A client asked me to inspect 2 more Fries 15-perf pull-across 3×65 IMAX-format movements. At first, this looked like it would be a simple project as I rebuilt a similar movement to these recently. However, no simple repair is ever as simple as it seems, and during my initial examination of the first of these […]
I’ve had to put all other projects on hold for a week or so while I rebuild two more of the Fries 3×65 Imax-format camera movements. Still facing a few challenges to getting the movements back into good working order, but I will meet that challenge by sometime early next week. In the meantime, I
A Simple Update to the MovieCam SuperAmerica Magazines Read More »
I have been hard at work this week on restoring the Motion Picture Apparatus Company tripod, but in the meantime I wanted to share with you this quick project I completed while waiting for paint and parts to arrive. This Manfrotto 3066 tripod has been sitting in the shop for several years missing its quick
A New Quick Release for a Manfrotto Tripod Read More »
Now that the work on the Pathé camera is finished, I wanted to pair it with a period appropriate tripod and pan tilt head. I don’t remember where I rescued this tripod from, but I have been holding onto this antique Motion Picture Apparatus Company tripod and pan tilt head for a while, and this
Motion Picture Apparatus Company Tripod Read More »
It has been a long and rainy week here in Los Angeles, but I did finally get a chance to run film through the Pathé Professional camera! This journey began with me questioning myself about how I was going to put film in these magazines. A few of the cameras I have worked on that
I Finally Got a Chance to Run Film Through the Pathé Read More »
This week turned out to be really busy, so I didn’t get to try running the camera with film as I had been hoping, but I still made good progress on getting the camera ready to run film. This Pathe has a number of interesting stock features and aftermarket modifications. These include a through the
Continuing Work on the Pathé Professional Camera #1124 Read More »
I had a break in my schedule this week to focus on the wooden Pathé hand crank camera I introduced last October. I have been looking forward to working on this camera since it arrived in the shop. When the Pathé got here, it was in very nice condition, with only a few minor problems
Restoring Pathé Professional Camera #1124 Read More »
The heart of any camera is the film transport, the part that actually moves the film from frame to frame and holds the film steady while an exposure is made. The Unit “I” Shuttle movement is renowned for the exceptionally steady and repeatable images it makes possible. The genius of the Unit “I” Shuttle is
One Last Visit with Bell & Howell 2709 #586 Read More »
Last time we visited Bell & Howell 2709 #586, I had begun some work on the shutter dissolve mechanism. Some judicious cleaning and relubrication of the bore in the casting, the threads, and the brass nut that are the main part of the shutter dissolve had that system back in working condition. 2709s, in their
Diving Deeper into Bell & Howell 2709 #586 Read More »
This wonderful Bell & Howell 2709 camera, serial number 586, came to me from a small studio in Chicago where it was used for animation work on a downshooter for many years. The camera began its life in Eustis, Florida in 1923, when it was purchased by a fascinating character named Dr. Edgar J. Banks.
Bell & Howell 2709 #586 – Headed for a new home! Read More »
