Details are given of the factors considered in the design and construction of a high-speed parallel beam shadow photographic system combined with simultaneous oscillography which has been used for the investigation of ignition kernel development. The photographs and oscillograms are recorded synchronously on the same part of a high speed cine film. The framing and exposure are provided by a repetitive HT discharge in a cylindrical spark gap. 50-80 pictures can be obtained (the number is limited by the storage capacitor), with a minimum repetition interval of 40 mu s, and the picture sequence is triggered by the event.