American Cinematographer - December 1980 - 35

THE NEW FEATHERCAN CM 35 CAMERA
Derived from a P.O.V. helmet camera, this new four-claw pulldown,
double-pin registration model is the lightest 35mm camera available

One of the

pleasant surprises at
and something of a
conversation piece, was the introduction
by Continental Camera Systems of their
new super-lightweight 35mm M.O.S.
pin-registered camera, the Feathercam

PHOTOKINA '80,

CM35.
What follows is the manufacturer's de¬

scription of this equipment:

set for

out indicates film

and is

second and the other

of four

available for

show how film has been used, even
when the camera is unplugged.

BNCR, Arri-Mount, Arri Bayonet and
many others. This makes Feathercam
compatible with most lenses currently

The camera operates from a 24v D.C.
supply and two LED's-one red and one
green-are fitted between the 3-digit

right or left-eye viewing in seconds
never obscured by the shutter.
The lens mount can be changed in a
matter of minutes by the simple removal
screws.

Mounts

are

available.

readouts to indicate the condition of the

The motor

The

new

Feathercam CM35 is without

doubt the

lightest and smallest 35mm
available. It weighs ap¬
proximately 7 lbs. (camera magazine and
viewfinder), yet it easily meets the most
exacting requirements of the movie in¬
dustry in every application.
Great attention has been given in the
design of this new camera to depend¬
ability, reliability, ease of maintenance
and simple fool-proof operation.
Although light in weight, this new cam¬
movie

era

camera

is loaded with features not found on

most of the cameras which are

currently

in service.
The film

transport mechanism is a new
simple concept. It provides double
fork, four claw pull-down and 2-pin regis¬
tration. The result is dependable perfor¬
mance and absolute image stability at all
operating speeds.
The film gate is much larger (6" long)
than that normally found in other cam¬
eras. This provides for gentle but even
pressure on a larger area of film and al¬
leviates the possibility of film damage or
emulsion, deposits. No threading is
needed either, as this is automatically
achieved when the magazine is fitted.
The shutter is a dynamically balanced
rotating reflex mirror set at an angle of 45
degrees to the light entering the lens.
The shutter is also designed to stop in the
viewfinder open position, so no adjust¬
ments are required.
Full screen (silent) aperture is
provided.
The snap-on 500' co-axial magazine
can be changed on the camera in less
than two seconds. The magazine is
simplicity itself to load, since it incorpo¬
rates a unique loop-forming threading
system which ensures correct loading
but

every

latter

speed in frames per
footage shot. The
incorporates a built-in memory to

provides variable speed
performance frames per second. At over
the range of 4-48, whatever setting is
used, the motor is electronically con¬

supply. The supply is derived from a
power supply unit or from variously con¬
figured rechargeable battery packs
which are designed to suit the applica¬

trolled to maintain

tion.

film

speed regardless of

or temperature extremes. In

addition, two switch-selected quartz
crystal locked speeds of 24 FPS and 25
FPS are provided. An instant 'soft start'

facility

assures

gentle film handling

matter what frame rate is selected.

The camera features two bright,
three-digit LED read-outs mounted on
the top of the camera and easily visible to
the operator or his assistant. One read¬

A video

monitoring attachment is
compatible with most
monitors or tape recorders in use.
The camera is equipped with two carry¬
ing handles. One which fits on top of the
camera and one hand-grip which incor¬
porates an on-off switch. Both are easily
removed for studio mounting or tripods
available which is

etc.

Continued

Page 1283

The Feathercam is based upon the helmet camera designed and built in 1977 by Al Beck
and his son Albert of Cinemechanics for Hollywood stuntman Fred Waugh. The new

weighs a scant 9 pounds with 500-foot magazine and viewfinder. As small and
lightweight as it is, it embodies many of the sophisticated features required in present-day
filmmaking.
camera

time. When loaded there is no loop

of loose film to catch

or snag and no
threading is required on the camera. Just

snap-on

the loaded magazine and shoot.

bright reflex viewfinder provides the
operator with a brilliant image. It can be
AMERICAN

CINEMATOGRAPHER, DECEMBER, 1980

1241

American Cinematographer - December 1980

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