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for take up. As far as can be
ascertained, the film had to be
loaded into the cassette by the
owner, it being quite different to
the more common Pathe 9.5 mm
film charger. The lens was a
Taylor-Hobson with variable
aperture. In camera mode it
operated fixed focus. A fold down
viewfinder was mounted on the
top of the body.
In projection mode, an internally
mounted touch bulb was powered The Midas in the open position
by the battery pack and film
transportation was via a foldable handle protruding from the side of the
unit. I have a number of home movie films I my collection taken with
one of these cameras and the results are surprisingly good - one shot
on Kodachrome is of the royal visit decorations in Melbourne in 1954.
Midas produced an updated model at a later date as well as a “Super
attachment”, which enabled the use of 300 ft. reels.
These are a nice collectable unit, and can often be found complete with
original box and instructions. There are two items to watch when
considering the purchase of a Midas. The internally mounted lamp
holder is die cast and is frequently crystallized and useless, the battery
compartment will often be found with severe damage due to battery
acid leakage.
Rear section, with lamp holder
and drive sprocket visible
THE CAMPRO 9.5 mm
These machines were first seen on the Below: The Campro in projection mode. Note the
market in 1935 and were made in England hinged section at the top to allow film reel to fit.
by Home Cine Cameras Ltd, London. They
were widely advertised in the cine press of
the day and then seemed to disappear
completely. The unit utilised a clockwork
motor for film advance, both in camera and
projector mode. In camera mode, that unit
accepted a Pathé 9.5 mm film cassette held
within the body of the camera. A basic frame
type viewfinder on the top of the camera
facilitated framing of the image. The lens
was a fixed focus type with a variable
aperture from F3.5 to F16. A basic film
footage counter is incorporated on the
handle side of the body.

In projection mode, a top section of the body
hinges up to allow the processed film in a