QME FAQ

In many lab scenes, Sam is seen using a calculator that looks like an old-school Hewlett-Packard. Was it really an HP, and do we know the model?Great catch — and yes, the calculator Sam Fujiyama frequently used in the Los Angeles Coroner’s lab does appear to be a vintage Hewlett-Packard (HP) model. Fans and vintage tech sleuths have identified it as likely being from the HP-67/97 series — two legendary programmable calculators designed for professional use.

The HP-67 was a handheld scientific calculator, introduced by Hewlett-Packard in 1976 and discontinued in 1982. Its counterpart, the HP-97, was introduced in 1977 and discontinued in 1984. The HP-97 was a desktop version of the 67, complete with a built-in thermal printer and a larger keypad. Both calculators featured magnetic card readers for program storage and used Reverse Polish Notation (RPN) — a system embraced by engineers and scientists for its efficiency but considered puzzling to the uninitiated.

Collectively referred to as the HP-67/97 series, these models were widely used in laboratories, hospitals, and universities throughout the late ’70s and early ’80s, making them a realistic and era-appropriate choice for Sam’s character — the lab’s meticulous forensic assistant.

Though the show never provides a clear close-up, scenes showing the calculator’s distinctive red LED display and keypad layout strongly suggest it was either an HP-67 or HP-97, both emblematic of high-end technical equipment of the time.

Fun Fact: The HP-67/97 line was among the most advanced personal computing tools available before desktop computers became mainstream — yet another detail that subtly underscored Sam’s role as Quincy’s sharp, scientifically-minded right hand.

Bonus trivia: HP calculators of this era used Reverse Polish Notation (RPN), a distinctive input method favored by scientists but confusing to most casual users — yet another subtle nod to Sam’s deep technical knowledge and precision!

In an early 1980s Science Digest article entitled, Among Forensic Pathologists, Quincy’s a Social Crusader, by Marvin Grosswirth, Mark Scott Taylor (QME technical advisor and actor) indicated, “When we get into the various lab procedures, we try as much as possible to do real procedures or at least a portions of real procedures…” He admits that he believes he was hired because few actors have the dexterity and experience to perform any of the on-scene technical procedures themselves! Therefore, Mark was able to act out necessary shots “on camera” to maintain scientific accuracy, while preventing scenes from appearing “hokey.”