This week I was servicing a Unit “I” Shuttle movement from a Bell & Howell 2709. It occurred to that most people have never seen the inner workings that make this wonderful camera so steady. I thought I would break down the parts that make up the drive and the Unit “I” Shuttle. The engineering […]
Servicing a Bell & Howell Unit “I” Shuttle Movement Read More »
As I go through inventory, bringing things back to life one by one, I rediscovered this amazing Arriflex II C that is part of the Denny Clairmont legacy. This camera is out of Denny’s first foray into cinema equipment rentals, and shows Denny’s dedication to improving everything he made available to his clients. As I
Arriflex 35 2C from Clairmont Camera Read More »
An interesting camera came through my shop for evaluation this week. This is a Fries Engineering Ultra 70 (3 X 65) camera that shoots IMAX 15-perf pull-across 65mm film. I am evaluating what work needs to be done to get it up and running again, but currently it isn’t pulling film. Fascinatingly large and heavy,
Fries Engineering Ultra 70 Read More »
Parvo pan and tilt head restored and waiting for its camera! Now that I’ve had my hands on all the bits and pieces that make this unit pan and tilt, there are still a few very interesting mechanisms that make this head unique. Our 2nd photo shows one of the most interesting assemblies; the jackscrew
Restored Parvo Pan Tilt Head and Tripod Read More »
During the disassembly, de-greasing, and reassembly of the Parvo pan tilt head, I was fascinated by the unique anti-backlash adjustment features of the pan and tilt axes. This geared head only tilts down from the horizontal position, an interesting limitation. The hinge point for tilt and the worm gear that operates pan live in the
Disassembly of a Parvo Pan Tilt Head Read More »
I have had Parvo #34 in my inventory for some time and have admired the camera, tripod, and pan tilt head since I got it. It was finally time to remove the ancient grease, dirt, and grime, and get everything in working order again. I started with the pan tilt head because, at first glance,
Debrie Parvo Tripod and Pan Tilt Head Read More »
Many thanks to Bruce Heller for the following explanation of how the DTB filters were used in the Technicolor dye transfer printing process: This blue filter is a sample of a rough ground Corning Glass DTB (Dark Theater Blue) filter. The example shown here has not been polished. These filters were used in the optical
Technicolor Filter Update Read More »
As I was going through Jim Danforth’s equipment (he saved some very amazing things), I came across a pair of Technicolor prisms and a mysterious blue disc. One prism is from a 3-strip Technicolor camera, and the other prism looks suspiciously like the ones from the early 2-strip Technicolor cameras. There was also what, at
Technicolor Prism and Filter Read More »
Resurrected from the depths of storage, the mechanical repairs and restorations of the Vinten Model H camera have finally been completed. The camera, lenses, and motor have all been cleaned and brought back to working condition. Much muck and mire were discarded in this process, and many new parts had to be manufactured, but as
Restoration is Complete on the Vinten Model H Camera! Read More »
As I zero in on the completion of repair work on the Vinten Model H camera, I started work this week on what seems to be a variable speed motor. I don’t have it fully working quite yet, but the motor has three very interesting features for its vintage. It engages with a clutch in
Vinten Model H Motor Read More »
