PROJECT (SANITIZED)

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-03153A001600030006-8
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: April 3, 2014
• Sequence Number: 6
• Publication Date: September 19, 1955
• Content Type: MEMO

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/04/03: CIA-RDP78-03153A001600030006-8
Wittl
MEMORANDUM FOR: C/TSS/OPTICAL BRANCH
SUBJECT: Project
19 September 1955
1. The four K 20 cameras obtained and modified for Project
during May 1955 were returned to Washington during the early part o
July 1955. They were delivered to the Photo Division. The Photo
Division conducted tests on eachoof the four (4) cameras and returned
them to APD 13 September 1955. Their report dated 12 September 1955
is separate from this report.
2. APD made a visual inspection of the cameras upon arrival from
PD and a further and more searching visual inspection on the 14th of
September 1955. The inspection on the 14th indicated that not one of
four (4) cameras was functioning properly. The cause of failure could
be one of many and could not be determined specifically until each
camera has had a general overhauling.
3. These cameras were obtained and modified on a crash basis for
this project, and were delivered for operational use at the very last
minute. Shortage of time deprived Photomechanisms of any opportunity
to properly test them before they were delivered because the mission
was due to commence. This mission took place some 1500 miles away.
The cameras were hand carried to the aircraft enroute to theunission
and placed inside the passenger's cabin in an effort to prevent any
rough handling. Even though the cameras were "babied" right up to the
moment they were put into operation, they did not perform satisfactorily
or could they be considered reliable. They did, however, supply enough
information to justify using them. The mission itself was rugged insofar
as the cameras were concerned.
4. After the mission was over in early May, all the equipment,
including the cameras, remained in a hot and humid climate for about
five (5) weeks, during which time they were being boxed and crated for
transportation by truck back to Washington. The return trip by truck
no doubt added its share of jolts and vibrations to the cameras for
which they were not designed to withstand.
5. The visual inspection of the cameras on the 14th of September
and the inspection of the test negatives made by the Photo Division from
the four (4) cameras revealed the following:
a. Cameras:
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50X1
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/04/03: CIA-RDP78-03153A001600030006-8
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/04/03: CIA-RDP78-03153A001600030006-8
SECRET
a. Cameras:
The rubber stripsand black velvet strips on the camera cover
and on the base that theicamera cover fits over to prevent light leaking
onto the exposed and unexposed film had come off in places.
There was dust and apparently fingerprints on the reflecting
mirrors.
The batteries (Silver cal) were practically in a state of
complete discharge.
Corrosion had taken place over the battery terminals and
spreading over the metal supporting the batteries.
There seemed to.be an indication of fungus starting on
the mirrors.
There is no doubt that loose dust has found its way into
the internal parts of the cameras.
It could not be determined by the visual inspection that
the film advance mechanism was functioning.
It could not be determined whether or not there were loose
electrical connections, nor if the mirrors were in alignment, or
the lenses in focus.
b. Negatives:
The negative tests supplied by the Photo Division were made
after the mission was over, after the cameras remained in storage in
a humid climate, after a long transit by truck (approximately 1500
miles), and after about eight weeks in the possession of the Photo
Division.
Little significance can be given to the report submitted by
the Photo Division except to reiterate that already known that the
cameras should be returned to Photomechanisms, for overhaul. A
memorandum to this effect was written to C/APD on 1 JU1y11955.
Several conferences were held regarding the possible future use for
these cameras, and it was decided that they should be put in operational
condition for aerial photography.
7. Recommendations:
a. Return the four (4) cameras to Photomechanisms for general
overhauling, cleaning, repairing, and testing.
b. Should the tests reveal or indicate that the design of the
optical and electrical systems incorporated into these cameras is unreliable,
they should not be used on an actual mission.
c. Should the tests indicate that the basic idea of the two
systems can be made reliable by further refinement and modification, this
should be accomplished, if for no other reason than to learn that this
company is able to perform such tasks on a crash basis, if given sufficient
time.
1 -
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SECRET
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2014/04/03: CIA-RDP78-03153A001600030006-8