While I have seen Cine Simplex cameras in the past, this is the first opportunity I have had to examine one in depth. Like the many cameras I have worked on, the movement is the heart of the beast, so that is where I have started my service on this one. The movement on the Fox Cine Simplex is extraordinary! Its design incorporates a set of unique cams that keep either the pull down claw or the registration pins engaged in the film perforations until one or the other has completely disengaged with the film. This is accomplished by a series of cams: one to engage and disengage the registration pins; one to move the pull down assembly through its cycle; and one to cause the pull down pin to engage with a perforation at the beginning and end of the cycle.
The Fox camera incorporates adjustable side guides, a variable pitch control, and an adjustable pressure plate. Registration on this camera should be superior even to the Mitchell style movement. From the beginning, the Fox camera was intended to be silent without the need of a bulky blimp. The design of the movement was part of this solution. The rapid pull down and constant contact of the pull down or registration pins were set up in a way to minimize film noise as film is being transported, and to ensure maximum flatness and resolution. An amazing piece of engineering!
