F.24 5"/8" focal lens aerial camera

[Kingscoy]

Dear forum members,

Long time since my last post here...but I am in need of a little help again.

I have posted several threads regarding Spitfire PR IB N3069 and have been very busy trying to complete my research which, after 25 years research, you can wonder if it ever will be finished

Last year I came in possesion of a complete Williamson F.24 8" focal lens camera in its original box. I also got a type 35 control unit. I have searched online and in this forum but didn't found what I'm looking for. I am looking for a manual, documents or anything on this specific system. I'm planning to put together the complete wing installation setup for this type of camera. Camera motor, brackets, wiring...the whole nine yards.

Many thanks for any help or info...as always much appreciated!!.

Cheers from Holland,
Sander

 

[buffnut453]

Hi Sander,

'Fraid I can't help with your request for manuals. However, would you be willing to share a photo of the Type 35 control unit?

Many thanks,
Mark

 

[Kingscoy]

Hi Mark,
No probs. Just let me know if you need more pics...Always happy to share.

Cheers,
Sander

 

[Airframes]

Hi Sander,

Good to see you back.
Have you thought of contacting the RAF Museum ?
They had a feature on aerial photography and recce about a year or so ago, and their research assistants can be very helpful.

 

[Kingscoy]

Hi Terry,
Yes....its been a while. Many things going on. Many thanks for the tip...will certainly give them an email
Cheers Sander

 

[Airframes]

You're welcome my friend.

 

[Kingscoy]

Thought it might be a nice photo to share. My set F.24s with camera motor and control unit. This control unit is the second I have been able to find and a nice example with AM markings.I found the electrical plugs on Ebay...never seen them before. My project is slowely taking shape.

Cheers.
Sander

 

[Wurger]

 

[Gnomey]

Cool!

 

[Airframes]

Nice !
Did you have any luck with the RAFM ?

 

[Kingscoy]

Did sent them an e-mail but didn't receive a reply yet.
I did find out some of the info I was looking for which is very helpful when looking for parts. I'm planning to rebuild the wing section where the camera would be installed, being the inner ammo compartement. Wing Rib 8 to 12. Not sure how to procede with that. Original wing parts will be expensive and I think for a MkI Spitfire nearly impossible to find ...and I'm in no way capable to rebuild it myself. So if there is someone with good suggestions.....I'm all ear.

 

[fubar57]

Very nice collection

 

[Airframes]

Maybe have a chat with Gary (Geedee) ?

 

[Kingscoy]

Thanks for the tip Terry....I have been too long away from this forum
BTW total of topic....can I PM you for a question I have on modelling?

 

[Airframes]

Of course you can my friend.

 

[Kingscoy]

Hey Guys...got this F.24 camera manual from a friend. It is not complete but for me very helpful and informative.

Cheers,
Sander

 

[Airframes]

Well done Sander !

 

[MiTasol]

Well done Sander !

Totally agree - great manual Sander. Thank you

I have a paper photocopy of what I think is the same manual which has the black and white pages very poorly copied (downsized with dark background) but from memory all the colour pages were cleanly copied in full colour. Many of the black on white pages have had the text punched through when the source bound it with !@#$%^ comb binding.

I will copy and post the colour pages only as soon as practical when I get home - I am away from home too often - and I will print Sanders manual black and white pages to make mine more useable and recover the missing text.

In the unlikely event I have a different edition/manual I will post the complete document. I have not looked at this manual for years but I think it has a lot more detail on the mounting and control unit.

Mi

 

[Kingscoy]

Hi Mi,
That's great!! Much appreciated

Cheers,
Sander

 

[MiTasol]

Mine are a different editions so I am doing the lot

First couple - if you need a better scan of any page just PM me