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 film viewing port, an ingenious focusing mechanism that uses a set of adjustable, linked arms that can change their geometry so the control that links through the back door of the camera can be set to match the lens being used.
There is also a neat f stop control that has scales for a variety of different focal length lenses, as well as the original very cool clockwork footage counter. Later in its life, a 3-digit mechanical footage counter and a Wilart Instrument Co. variable shutter were added to the camera. Part of the Wilart variable shutter mechanism is an amazing button at the top of the camera that would mechanically open or close the shutter as you cranked the camera. There is more genius in this box than meets the eye from the outside.
I spent most of my time making sure all of these features worked properly. Once I was assured that they were all working, I turned my attention to two mysterious holes in the bottom of the camera that went all the way through. I don’t know what these were for, but they would be a problem if I were to try to shoot film with this camera. Keeping with my goal of not modifying the equipment further, I made a pair of simple brass plugs to fill these holes and keep the inside of the camera light tight. If I discover what the holes were for, the plugs are easily removable.
One of the best things I discovered while working on the camera is some amazing history. Stamped into the back of the original Pathe hand crank is “WM Fox” and “AE Johnson”. Our guess is that the camera belonged to the Fox studio and was used by cameraman A.E. Johnson. I haven’t been able to find record of Mr. Johnson yet, but hopefully his identity will be revealed. Sadly, that’s all I got to do this week. I’m really looking forward to working with this camera more soon.
