Page 5 - RD_2021-03

The Wilart has a very robust metal body and
beautifully engineered mechanism-but sadly,
like so many other vintage cameras its
nameplate is missing, probably souvenired by
some collector. However, the shutter opening
indicator dial is engraved "The Wilart Inst. Co.
New Rochelle NY Patented" (no date). That is
the only identification mark on the camera
apart from the Serial Number 215 stamped on
the body.

Closer inspection showed a number of design
improvements compared with the Pathe and
this led me believe it was made around WWI
(1914-18).

Ron had obtained the Wilart from the late
Hans Wetzell (The Movie Museum, Buderim,
Qld) for the purpose of shooting silent movie
titles. He later swapped the Wilart for another
rare piece of gear and for a year or two the
camera graced the display at Pat McEwan's
Newsreel World - also at Pomona. Then I lost
track of it until it surfaced again in Jack The lens plate showing the modifications - for use on
McDonald's wonderful Cinema History the Optical Printer (?) This camera has more holes
Collection. "Yes.". Jack would lend me the than a Swiss Cheese.
camera for the pictures in this article. Now, back to Ron West. Could he tell me
anything about the history of this Wilart
Camera? "Well, I believe the camera was used
to shoot a number of Australian Feature Films
in the early 1920s. I've seen several production
stills showing a Wilart filming scenes from
around this era. The Wilart is very rare in
Australia with only one, or at most two, being
used here. But the really interesting thing is
that, I believe, this Wilart was used as the
camera head on Cinesound's famous home-
made Optical Printer. Hans Wetzell referred to
that, and the modifications to the camera body
certainly support it."

Left: Side View. The button on the top LH comer activated
the Fading Shutter when pressed while the camera is
turning. The top dial is the shutter setting indicator and
shows the exact position of the camera shutter. Below the
dial a very robust domed button is for the leather carrying
strap. To the left is the exposure calculator for various
shutter settings, and painted black for some reason. The
black dovetailed plate replaces the original viewfinder.
The lower lever activates a film punch to indicate where
the film can be cut in the processing laboratory.
March 2021 REEL DEALS 5