Page 8 - RD_2021-03

the optical box suggest that fittings were
mounted there to control the unit. The
viewfinder on the right hand side
(useless on an Optical Printer) has been
removed and replaced with a flat
dovetailed plate which slides back to
reveal two slots for masking the aperture
(for split screen work). The shutter blade
passes between the slots. A mask behind
the shutter would give a sharp edged
matte effect, while one in front of the
shutter would give a soft edged effect.

The camera had no lens when Ron
acquired it. The original lens may have
been discarded because a very high
quality, and perhaps longer focal length,
lens would have been required in the
Optical Printer.

The original crank handle is missing.
Again, it would have been unnecessary
on an Optical Printer because the single
frame or the eight frame shaft on the on
the back of the camera would have been Back plate and gate access door. The large knob
chain or gear driven when connected to the (top right) operates the door latch/lock and also
opens the film magazine light traps when the
projector head for printing. (Ron West had magazine is attached-a brilliant innovation. Below
a substitute handle made for the camera). In to the right is an 8 frame per rev. motor drive shaft
addition to the 3/8” tripod screw hole, the (a modification), then Ron West's crank handle. The
camera has two ¼” holes bored through the hinged round cap covers the film aperture viewing
base plate, used, I believe, to secure it "rock magnifier and tube assembly (now missing). The
solid" to the lathe bed carriage. Many other hole above the footage counter is for single frame
(animation etc.) operation and, of course, the usual
spirit level.

features made the
camera ideal for its new
role as a Printer.
Left: The interchangeable
gate pressure plate and ultra
fine ground glass focusing
screen

8 REEL DEALS March 2021