KODAK A-1 Aero Camera Instruction Manual
- October 27, 2023
- Kodak
Table of Contents
A-1 Aero Camera
Instruction Manual
A-1 Aero Camera
MODEL A-I HAND HELD AERO CAMERA
Size: 4 x 5. For Plates.
This camera was designed for use in two passenger aircraft, and has proven
very efficient because ofits light weight, compactness, simplicity of
operation and adaptability to either oblique or vertical exposures.
Excellent control over the camera is provided by the two side grips and the
position ofthe thumb lever shutter release. Three movements only are required
in making exposures; set the shutter B; press the thumb lever release C; shift
exposed plate.
The body of the A-I Aero Camera is made of cast aluminum, and the cone of
sheet aluminum. Two lugs EE, for attaching the shoulder straps, when the
conditions require it, are located adjacent to the side hand grips.
Exposures varying from rt1J to 4i, of a second may be made by adjusting the
tension ofthe Focal Plane Shutter, which has but one fixed aperture .
The 10″ Hawk Eye Aerial Lens fitted to t!te camera has a fixed aperture of
f.4.5. The stand ard aerial mount has a running thread and set screw
permitting accurate adjustment at infinity focus.
As a protection against exposure of the lens to fog, mist or dirt, often
resulting in impairment of the photographic record or against fogging of the
plate or film when the shutter is reset, a safety shutter is located in front
of the lens. Pressure upon the thumb lever release causes this safety shutter
to open just before the exposure is made. This safety shutter may be readily
removed to per mit refocusing or cleaning of the front element of the lens.
Removal of the screw cover of the hand hole F permits easy access to the rear
element of the lens. A direct vision tubular finder D having intersecting
vertical and horizontal wires, provides for proper sighting of the camera.
(The finder may also be located on the underside of the instru ment when
occasion requires.) The 4 x 5 Graflex Plate Magazine Holder with a capacity of
12 plates or Eastman Cut Film loaded in metal septums is used with the
instrument. 
SHUTTER SPEED PLATE
A Shutter Speed Plate, attached to the camera, gives the approximate shutter
speeds, in fractional parts of seconds, obtainable with the various ten sion
numbers 1 to 10.
SETTING THE SHUTTER
The shutter is set by turning key B to the left until the letter S is
indicated at N.
REGULATING THE SHUTTER SPEED
Tension is regulated by turning key K to the right until the required
tension number appears at M. The numbers run from 1 to 10-the highest number
indicating the greatest speed.
To decrease speed of shutter, release tension of spring by pushing escapement
L up and down until the required lower tension number is registered at M.
INSTANT ANEOUS EXPOSURE
When the shutter has been set in accordance with the above directions, the
expos ure is made by pressing thumb lever release C, which also automatically
opens the safety shutter located in front of the lens.
Before making exposures, pull out dark slide I and slip it into holding rack
on under side of camera.
After making exposure, eject exposed plate into shifting bag G by pulling out
lever H to limit of motion and returning it to its original position. After
plate has been ejected, shift to back of magazine, by grasping the septum
holding the plate, and swinging the inner end towards back of magazine,
pushing it–all the way-into the groove between the back pressure springs and
the other septums.
REMOVING MAGAZINE FROM CAMERA
It is not necessary to expose all the plates before the removal of one, or
more plates for development. With the protective slide in position, the
magazine holder can be removed from the camera at any time, and taken to a
dark room where any number of ex posed plates can be removed.
EXPOSURE COUNTER
On the underpart of the magazine will be found the exposure counter J,
which registers the number of the plate exposed.
EASTMAN KODAK CO.
ROCHESTER, N. Y.