A Filmo Straight 8 Model 127A cine camera, made by Bell and Howell.
Category
Photographic technology
Date
1935 - circa 1955
Materials
Metal, Enamel, Glass
Measurements
125 x 39 x 101 mm
Order this imageCollection
Fox Talbot Museum, Wiltshire
NT 1524755.1
Summary
A Filmo Straight 8 Model 127A cine camera, made by Bell and Howell of Chicago, Illinois. A small and compact cine camera with a metal body, finished with crinkle brown enamel, black and plated fittings, and a wrist strap. A Taylor-Hobson 12.5mm interchangeable universal focus mount Mytal Anastigmat f2.5 lens is fitted by means of a spring lock release at the front of the camera. The stop indices (f2.5- f16) are widely spaced around the lens mount. The view finder, situated above the lens, is a spy glass type. The camera takes a 'pre-split 8mm film... prepared and marketed by the manufacturer' called 'Filmopan...containing thirty feet of usable film.' A lever dial to the side of the camera winds the film spool, which can then be run at 4 different speeds: 8,16, 24, and 32 frames a second, by pressing a button underneath the lens. A built-in exposure calculalator (detailing subject-types, seasons, times and weather conditions) is found on the other side of the camera, along with a button to release a hinged door to the film chamber. Markings: Serial No. 167389 is marked in white on the base of the camera. 'Bell & Howell FILMO "Straight 8" Made in Germany', and the Agfa trademark is marked on the film spool.'
Provenance
A part of the Fenton Collection. A gift from British Film Institute in 2017. From 1986-1999, part of BFI collection for the Museum of the Moving Image. BFI purchased collection in 1986 from James Fenton's Museum of Photography, Port Erin, Isle of Man 1976-1986