6.
Equipment.
a. The equipment used to shoot aerial photographs will depend on the type of
photographs needed.
If a large number of photos or slides for a briefing are
needed, then a small or medium format system is best.
Polaroid prints or the
need for a larger negative will require the use of a larger format press camera.
b. Usually, 35mm or medium format cameras are best suited for aerial work.
They are easy to handle in the relatively tight confines of an aircraft. They
also offer the advantage of interchangeable lenses, for shooting pinpoint photos.
A wider variety of films are available for these formats as well.
c. If Polaroid photos are required, then a large format 4 by 5-inch camera
must be used.
Care must be taken not to subject the fragile bellows of the
camera to the violent airstream outside the aircraft.
d. Occasionally, because of insufficient data, some detail of your planning
must be omitted until you reach the target. It is therefore a good idea to take
along a complete camera system, including a variety of lenses, filters, films,
etc. It is always better to have the equipment with you and not need it, than to
be unable to complete the mission because of a forgotten item of equipment.
e. Whatever camera system is used, it should be one that the photographer is
familiar with. A tactical aerial photographic documentation mission is not the
time or place to experiment with new techniques, equipment, or film.
7.
Film.
a. Your choice of film will also depend on the type of mission, and final
product desired.
As in general photography, you should use the slowest film
practical to achieve the desired result.
There is a wide variety of film
materials available to allow you to produce almost any requested final product.
The following are some of the most commonly used.
(1) Kodak Tri-X-Pan. This is a fine grain, ASA/ISO 400 film of excellent
sharpness. It is a good general purpose black and white film.
(2) Kodak Plus-X-Pan.
A fine grain, medium speed (ASA/ISO125) film.
Because of its grain and
excellent sharpness, it can yield excellent
enlargements.
(3) Kodak High-Speed Infrared. When used with an 89A or a 25A red filter,
this film is best for detecting camouflage and penetrating haze.
This film
requires special handling and processing techniques.
Refer to the data sheet
with the film, and practice with the film before using it on a mission.
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