The Camera On series is unique for modelers in that it not a specification/tech manual for the subject under discussion, it is a pictorial study with pictures taken directly from archives and the original prints and detailing visually the subject in question. In this case, the subjects are Luftwaffe Search Lights and Range Finding Equipment, Volume 1.

As an overview, the book contains dozens of period pictures of search lights and range finding equipment in various forms of use. The pictures are WWII period and are all black and white. From the foreward, Alan Ranger explains the goal is o present the pictures of the equipment as taken by the German soldiers not professional photographers. The goal is to get the feel and way of life of the soldiers that manned these batteries. This includes wonderful shots of the men manning their machines and the installations. Not only are search lights included but the Luftwaffe range finding equipment is included with explanations.

The sections included in the book are:

• Flakscheinwerfer 60cm
• Flakscheinwerfer 150cm
• Flakscheinwerfer 200cm Sw. 34
• Entfernungsmesser EM 34-36 1 Meter Range Finder
• Binocular Scissor Scope
• Doppelfernrohr 10x80 Flakfernrohr
• Kinotheodolite

The first three are increasing sizes of search lights. These were needed as allied planes flew higher and higher and the war progressed.

The last four are range finders used just as it sounds, finding the range of a specific target. They varied in size from the first one which is a shoulder-mounted unit to the last which was hard mounted and included a built-in camera. There are great pictures and written explanations of each of these.

I did some quick searches. There are models of both the search light and the smaller range finders. Many are resin models but I found 60cm and 150cm without too much difficulty. I also found various sizes of range finders with the smaller two being the easiest to find.

This is a wonderfully illustrated book with great period pictures and it would be very useful to those modeling a either a searchlight or range finder or building a diorama of either. Recommended.

My thanks to Casemate Publishers, MMP and IPMS USA for the chance to review this great book.