Nightfighters and gun cameras

[Richard T. Eger]

Dear Fellow Researchers,

It seems like a non sequitur, gun cameras on nightfighters. However, as some of you know, I've been trying to identify the equipment suspended from the canopy on the Me 262B-1a/U1 interim nightfighter. The equipment appears to be made up of three separate apparatuses. The rear one appears to be a Pielschreiber 120a, but the other two, up to now, seem to be shrouded in mystery.

A couple of days ago, a fellow named Dennis Lucas approached me trying to identify a Siemens motion picture camera he had in his possession. It was certainly not a BSK 16, but more box shaped, like the old Brownie box camera. Comparing it to the coarse photos I have of the forward apparatus in the B-1a/U1, there is an uncanny similarity. As viewed from the front, the B-1a/U1 apparatus has a bright spot on it, which always made me think it was likely a lense. Now comes along this new evidence and I'm really trying to connect the dots.

The camera is remotely electrically controlled, if not driven, and is clearly intended to be mounted. An electrical cover bears the number Fl 32624. Unfortunately, the camera nameplate has been removed, so I don't know the model.

The question is: Does anyone know of cameras/gun cameras being tried on nightfighters, even if just on an experimental basis?

Regards,
Richard