Date:	Wed, 20 Jul 1994 08:42:00 -1000
From:	pverkel@hvlpa.att.com (Peter van Erkel +31 35 87 4602)
Message-Id: <9407201041.AA11131@ig1.att.att.com>
Organization: Division of Applied Sciences, Harvard University
Subject: Disposable Aerial Photography

As a long time Kite Flier, and Kite Aerial Photographer I like to
reply on the Disposable (Panoramic) Camera issue.

As Kodak came out with there Disposable Panoramic Camera is seemed to 
me the camera for a simple, light and cheap Aerial Camera system.

I got Kodak's Stretch camera's used, loaded them with 24 exp. film.
So there is no cheaper camera, and we don't have to talk about weight.

To trigger the camera's I started with a simple selftimer. I had to 
bring the camera down each time to wind the film, and start the 
timer again. But since the rig can be very light you can fly a small kite. 
So bringing the camera down, adjust the point it is aiming at, wind 
and start the timer is not a hard job (Kevin,Andrew).

Next step was using a Remote Control. I used a Futuba Transmitter, 
Receiver and Servo, as used in R/C cars.
This makes it possible to make the picture at the right height, or when 
the camera rig is not moving to much. I used this set-up extensively
on occasions where I would not consider carrying, or even trying to use 
my other system with am Olumpus OM-2 or Stylus Infinity Camera.
Results are usually not bad, although the quality is not impressive.
Since the camera uses a fixed shutter speed results are poor with
low or high light.

Most fun we had with these disposable camera's, when attached
to a messenger (line-climber). Just start the messenger, activate the
servo at the appropriate height. After the messenger has returned you
can advance wind the camera (Kevin!!!!).
Pictures taken this way, with parts of the messenger on it, are fun to
look at.

To my opinion: using a Disposable (Panoramic) Camera is the best way to 
start with Aerial Photography.


Peter van Erkel 
pverkel@hvlpa!att.com


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