Pecole Posted May 2, 2009 Share #1 Posted May 2, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Taking dust in my garage for many years, there was a black, heavy, reinforced carrying bag marked "DS&S". Looking for a tool, I opened it to rediscover a camera I had long forgotten : the Shackman Auto Camera Mk3. I bought it at a trade fair some 30 years ago because it reminded me the Leica 250, and also because, as a former pilot, I had always been interested in aerial cameras. This one was produced immediately before, and during WW2 for the Royal Air Force. I attach four pics (out of the twelve I shoot this afternoon with my Digilux 2), which are mostly self-explanatory. But let's add a few notes : on the sliding back plate displaying all camera's details, there is a mention evidencing that this "tool" could be used by not professional photographers : "WARNING. Do not operate camera without film" !!! On the identifying plate marked "Camera Type Nº 4757 etc..", there is an arrow pointing up which, like all Leica collectors know, means "R.A.F. Property". And finally, the maximum aperture of the Dallmeyer lens is not bad at 1.9, and its serial number (466/38) clearly dates the set at 1938. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/83786-unfortunately-it-is-not-a-250/?do=findComment&comment=887400'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 2, 2009 Posted May 2, 2009 Hi Pecole, Take a look here Unfortunately, it is not a "250".... I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
luigi bertolotti Posted May 2, 2009 Share #2 Posted May 2, 2009 Very interesting item !!! Thanks for the pics... seems there is an electric plug in the back... does it have an internal motor to cock/advance ? And... has the lens a focus adjustment or is it a fixed focus (has sense on a aerial equipment) ? The two front "tripod" screws seem intended to fit the body to some support... do youknow in which planes it was used ? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lars_bergquist Posted May 3, 2009 Share #3 Posted May 3, 2009 The "broad arrow" designates Crown, not R.A.F. property. You find it on Army weapons and other kit too, including a WWI Colt .455 revolver I own. The old man from the Age of the World Wars Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeicaTom Posted May 3, 2009 Share #4 Posted May 3, 2009 Nice Camera Pecole, interesting bit of history.....I wonder what secret German instalations that photographed during WW2? The "broad arrow" designates Crown, not R.A.F. property. You find it on Army weapons and other kit too, including a WWI Colt .455 revolver I own. The old man from the Age of the World Wars Ohhh the "broad arrow" was also used on RAF equipment as well ~ all the original WW2 RAF Omega Wrist Watches have the broad arrow stamped on the back as well as service issue numbers Tom Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pecole Posted May 3, 2009 Author Share #5 Posted May 3, 2009 Yes, Luigi, there is an electrical motor in the base to advance the film, and most probably to actuate the shutter as well. And yes, the lens is a fixed focus one. As for the type(s) of plane(s) in which this camera was used, I did not investigate. But it must have been bomber(s), since most recce airplanes were high altitude single seaters, and fighters had much smaller cameras linked to the machine guns. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mystic Posted May 3, 2009 Share #6 Posted May 3, 2009 Wow impressive camera! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert J Posted May 11, 2009 Share #7 Posted May 11, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) There is no electrie motor in the base.This camera is powered by a spring wound motor which is wound by the shaft to the right of the mod. plate.The electrical connector operates a servo which fires the shutter and activates the winder.The camera can be fired manually by pushing the button below the removable back plate.The film is advanced by moving the lever(button in this case)next to the shutter release,to the right. The complete outfit includes 6 film cassettes as well as the winding key. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pecole Posted May 12, 2009 Author Share #8 Posted May 12, 2009 There is no electrie motor in the base.This camera is powered by a spring wound motor which is wound by the shaft to the right of the mod. plate.The electrical connector operates a servo which fires the shutter and activates the winder.The camera can be fired manually by pushing the button below the removable back plate.The film is advanced by moving the lever(button in this case)next to the shutter release,to the right. The complete outfit includes 6 film cassettes as well as the winding key. Thank you so much for theses precious informations, Robert. I was confused by the electrical parts I discovered when opening the left bottom plate. So, I realize my set is incomplete, the most important missing part being the winding key. If you have more details or pics, please let's share ! Cordially Pecole (Pierre Jeandrain) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lars_bergquist Posted May 12, 2009 Share #9 Posted May 12, 2009 Ohhh the "broad arrow" was also used on RAF equipment as well ~ all the original WW2 RAF Omega Wrist Watches have the broad arrow stamped on the back as well as service issue numbers Tom Yes Tom, Royal Army, Royal Air force and Royal Navy. The works. As I wrote: Crown Property. The old man from the Age of the World War Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkCambridgeshire Posted May 16, 2009 Share #10 Posted May 16, 2009 The Dallmeyer lens should be a cracker and is quite sought after. Cheers dunk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert J Posted May 21, 2009 Share #11 Posted May 21, 2009 The winding key is an ordinary clock winding key.If you find one that fits you can try the motor.The camera,in this configuration,was used to photograph instrument panels in aircraft test flights.The full set also includes a focussing eyepiece that replaces the backplate and enables you to colimate the lens to the required subject distance.There were also lenses with full focussing ability and a top plate with a parralax corrected viewfinder. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pecole Posted May 22, 2009 Author Share #12 Posted May 22, 2009 The winding key is an ordinary clock winding key.If you find one that fits you can try the motor.The camera,in this configuration,was used to photograph instrument panels in aircraft test flights.The full set also includes a focussing eyepiece that replaces the backplate and enables you to colimate the lens to the required subject distance.There were also lenses with full focussing ability and a top plate with a parralax corrected viewfinder. Thanks a lot, Robert. I'll try to find a suitable key ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.