When last we talked, I shared with you a collection of lenses that were used by visual effects master David Allen. With the exception of one particularly stubborn zoom lens, I have finished cleaning, lubricating, and collimating all of the lenses I shared. This week I promised to give you a look at one of […]
A Fries Mitchell 35R from the Studio of David Allen Read More »
Recently, my friend Chris Endicott dropped off this large collection of classic lenses belonging to the late, great Dave Allen for me to clean and restore. For those few of you who may not know of David Allen, he was an amazing stop motion animator, visual effects pioneer, writer, director, and producer. Dave was working
The David Allen Collection Read More »
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
I was away much of the week doing my civic duty as a potential juror, so actual projects were on hold once again. In between waiting in the jury room and freedom, this absolutely stunning collection of motion picture cameras and equipment came into the shop. We only have time to give you a brief
An Amazing Camera Haul! Read More »
It has been a long and rainy week here in Los Angeles, but I did finally get a chance to run film through the Pathé Professional camera! This journey began with me questioning myself about how I was going to put film in these magazines. A few of the cameras I have worked on that
I Finally Got a Chance to Run Film Through the Pathé Read More »
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
Continuing Work on the Pathé Professional Camera #1124 Read More »
I had a break in my schedule this week to focus on the wooden Pathé hand crank camera I introduced last October. I have been looking forward to working on this camera since it arrived in the shop. When the Pathé got here, it was in very nice condition, with only a few minor problems
Restoring Pathé Professional Camera #1124 Read More »
The heart of any camera is the film transport, the part that actually moves the film from frame to frame and holds the film steady while an exposure is made. The Unit “I” Shuttle movement is renowned for the exceptionally steady and repeatable images it makes possible. The genius of the Unit “I” Shuttle is
One Last Visit with Bell & Howell 2709 #586 Read More »
Last time we visited Bell & Howell 2709 #586, I had begun some work on the shutter dissolve mechanism. Some judicious cleaning and relubrication of the bore in the casting, the threads, and the brass nut that are the main part of the shutter dissolve had that system back in working condition. 2709s, in their
Diving Deeper into Bell & Howell 2709 #586 Read More »
This wonderful Bell & Howell 2709 camera, serial number 586, came to me from a small studio in Chicago where it was used for animation work on a downshooter for many years. The camera began its life in Eustis, Florida in 1923, when it was purchased by a fascinating character named Dr. Edgar J. Banks.
Bell & Howell 2709 #586 – Headed for a new home! Read More »
