As we continue to find treasures that have been buried in our inventory for decades, we came across these two very interesting and unusual Zeiss Tessar lenses. The Zeiss Tessar was designed by Paul Randolph in 1902 for the Carl Zeiss company. The Tessar was innovative in its design that included four elements in three […]
Zeiss Tessar Lenses in Parvo mount Read More »
Over the years, I have collected numerous Unit I shuttle camera and projector movements. I used these movements to build animation cameras, optical printers, and rotoscope stands. The first camera I remember using that featured a Unit I shuttle was a Bell & Howell 2709. Developed by Albert S. Howell and patented in 1912, the
Unit “I” Shuttle Movements Read More »
One of the many vintage lenses that are currently in the process of being restored is this remarkable Goerz Hypar 3in f 3.5 lens in Bell & Howell 2709 mount. The lens was found to be in clean used condition, with no fungus, cleaning marks, or scratches on the elements. A general cleaning, lubrication, and
Goerz Hypar 3in f 3.5 lens in Bell & Howell 2709 mount Read More »
The all metal Bell & Howell model 2709 35mm motion picture camera was introduced in 1912 and was manufactured through the 1950s. This camera, serial # 586, was originally sold to Seminole Films, Inc. of Eustis, FL on April 2, 1923. Seminole Films was incorporated in Eustis by Dr. Edgar J. Banks in November of
Bell & Howell 2709 #586 Read More »
Among our latest batch of Mitchell cameras is this interesting Mitchell Standard High Speed that comes out of the Aberdeen Proving Ground. APG dates back to 1917 when it was established by President Wilson to test and develop munitions for the U.S. involvement in World War I. It remains one of the oldest continuously operating
Mitchell GC #1032 Type A Chronograph Read More »
Update: With special thanks to Jan Heugel at Arriflex in Munich, we have learned that our Arriflex 35 was originally sold to the Hungarian Ministry of Defense in November 1942. We are both interested and a little terrified to learn more of its history. The search continues!
Update: Arriflex 35 #1166 Read More »
Introduced in 1937, the Arriflex 35 was a unique 35mm handheld motion picture camera that featured a revolutionary mirrored shutter and a parallax-free, erect image viewfinder. The Arri 35 is World War II vintage camera that was used originally by the German military during the war. Some early examples of this camera were captured by
Original Arriflex 35 Read More »
This past Thursday, we had the privilege of hosting a gathering of members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences History and Technology subcommittee. We spent a lovely few hours touring our new facility and talking about what Cinema Engineering Co. and CinemaGear.com are all about. Our meeting and tour was full of
We’ve been busy this week working on the showroom and pulled this DeVry Standard “Lunchbox” Camera serial no. 765, out of storage to go on display. This model was introduced in 1926 and sold originally for $150.00. We acquired this particular camera from internationally recognized cinematographer and historian Roy Wagner. He provided us with a
DeVry Standard “Lunchbox” Camera Read More »
In closely examining the shipping case for Mitchell NC #239, we were able to learn a bit more about where this camera likely worked at the time of its original purchase. While it is a bit difficult to read, we believe that the front of the case identifies this camera as belonging to the 18th
The First Motion Picture Unit Read More »
