Close-up view of a Cold War Era aerial reconnaissance camera lens, designed for U2 and SR 71 Blackbird spy planes, from Obtainium Science and Surplus, showing the large glass front element.

U-2 / SR-71 Blackbird Spy Plane Aerial Camera Lens: Perkin Elmer 36″ F/4.0

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A few years ago, we were lucky to obtain an aerial camera lens deployed in Cold War Era spy planes like the U-2 Dragon Lady and SR-71 Blackbird.

The Perkin-Elmer 36″ F/4.0 aerial camera lens boasts impressive specifications that made it ideal for high-altitude reconnaissance missions. With a focal length of 36 inches (914.4 mm) and an aperture of f/4.0, this lens could capture incredibly detailed images from extreme altitudes. 11 http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Perkin-Elmer

Front view of a Cold War Era aerial reconnaissance camera lens, displaying its large diameter and metal housing, used in U2 and SR 71 Blackbird spy planes, from Obtainium Science and Surplus.

It was quickly purchased by a private collector who neither confirmed nor denied recognizing the serial number linking it to a specific reconnaissance aircraft from the Cold War.

With a front lens diameter of approximately 12 inches, it’s possible that it could be used in a camera, telescope, museum display, or maybe even be repurposed as the ultimate ant burner.

Close-up view of a Cold War Era aerial reconnaissance camera lens, designed for U2 and SR 71 Blackbird spy planes, from Obtainium Science and Surplus, showing the large glass front element.
Close-up of a metal identification plate on the Cold War Era aerial reconnaissance camera lens, detailing its specifications and manufacturer, used in U2 and SR 71 Blackbird spy planes, from Obtainium Science and Surplus.
Side view of a Cold War Era aerial reconnaissance camera lens for U2 and SR 71 Blackbird spy planes, with a white metal casing and some visible wear, from Obtainium Science and Surplus.
Detailed shot of the front element of a Cold War Era aerial reconnaissance camera lens for U2 and SR 71 Blackbird spy planes, showing the lens specifications, from Obtainium Science and Surplus.
Close-up of the rear internal view of a Cold War Era aerial reconnaissance camera lens, highlighting the large circular opening, from U2 and SR 71 Blackbird spy planes, from Obtainium Science and Surplus.
Rear view of a Cold War Era aerial reconnaissance camera lens, showcasing the back opening with visible internal components, used in U2 and SR 71 Blackbird spy planes, from Obtainium Science and Surplus.
Detailed image of a dial on the Cold War Era aerial reconnaissance camera lens, indicating settings for temperature, altitude, and pressure, from U2 and SR 71 blackbird spy planes, from Obtainium Science and Surplus.
Internal view of the Cold War Era aerial reconnaissance camera lens, showing the metal structure and components, from U2 and SR 71 Blackbird spy planes, from Obtainium Science and Surplus.
Front view of a Cold War Era aerial reconnaissance camera lens, displaying its large diameter and metal housing, used in U2 and SR71 spy planes, from Obtainium Science and Surplus.