriate curatorial and display standards.

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