WWII Fairchild Aviation F-71 Stereoscope

warbird_patrick · **Posted:** Sun Dec 13, 2009 4:16 pm

Hello everyone,

Anyone know any history on the use of the Fairchild Aviation F-71 Stereoscopes, or what branch of the military used them. I had two complete sets donated to me. They are in amazing condition. The only information i could find is that they were used during WWII by Allied photo interpreters to analyze images shot from aerial photo reconnaissance aircraft.

Patrick

Taigh Ramey · **Posted:** Sun Dec 13, 2009 5:21 pm

The stereoscope as you mentioned was used to interpret aerial photos. You would use two separate photos next to each other and each lens would focus on the individual photo. When you looked at the two sequential images through the sterepscope they would come alive, so to speak, in a 3 dimensional image. Just like the View Master we used to play with as a kid. It was easier for the interpreter to see the details in these images with this device.

There are very simple units that use a lens but yours is the high end model that uses prisms and mirrors and will have much better optical quality. Fairchild made lots of optics and cameras during WWII most notably the F-56.

I hope you don't mind me asking but if you ever decide to part with one please keep me in mind. We have a good collection of WWII aerial camera equipment and one of your awesome stereoscopes would make a great addition.

The Inspector · **Posted:** Sun Dec 13, 2009 8:37 pm

If you can find it, because it's very long out of print is a book called 'Evidence in Camera' the authors name I've forgotten, but it deals in some detail with British photo interpretation services during WW2, including finding first evidence of the V-1 & V-2 via stereoscopes

warbird_patrick · **Posted:** Sun Dec 13, 2009 8:43 pm

Thanks guys for all the great information.

Dave Smith · **Posted:** Mon Dec 14, 2009 10:48 am

Hi Patrick, I just happen to have a signed copy of the book mentioned by The Inspector. Evidence in Camera was written by Constance Babington Smith and it includes a photo of her using a stereoscope, although I don't know its type. Many copies of the book are available on Abebooks, some in the USA from about $10. Well worth getting if you are interested in the subject. It's mainly RAF but there is quite a lot about US operations. A WAAF Flight Officer, she was loaned to USAAF Intelligence to continue photo interpretation in the Pacific. In Dec 1945 she was ordered the Legion of Merit for this service, the first time this US honor was ever awarded to a British woman. She makes a brief appearance in the wartime documentary Target for Tonight. I wonder what the Yanks made of this attractive woman with her upper class accent?! :wink:

Dave Smith · **Posted:** Mon Dec 14, 2009 11:11 am

I forgot to mention that Target for Tonight is on YouTube in five installments.

warbird_patrick · **Posted:** Mon Dec 14, 2009 1:18 pm

Dave Smith wrote:

I forgot to mention that Target for Tonight is on YouTube in five installments.

Thanks Dave, Ill haft to check it out.

Patrick

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WWII Fairchild Aviation F-71 Stereoscope

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