ASC Museum curator Steve Gainer, ASC, ASK, discusses this unique World War II-era unit designed for use by military cinematographers under extreme conditions. Let’s have a look at the Cunningham Combat Camera Model C.

Battle-tested motion picture camera

The Cunningham Combat Camera Model C is s a 35mm motion picture camera that was developed for combat environments. The body is all made of magnesium. The camera has a lens apparatus made of four lenses, which makes changing lens fast and easy by quickly repositioning the desired lens. This lens multi-turret is an efficient way to change lenses in the field, especially in a war zone. Furthermore, the magnesium alloy allows the camera to be lightweight, which is essential in Run-N-Gun situations. Also, the giant viewfinder on top was designed to facilitate framing.

Put the lens on infinity, and run like hell

Steve Gainer, ASC, ASK

Simplified camera operation

The combat cinematographers had to operate the Cunningham Combat Camera Model C in very harsh conditions. Thus the camera has been planned as an extra-user-friendly device. The camera excelled in its usability and simplification. Changing the film magazine was allowed on a push of a button, and the focusing mechanism was pretty straightforward and simplified. Choosing the frame rate was done by a convenient switch (see image below). The options were 16,24 and 32 frames per second.

United States’ mystery raygun

According to Gainer, there is a legend, that at the end war, after the nuclear explosions, the Japanese thought that this camera was one of US mystery rayguns. That made the Japanese surrender when they saw the cameraman with the Cunningham Combat Camera since they assumed that this is a raygun that fires destructive energy.

“Put the lens on infinity, and run like hell.”

At the end of the video, Gainer gives a cool tip for shooting in a war zone, as people ask him how to pull a focus in combat. His answer: “Put the lens on infinity, and run like hell.” Sounds like a good idea:-) 

About the ASC Museum Minute video series

Press this link to watch the full video that demonstrates the Cunningham Combat Camera. Due to privacy settings, we haven’t managed to embed the video in the article. This great cinematography gem has brought to you by the American Cinematographer which is an international publication of the ASC. Each episode of the ASC Museum Minute video series will showcase a unique item in the Society’s extensive collection of vintage cameras and other filmmaking tools. Check their website for further fascinating items like this.