The theory of lightning photography and a camera of new design

Summary A theoretical study of the optics of lightning cameras shows that the focal length as well as the relative aperture of the lens should be considered in the photography of streamers having the dimensions of the stepped leader. Increasing the focal length increases the useful distance range of the camera and allows it to be run at higher speeds for near photography.The effects produced on the photographs by variations in the dimensions of stepped leaders, the grain size and speed of the emulsion, the light scattered by rain and the camera speed, are critically examined.In conclusion a camera is described which has a lens of focal length 14 cm and a relative aperturef/2. The film, in the form of a belt, is run between two small drums to keep it flat in the image field. It has been possible to obtain records of stepped leaders at a distance of 35 km and the camera shows promise of being able to photograph the pilot streamer.