Graflex Fingerprint Camera
The Graflex Fingerprint Camera is a forensic camera produced by Graflex from 1918–1951. The camera uses 2¼x3¼ film or plates to make a 1:1 picture. Graflex also produced an identical camera, the Factograph Meter reading camera, for reading electrical meters, and Inspectograph camera, identical save for being powered by mains power.
Overview
The Graflex Fingerprint Camera is a forensic camera produced by Graflex, for capturing fingerprints and other forensic evidence that could not otherwise be collected. It accepted film via a slotted Graflex type back allowing it to use, rollfilm holders, Filmpacks, slotted film holders, and cut film magazines made for the 2¼x3¼ Graphics and Graflex. The camera is a fixed focus Kodak Anastigmat f/6.3 lens. Composition is accomplished by using the folding metal viewing hood. Unusual compared to most other camera, the camera has it's own light source consisting of 4 small light bulbs, powered by two battery packs, (no. 715) which appear to be comprised of D cells. Some models have a compartment for spare bulbs. To take a picture, the film holder is put in place, the dark slide is taken out, and the exposure switch is depressed to illuminate the subject (which is dusted in black or white powder for contrast).
Note
In the FBI Handbook of forensic science (page 27) the camera is recommended to be used with Kodak Tri-x, with an instantaneous exposure for black on white, and one second exposure for grey on black.
