This is a working prototype sound-recording silent-running movie camera developed by Steve Hines for Eastman Kodak in 1977.

    Although originally conceived as a consumer camera, this technology is useful as a covert spy camera.  The camera operates almost silently due to its continuous film drive, mechanically similar to the tape transport in audio cassette recorders. .It lacks the chattering noise of an intermittent pull-down mechanism in traditional movie cameras. .At the heart of the camera is an optical differential which chases and exposes the moving film with an image from the scene. This allows the microphone to be located close to the film drive mechanism.

    The camera's vertical shape makes it comfortable to hold and easy to operate. The camera is fully automatic to minimize the need for technical know how on the part of the user. Other than the 3-1/3 minute running time, and its use of photographic film, this camera differs in almost every way from Super8 sound movie cameras which weighed 4-8 lbs. at the time this camera was developed.

    This sound movie camera fits easily in a shirt pocket. The size is minimized by attaching the film and battery cartridges to the outside of the camera to complete the form, rather than inserting them into a larger camera. Playback is by means of a film video player which synchronizes to fiducial marks made by the camera on the film. 

    Once highly classified, this technology, by agreement between HinesLab and Eastman Kodak, is available for license from HinesLab. .It also serves as an example technology which can be developed for clients of HinesLab on a contract basis.

Technical Specifications:

1. •Dimensions: 1 x 2-1/4 x 4-1/2 in.
   

2. •Weight: 6 oz.
   

3. •Film load: 3-1/3 min.
   

4. •Sound: Built-in microphone, automatic gain control
   

5. •Taking Lens: ƒ3.5
   

6. •Exposure: automatic
   

7. •Viewfinder: fiber optic
   

8. •Eyepiece: focusable
   

9. •Film type and ASA: automatically keyed to camera by film cartridge

Pocket Sound Movie Camera:

    Camera with film cartridge and battery removed, showing capstan drive, film take-up sprocket, taking lens, shutter release, viewfinder opening, viewfinder focus lever, film gate, sound-recording head, motor, motor-speed regulator electronics, microphone and sound amplifier.

    Camera manufacturers interested in a manufacturing license are invited to contact Steve Hines at:

HinesLab, Inc.

Glendale, California, USA

email: Steve@HinesLab.com

StereoCam™ | Autostereoscopy | Holo-Box™