During World War II, the military used a variety of film cameras for different purposes, including reconnaissance, documentation, and propaganda. These cameras varied in design, size, and format, depending on the intended use and the availability of resources.
One of the most widely used film cameras by the military during World War II was the Graflex Speed Graphic. This camera was a large-format camera that used 4×5-inch sheet film and had a focal plane shutter that could reach speeds of up to 1/1000 second. It was commonly used by the Army Signal Corps for aerial photography, as well as for ground-based documentation and newsreel photography.
Another popular camera used by the military was the Leica IIIa. This was a small, compact rangefinder camera that used 35mm film and was known for its portability and reliability. It was used by military photographers to document combat operations and daily life in the field.
For specialized applications, the military also used cameras such as the Fairchild K-20 aerial camera, which was designed specifically for mapping and reconnaissance missions. This camera used a custom-designed lens and film format, which allowed it to capture high-resolution images from high altitudes.
In addition to these cameras, the military also used a variety of other cameras, including medium-format cameras such as the Rolleiflex and the Hasselblad, as well as large-format cameras such as the Graflex Super D and the Calumet C-1. These cameras were used for a variety of purposes, including portrait photography, surveillance, and propaganda.
Sources:
- “Graflex Speed Graphic,” National Museum of American History, https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_556498
- “Leica IIIa,” National Museum of American History, https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_556497
- “Fairchild K-20 Aerial Camera,” National Museum of American History, https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_774188
- “World War II Camera Collection,” US Army Signal Corps Museum, https://www.usarmysignalcorps.com/world-war-ii-camera-collection.html
