Sherman M. Fairchild’s 1922 K-3B aerial film camera featured a between-the-lens shutter that produced precision photography for vertical and oblique missions. This first practical aerial camera became the industry standard for military, goverment and commercial use as it minimized distortion and accepted six different focal length lenses.
The Fairchild line of aerial cameras led to aircraft production and a prestigious international aerial survey company.
This object is on display in Thomas W. Haas We All Fly at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
United States of America
EQUIPMENT-Photographic
Fairchild Aerial Camera Corp.
Black metal with a 8-1/4in. wide angle f.4 lens. It has two spade grips, a sight, four filters and an electric intervalometer.
3-D: 30.5 x 39.4 x 43.2cm (12 x 15 1/2 x 17 in.)
stainless, white metal, glass, lens
A19710955000
Transferred from the U.S. Navy
National Air and Space Museum
Usage conditions apply
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