I know I said it was going to be a couple of weeks before I reported back on the problem with this Fries VistaVision camera, and at the time, it seemed it was going to take a lot more detective work. It turns out that the problems were simpler than I feared. The first problem […]
Revisiting the Fries VistaVision Camera Read More »
Recently, my friend and long-time client Ben Ziryab asked if I could diagnose a rough spot in the drive of this Fries Engineering-built VistaVision camera. This camera is based on a Mitchell VistaVision movement that has been installed in a custom Fries camera body with custom electronics. When this camera arrived, it had a profound
I played a lot of catch-up this week, getting several cameras finalized and ready to be listed on our website. Work is now complete on the VistaVision Butterfly camera, as well as the ARRI BL2, and the ARRI BL 4S is currently on the workbench undergoing a final inspection. All 3 cameras are now available
Camera Housekeeping Read More »
After countless interruptions, numerous wrinkle paint failures, much choking on magnesium dust, and stripping and re-foaming all of the original cases, the VistaVision Butterfly camera and all of its accessories is finally ready to find a new home! This updated Mitchell VistaVision “light-weight hand-held” production camera features a Nikon lens mount; a crystal motor with
VistaVision Butterfly Read More »
As we have established in the recent past, wrinkle paint does not do well in the rain and the cold, both of which we have had in Los Angeles this week. So much as I wanted to be finished with the VistaVision magazines this week, that had to be put on hold again until the
A Glance Inside an Acme-style Unit “I” Shuttle Read More »
I know that I said I was going to work on the new display shelving unit for the showroom first thing in the new year, but I needed to get all of these pieces of VistaVision equipment cleaned up, repaired, and put away before I begin to make all that saw dust. I also have
VistaVision 400′ and 1000′ Magazines – Technicolor? Read More »
While I am still trying to get the belt drive screws out of the VistaVision camera, which is turning into a long and frustrating process, I thought I’d make a slight turn and show a fascinating piece of equipment that Roy Wagner has left with me with the hopes of finding it a new home.
Still Struggling with the VistaVision Camera Read More »
Things were moving along as expected with the VistaVision Butterfly camera. I got all of the 400’ magazines cleaned, serviced, and painted. Got the camera cleaned of corrosion and spot painted inside and out so it looks pretty again. Made a new power cable, serviced the movement, and ran everything. All looked great until I
Small Setback on the VistaVision Butterfly Camera Read More »
I thought the work on the 400’ magazines for the VistaVision Butterfly camera was going to be routine, but lengthy. The weather though decided to interfere with my plans this week by giving us some rare LA rain. Wrinkle paint does NOT like moist air, and while painting magazine number 3 started off well, it
An Interlude with an Amazing Maurer Camera Read More »
I had less time than I was hoping to work on the VistaVision butterfly camera this week as the Dykstraflex once again commanded my attention. I am part of a team that is preparing the Dykstraflex to be moved for display at an upcoming event in the new year. My week also saw me servicing
VistaVision and a Very Hectic Week Read More »
