Mitsubishi A6M Zero (N712Z)

There was another photog next to me and as we both prepared to snap this one, he mentioned that he was going to use the pop-up flash on his camera to light up the Zero as it went past. I tried telling him that his pop up flash was only good for about 14-15 feet at maximum and this Zero would easily be at least 80 to 100 yards away, so his flash would be totally useless. He insisted; however, that the pop up on his camera was good for up to 100 feet. I told him there was a big difference between 100 feet and 100 yards but he set his camera to FLASH and "opened fire" when this Zero went by. Then he checked his pics. Then he came over, told me that he "didn't get s--t," and asked to see mine. When I showed him, he said, "---k you" and stomped away. I couldn't help but laugh because I was pretty sure it wasn't me who got -----d. (lol)

resident at KCMA; partook in demos at RAR 2018, 2019

Nice shot Gary!

An outstanding photo capture, Gary... and a very enjoyable "backstory" too!!! :-)

Master!

Good morning from Toronto Gary , that is an excellent photo , great contrast and I really like the way the rising sun stands out .

Gary; Did you have the canopy open when your junior photog took his flash shot? If not, all he would have gotten was glare from his own flash.

The especially dark sky really makes the Zero stand out. The low frontal port sunlight and that near black sky dramatically suggests he's flying into trouble. Together it makes for a really appealing picture. I was staying near Van Nuys airport in 1986. Relaxing near the pool I heard an unfamiliar engine and looked up to see a beautiful, honest-to-God Mistubishi Zero fly over my head! Turned out the Commemorative Air Force was arriving. Wonder if it was this one? Thanks for a great pic.

A Mentor ... Thanks for the info about its home base. Tom!! ... Hey, Howdy, Tom. Great to hear from you! Hope you are doing well. Cliff ... hey, buddy, once again I thank you for your comment and compli. Ken M .... I didn't know the guy. He was just nearby. As this Zero was approaching, he moseyed over to where I was positioned and I noticed he was using a higher-end model camera. Naturally, I figured he knew how to adjust it for the low-light circumstances. So I was a bit shocked when we chatted and he said he was going to use the popup. You're absolutely correct; he would have gotten flash glare -- but we were nowhere near close enough for that popup to illuminate this plane. He did not show me his results but I'm sure he got nadda. He didn't even recognize the difference between 100 feet and 100 yards. I'd have taken a couple moments to explain how he might have tried the shot but his reaction to my pics was sufficient for me to decide not to offer any advice. Mreynaud, Peter T., and Tim S. >>>> Thank you very, very much for your comments. I'm no "Master" - just an amateur with a bit of luck on my side. A couple years ago I'd have messed up this shot, but I have FA and a few wonderful friends (such as Cliff and Tom G. and others) to thank for encouraging me and helping me get better at this hobby. I am very happy that you all enjoyed viewing this photo. If there are ever any of my pics that you want to have without the FlightAware w/m on them, I can email them to you. Just email me at [email protected] My photos are always free to anyone who wants them.

Gary... You are very welcome and thanks for the kind words!!! :-)

Tim Segulin - I don't think you saw the Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero in Gary's photo while "staying near Van Nuys airport in 1986"... :-)

This example of the type didn't enter the U.S.A. until later years... and wasn't recovered in New Guinea until 1991.

https://www.cafsocal.com/our-aircrafts/our-aircraft-and-history/mitsubishi-a6m3-zero/

You more than likely caught a sighting of this Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero, which was already owned by the eventual Planes of Fame Air Museum... "Mr. Ed Maloney obtained it in 1951 for his Air Museum in Claremont, CA, which opened in 1957"...

https://planesoffame.org/aircraft/plane-A6M5

Gman......great story! His response was pure Rookie and that was the best he could say after he F'ed himself up. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!