Electric cameras do not have a three lens turret, instead they are fitted with a special Bolex bayonet mount. A special adapter is available so that a single 'C' mount lens can be used.
The beam splitting prism is fitted immediately behind the taking lens and a portion of the light is reflected to the viewfinder optics on the top of the camera. This arrangement allows the flicker free parallax free viewing and critical focusing, these features are particularly useful while filming close-ups and using zoom or long telephoto lens.
A supplementary viewfinder is available, it clips on to the door. It has provision for parallax correction and adjustable masking matching for different taking lens focal lengths.
Some models do not have facility to shoot single frame, later models shoot single frame and shooting can be done in reverse. Early models were fitted with a one single picture per turn.
Later models cannot be hand wound either forward or reverse. Later models the shutter always stops closed. Later models are fitted with a through the lens exposure meter.
The footage counter resets to zero when the camera door is opened. Actually the counter resets back past zero to allow run up in an attempt to containing fogging that is inevitable when using daylight load spools. The frame counter has to be set by hand.
If, during sound shooting, pilot tone or crystal sync is required, the appropriate accessory must be used, even though 'SYNC ' is marked on speed dial. All cameras require 12 volt DC supply.
Functions and features.
* Electric driven, fitted with integral electric motor.
* Semi-automatic threading.
* Daylight load, 100 and or 50 foot daylight spools. Some models have fitting for 400 foot magazine. Magazine requires electric motor for take-up.
* Shooting in reverse on later on models is possible.
* All models have single run sprockets.
* Normal running from release on front of camera.
* Footage and frame counters. Footage counter resets when door is opened, frame counter must be set by hand.
* Electric models do not have a variable shutter.
* No provision to disengage drive to allow use of external electric motor.
* One 100 foot spool can be exposed without stopping. Some models accept 400 foot magazines and the full magazine can be exposed without stopping if so required.
* Running speeds can be set: 12, 16, 24, 25, 32, 48 and 50
* All models have single bayonet lens port.
* External viewfinder which clips on to door. Viewfinder has parallax adjustment and set masking for a range of focal lengths.
* All models have continuous viewing reflex prism which is fitted immediately behind the taking lens. Exposure compensation must be made for light loss.
* Reflex prism allows precise alignment and focusing.
* All cameras have a carry strap.
* Various single frame electronic timers are available.
* If pilot tone or crystal sync is required, the appropriate accessory must be used, even though 'SYNC ' is marked on speed dial.
* All electric motors require 12 volt DC supply. Some use batteries mounted in hand grip, other models have special battery which can be clipped to the side of the door.
*Later models are fitted with 'X' flash sync contacts which fire an external flash when the shutter is fully open. The contacts operate at all speeds.
E and O excepted.
For further information and question please email me roger.sharland@yahoo.co.uk
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© Douglas Roger Sharland. 2008