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ing framing and focus when inserted into the
camera and the back left open. (Pic. 5.) The
final clue as to exactly what post hostilities
use this camera had been put to is revealed by
a 1 mm brass spacer ring under the B & H
‘Ansix’ Type V, 35 mm f:3.5 lens AND a slip
of neatly written paper in the wooden case.
This note states ‘The sharp field of view is
12x10 inches.’ This ex-disposals unit had
been used as a titling camera, either by a small
16 mm documentary firm, or an advanced
amateur. Many of these ‘gun cameras’ were
available cheaply in war disposals stores in
the late 1940’s and early 1950’s and were Pic. 4. Top of camera with home made mount and
snapped up by impecunious filmmakers. speed control for frames-per-second knob at left.
Some fashioned viewfinders for them and
even used them as the main camera!
For hostilities, the G.S.A.P camera was mounted within
the leading edge of the wing and electrically triggered via

Pic. 5. The homemade film plane-view-
ing magazine

cabling and Cannon plugs to the
aircraft guns. (Pic. 6.) A further
control consisted of a clockwork
timer calibrated in quarter-second
increments, which could be set to
give up to 3 seconds overrun (i.e.,
extra time camera running after the
gun trigger is released). This timer
mechanism was wound by a 24 volt
solenoid, and a toggle switch could
switch the timer in or out instantly.
(Pic. 7.)
Left: Pic. 6. Official manual shows in-
stallation details. Courtesy: Jason
Stagg Archives.
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