Investigating Crime and Accidents with a Miniature Camera in Africa
| Author | A. T. Tate |
| Published date | 01 July 1938 |
| Date | 01 July 1938 |
| DOI | http://doi.org/10.1177/0032258X3801100311 |
| Subject Matter | Article |
Investigating Crime and Accidents with
aMiniature Camera in Africa
By A.
T.
TATE
Nyasaland Police
THE
use of the camera in police work has so long been a
matter of routine that
it
would seem nothing further could
be written on the subject;
but
there are many places in the
Empire where, apart from Police Headquarters, the use of the
camera is not as general as it might be.
It
is from one of these
posts where stand cameras are not available, and which are not
provided with modern conveniences such as electric light,
dark rooms and other appurtenances of photography, that
these notes are written.
In
an article such as this it must be
assumed that the principles of photography are understood.
There
are on the market many modern miniature cameras
ranging in price from about £7 to £60,
but
all makes can be
obtained second-hand in excellent condition.
The
most
desirable features are a large lens with aperture of about
F.3·5, and radial focussing with a range-finder.
The
range-
finder admits of exact focussing of a close-up when using a
large stop.
The
model which the writer is using at present is
aSuper Ikonta, taking 16 pictures on a 21 x
3"1
film. Owing
to the small size of the films an enlarged print is necessary,
so it is as well to use a fine grain film. Panchromatic films are
recommended as these shew up the different shadings of an
object, or patches on a body, in their true values in mono-
chrome.
The
miniature camera, especially if fitted with inter-
changeable lenses, can tackle most work which comes within
the scope of an investigating officer on outside work.
It
is of
course not recommended for the copying of documents, or
finger-prints.
This
class of subject should always be done by
the large stand camera.
370
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