SpaceCam Systems Inc. has now formally introduced the DCAM 65-15, its new 65mm 15perf film camera specifically designed for installation on the SpaceCam Large Format Gyro Stabilized System. The system recently completed filming on MacGillivray Freeman Film’s “Hurricane on the Bayou”, “The Alps-Giants of Nature” and “Water Planet”. It has also contributed special effect images for the Hollywood feature, “Stranger than Fiction”, and presently engaged on another major Hollywood project.
Designed by Dieter Siefert of SpaceCam, the camera features a new approach to large format film movements providing 100% capture of the negative during all phases of transport. The mechanism features 8 pull down claws, 3 registration pins and utilizes SpaceCam’s proven 1000’ CCG magazines. At present the camera speed range is from 1 to 32fps, but as a second movement is completed testing will commence to achieve the full design speed of 48fps. The camera has a single blade full speed focal plane shutter and a half speed, bow tie mirror shutter. Vibration levels have been reduced drastically over the entire speed range.
Video viewfinding on such a camera is extremely critical and two systems are utilized. The first system is reflexed through the taking lens and utilizes a specially designed viewing screen and fresnel optic as well as precision relay lenses and a high resolution video camera. Swing-in ND filters and a servo controlled iris provide immediate control of the video picture during shooting. Excellent video imaging is achieved even when the 30mm Zeiss fisheye is used.
The second video system is a bore-sighted high resolution system with interchangeable lenses. This set-up allows for tighter field of view to be presented when utilizing wide angle film lenses or when extreme undercranking is desired. In this way exact tracking of small objects may be easily done.
The new camera also employs the SpaceCam developed Laser Focusing System for longer focal length lenses. This infra red eye-safe laser will automatically track focus within centimeters at distances up to 300m. It has been successfully used by SpaceCam for several years in the feature film industry. With the increase in overall system stability, much longer focal length lenses can now be utilized in this format opening new creative possibilities to the film maker.