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.
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.
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.