[Frameworks] Bell & Howell Film 70 series

[Dominic Angerame]

In WWII these were also called Combat Cameras. A tank could run over it, leaving the camera man dead yet the film and camera would survive. 

There is a great shot of the Allies first  landing on Normandy showing battle action. It is evident that everyone on the ship was killed yet this amazing footage survived. It is also the scene that opens Saving Private Ryan.

D

> On Feb 18, 2019, at 5:30 PM, Scott Dorsey <kludge at panix.com> wrote:
> 
> This is the camera they handed out to Marines in Vietnam.  Marines could not
> damage it.  This is pretty amazing.  They are cheap and plentiful on the used
> market because they all lasted.
> 
> That said:
> 1. There is no single frame
> 2. There is no reflex viewing
> 3. It takes standard C-mount lenses which is good
> 4. I forget which viewfinder you get with that model.  Some of the B&H finders
>   require additional finder lenses for each focal length lens you use.  Some
>   do not.
> 5. It requires regular lubrication.  If you get one, use turbine oil or Mitchell
>   camera oil on it and follow the directions in the manual.
> 6. There is a through-lens prism gadget that can be used for through-lens 
>   framing and focussing, but you can't get it.  They didn't survive the
>   Marines.
> 7. It has a very very wide speed range.
> 
> I think from your description that you would be happier with a Bolex, either
> reflex or not.  They will do single frame and are good rostrum and animation
> cameras.  Be aware that the finders are not always quite accurate and that
> the reflex models require special lenses for anything wider than 25mm.  But
> there are lots of animation rigs for them.
> --scott
> 
> 
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