Description
Mitchell 520/3A/300 70mm Film Magazine KA-69A 100ft Vacuum Back KS-89A Set
This is a Mitchell Camera Corp vacuum back film magazine designed for the 70mm Camera Type KA-69A, part of the KS-89A camera set. Manufactured under U.S. Air Force contract, it holds 100 feet of 70mm film and uses a vacuum back design to hold the film flat against the pressure plate during exposure — a precision feature critical for aerial and high-resolution reconnaissance photography. The part number is 520/3A/300 per the original data plate.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: Mitchell Camera Corp, U.S.
- Part Number (PN): 520/3A/300
- Stock Number: VH6720-842-7398
- Contract Number: AF33(657)16649
- Film Format: 70mm
- Film Capacity: 100 ft
- Back Type: Vacuum Back
- Camera Compatibility: 70mm Camera Type KA-69A
- Camera Set: KS-89A
- Drive mechanism: Two toothed sprocket gears visible internally
- Film guide roller present in interior channel
- Vacuum back plate with seal strap included and intact
- Dual film spool spindle hubs (front face)
- Locking bolt and base mounting foot present
- Original data plate legible on housing
Applications
The Mitchell KA-69A camera system was a U.S. military aerial reconnaissance camera developed for use in aircraft, primarily during the Cold War era. The KA-69A and its associated KS-89A camera set were designed for high-altitude, wide-format aerial photography using 70mm film, where image resolution and film flatness were paramount. The vacuum back design — in which a partial vacuum holds the film against the pressure plate — was a refinement over spring-tension designs, ensuring consistent focal-plane registration across every frame even under vibration and g-forces in flight. Mitchell Camera Corp was a major supplier of precision cine and aerial camera equipment to the U.S. military and Hollywood film industry from the mid-20th century onward. Today these magazines are collected by military aviation historians, aerial photography enthusiasts, and collectors of vintage precision optical and camera equipment.
This Mitchell Camera Corp 520/3A/300 70mm Vacuum Back Film Magazine has been inspected and appears to be in good used condition overall. The housing shows typical wear for vintage military/aerial camera equipment: paint loss and chipping on the edges and corners, surface scratches across the body, and some oxidation on the metal hardware and sprocket teeth. The vacuum back plate is present and intact with the seal strap in place. The interior mechanism — including both drive sprockets, film guide roller, and locking bolt — is visible and appears complete. Asset and identification labels (VP-8, D85, and the original data plate) are present and legible. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Mitchell Camera Corp |
Model: |
520/3A/300 |
MPN: |
520/3A/300 |
Type: |
70mm Vacuum Back Film Magazine |
SKU: |
48744 |
Camera Compatibility: |
70mm Camera Type KA-69A |
Camera Set Compatibility: |
Camera Set KS-89A |
Film Capacity: |
100 ft |
Film Format: |
70mm |
Back Type: |
Vacuum Back |
Stock Number: |
VH6720-842-7398 |
Contract Number: |
AF33(657)16649 |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Seller Notes: |
Magazine only — no film, no camera body included. |
Form Factor: |
Detachable Camera Magazine |
Condition Notes: |
This Mitchell 520/3A/300 70mm Vacuum Back Film Magazine has been inspected and appears to be in good used condition. Housing shows paint loss, edge chipping, and surface scratches typical of vintage aerial camera gear. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |
