I only regret how long it has taken me to get this camera and tripod cleaned up and restored, for they are both excellent examples of fine early motion picture equipment. The Pathé camera has a long history of being copied by other makers, like the Lubin camera and the Wilart, because of its wonderful amalgamation of the features cameramen of the day wanted. This includes a through the film viewing port, a remote focusing control, a variable shutter, a remote f-stop control, a clockwork footage counter, and a parallax adjustable side finder. The camera is simple to use and has proven itself to be rugged. When the Pathé camera arrived here last Fall, I was excited to get my hands on one of these early, classic cameras and learn more about it first hand.
Despite its age, all the camera really needed was a deep clean, a few minor mechanical repairs, lubrication, to have a couple of random holes filled, and a set of magazines. Thanks again to Steve Gainer for his help in finding these magazines to complete this camera. Once I was able to run film through the camera, and thanks again to Michael Madden for his help with learning to thread the Pathé, I turned to finding the perfect tripod to complete this setup. I restored a very early Motion Picture Apparatus Company tripod and pan tilt head, a predecessor to the more well-known Ball-Bearing Tripod from the same manufacturer. As you can see from the pictures, this was a match made in movie heaven. I handmade a banjo-style wooden spreader to complete the outfit. I am delighted to say that the camera package is available now!
