USAAF WW2 Fairchild K20 Aircraft Reconnaissance Camera Standard US aircraft camera in WW2, most bombers would have been equipped with these. Unusual in that it uses suction to keep the film flat – a big piston springs back when the shutter operates creating a pressure differential which forces the film against it's backing plate. This makes it a very noisy camera! Uses 5” roll film, I believe, to produce a 5” x 5” negative. Has a fixed-focus f4.5 163 mm lens (which is fairly wide angle) and is designed for hand-held use, by a user wearing gloves. To wind on, the right-hand grip is raised to a horizontal position then back down again. This cocks the shutter and pistons which are released by pressing the large trigger. Other controls are shutter speed (1/125 to 1/500 sec) and aperture knobs, next to the lens. Shutter appears to be blade type mounted behind the iris diaphragm. Film counter to RHS counts up to 50 exposures, adjacent to manual wind-on knob (for loading film only – doesn't cock the shutter). Back of film compartment slides off, secured by screw when in use. Simple viewfinder to top, folds down when not in use. Comes with three filters – two shades of yellow, one red. Exposure guide taped to back indicates that yellow filters are to be used in bright sunshine. Maker's metal labels affixed to underside (see pictures): (something)
AIR FORCES U.S. ARMY
CAMERA AIRCRAFT
K 20 AF 65176
TYPE SERIAL NO.
CAMERA IS WORKING PERFECT

GOOD SMALL PART CRACK