Old Cameras in Old Movies

[MattKing]

Topcon?

 

[GRHazelton]

Topcon?

I think the shape of the pentaprism is wrong.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Topcon?

I think the shape of the pentaprism is wrong.

I think that top is wrong for the Topcon.

 

[oreston]

I’ve always wondered what the camera was in Romary's Baby, operated by the Japanese satanist:

It looks like an early Asahi Pentax to me. That prism housing shape is unmistakeable. As for which version, it has a black anodised rewind knob and there doesn't seem to be a slow speed dial on the front. Those factors would rule out the first three models - the original Pentax (aka the AP) the S and the K. It could be an S1 or S2 with a (semi-automatic) Auto-Takumar lens as his thumb might just be resting on the cocking lever. That would make it c1959-62 vintage.

 

[E. von Hoegh]

It looks like an early Asahi Pentax to me. That prism housing shape is unmistakeable. As for which version, it has a black anodised rewind knob and there doesn't seem to be a slow speed dial on the front. Those factors would rule out the first three models - the original Pentax (aka the AP) the S and the K. It could be an S1 or S2 with a (semi-automatic) Auto-Takumar lens as his thumb might just be resting on the cocking lever. That would make it c1959-62 vintage.

I think you are right, he appears to be simultaneously advancing the film (right thumb) and opening the diaphragm (left thumb).
I use an H1a with a 55 f:2.2 Auto Takumar.

 

[AgX]

Under the presumption that the actor/figurant knew what he was doing...

 

[E. von Hoegh]

Under the presumption that the actor/figurant knew what he was doing...

Yes, that would be exceptional.

 

[barzune]

My favorite I grew up with "Man With A Camera" with Charles Bronson. I found some episodes on YouTube.

I've tuned in to a few of the episodes on Netflicks, and I really enjoy what I've seen so far.
One of the really nice ideas that I see on the show, is that Kovak ( Bronson) carries his 35mm RF on a belt clip sort of thing, very handy and quick.
I've never see anything like that, to carry a normal-sized camera, but I'd really like to try one out.

Any ideas about what it is(was), or is it just a movie gimmick (tout arrange par l'homme des vues) ?

 

[AgX]

Much later belt pouches were a part of the camera kits of 35mm compacts. But you are referring to earlier times and a clip that is fixed to the camera directly.
A still from that series would be nice.

 

[choiliefan]

Murnau's 1927 movie "Sunrise: a Song of two Humans" has a long scene set in a photographer's portrait studio with a large format camera. Great movie with Janet Gaynor who is incredible.

 

[Arklatexian]

EXA 500

in
"Der Baulöwe" (The Building Tycoon) , GDR , 1980

A satire on building a private weekend house in a planned economy. As a running gag throughout the movie the protagonist uses his camera to document his effeorts. In the end it turns out that the shutter of his Exa had failed. And only the very first exposure, a self portrait even with the tripod falling over, was usable.

Have a friend who once owned an Exa like that except even the first exposure was always bad also...........Regatrds!

 

[Arklatexian]

So sharpness is an erotic concept here. ;-)
Maybe that's why many are keen on those Apo-Summicrons or Apo-Sironar-S...
Best
Jens

And here I have been thinking that "sharf" meant "hot" like red peppers are "sharf".......Regards!

 

[Arklatexian]

-Oldest movie where I see a female news cinematographer

-) first time I see an accessory-mirrorbox in a movie


"Dream to come True" (science-fiction) USSR , 1963

View attachment 195506


View attachment 195505

She seems to be using a nice Swiss made Bolex H16......Regards!

 

[Arklatexian]

It seems a complete fake, thus the gunstock too. Which even is too long. Or the eyepiece too short...



Any idea on the non-Leitz "Visoflex" in my sample above?
How many of these were there? Soviet?German?

AgX, I don't see anything in the picture that was made by Leitz/Leica, do you? Maybe the picture was made with a Leica........Regards!

 

[Arklatexian]

Istanbul street photographer

"11 Uhr 20, Teil , Mord am Bospoprus" , west-german TV crime movie , 1969

View attachment 192949

Looks to me like an old German made Kodak or Voigtlander buried in all that wood!.......Regards!

 

[Arklatexian]

Also... that's about the nastiest "lens hood" I've ever seen. He must have found it near a toilet.

I can hear it now! "Here, Mr. Wayne, take this camera and sit in the car so we can get a "still". Thank you". What makes anyone think he was anything more than an "paid" actor in that series.? The "lead", sure but still taking orders from a director or the "front office".............Regards!

 

[AgX]

Kodak Instamatic 704

(I found that interesting as I was not aware of that model series, as german made Instamatics are different from the US ones.)

"It takes a Thief" episode 1/14 , 1968 , US tv spy-serie
And that Instamatic is used for spying.

 

[John Koehrer]

Belt clips were available as aftermarket accessories in the 70's commonly made from stainless steel

 

[AgX]

Not here.

 

[Sewin]

One of the really nice ideas that I see on the show, is that Kovak ( Bronson) carries his 35mm RF on a belt clip sort of thing, very handy and quick.
I've never see anything like that, to carry a normal-sized camera, but I'd really like to try one out.

Any ideas about what it is(was), or is it just a movie gimmick (tout arrange par l'homme des vues) ?

I've got a vintage one. USA made. A plate bolts to the underside of the camera using the tripod thread and a retractable wire yo yo on a bracket fixes to your belt where the camera is stored

 

[AgX]

But such is not belt holder, but a security line attached to the belt.

 

[Sewin]

But such is not belt holder, but a security line attached to the belt.

I'll put up a picture to show what it looks like in the next few days. Don't have the item with me, it's 80 miles away!

 

[Sewin]

But such is not belt holder, but a security line attached to the belt.

This is what I have a Fotima Camera Ready

There's one for sale on ebay

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fotima-Camera-Ready/253506330634?hash=item3b0627a00a:g:qf4AAOSwB-1Y1nXG

 

[AgX]

Polaroid 1000/2000

"Intoaecere La Dragosto Dintai" , Romania, 1981


The first time I see an instant camera in a Eastern Block film. Actually I do not even remember having seen one in a West-European film.
In this movie the protagonist even uses it twice, quite prominent.

 

[AgX]

Braun F 900 + Practica L-series (modified)

"Intoaecere La Dragosto Dintai" , Romania, 1981

Likely the one and only time this flash appeared in a movie...