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 »
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 »
As we approach the completion of work on the Vinten camera, I turned this week to servicing the lenses that came with it. All 3 of the lenses were in ok optical condition, but suffered from years of neglect. I began by removing the miles of tape wrapped around the lens controls and cleaning the
Vinten Model H Lenses Read More »
This week we tackled the project of cleaning and repairing of the Vinten 400’ magazines. One of the first things people notice when they see the Vinten camera is how similar the camera and the magazines look to the Bell and Howell 2709. Mechanically, the Vinten has very little similarity to the 2709; the movement,
Vinten Model H Magazines Read More »
While I was reassembling and timing the Vinten Model H, I thought it would be interesting to show the unique way the variable shutter system works on this camera. It’s complicated, but fascinating. The shutter shaft has a simple flange with a dowel pin hole that a corresponding pin on the back of the shutter
Vinten Model H Variable Shutter Read More »
The Vinten viewfinder system is a fascinating mix of old and new. It makes use of 2 prisms, one at the movement and one in the door. The prism in the door rotates in and out of the viewfinding position to send the light bundle to the eyepiece. There is a relay optic between the
Vinten Model H Viewfinding System Read More »
Last week we had some interesting questions about how the rackover viewing system worked on the Vinten Model H camera. We weren’t sure our explanation was clear enough, so we thought we would show a few pictures that better demonstrate how this fascinating internal rackover system works. The 1st image illustrates the basic layout of
Vinten Model H Rackover System Read More »
