Complete Guide to 70mm Film

[blee1996]

I have a JA Maurer aero camera with Xenotar 80/2.8 lens and 70mm film magazine. It is actually relatively compact albeit heavy. Quite similar to those motorized Hasselblad 500EL for NASA.

Unfortunately it did not come with power supply or control unit, and there is absolutely no information how to wire it up. Thus it remains a curiosity, and I repurposed the Xenotar in a helicoid mount for digital medium format. I kept all the fittings without any modification, in case I can figure out a way to use it in its original way someday. Imagine 3fps on 70mm long roll film!

 

[MTGseattle]

I have a JA Maurer aero camera with Xenotar 80/2.8 lens and 70mm film magazine. It is actually relatively compact albeit heavy. Quite similar to those motorized Hasselblad 500EL for NASA.

Unfortunately it did not come with power supply or control unit, and there is absolutely no information how to wire it up. Thus it remains a curiosity, and I repurposed the Xenotar in a helicoid mount for digital medium format. I kept all the fittings without any modification, in case I can figure out a way to use it in its original way someday. Imagine 3fps on 70mm long roll film!

One of these?

Camera, Maurer, 70mm, Gemini

This 70mm camera, manufactured by J. A. Maurer, is the same type as those used in later Gemini missions during a variety of scientific photography experiments. The camera equipment for this camera included different types of film, lenses, and other filters.

airandspace.si.edu

 

[MTGseattle]

I realize this doesn't seem much like a Hassy EL, but it has the Xenotar.

John A. Maurer, 83, A Holder of 60 Patents (Published 1988)

www.nytimes.com

 

[MTGseattle]

I think I found the other one; a Maurer P-2. It's a small-ish cube, and has those silly over-grown metal locking connectors that the military loves (turn a 3mm headphone jack into something that is over an inch in diameter)
That P-2 is likely somewhat rare, but as you said, near impossible to put into use.

 

[rhizomeblur]

I could be wrong, but I thought the KE-28b (Maurer) and Ke-28a (Chicago Aerial) were mostly used in helicopters during Vietnam. I think it has an inboard battery or is full manual. 100% agree on the fixed focus.


I've looked at that listing a few times, Jim. I fear it is missing crucial parts.

I think you're correct about this model: it seems to be independent of the aircraft, and perhaps even completely manual, though I don't have any direct experience with it. It would be fun to try out, even limited to infinity focus.

 

[rhizomeblur]

Imagine 3fps on 70mm long roll film!

Yes, that would be a lot of fun!

 

[Disconnekt]

I wasn't sure if this is the right thread for this?

Is anyone using the military 70mm cameras?

This one;

Combat Graflex 5.5x7cm rangefinder camera for 70mm roll film, rare olive-colored military outfit from the US Signal Corps: KE-4 #477064 Cased set. - Inventory - Hyland Granby

Combat Graflex 5.5x7cm rangefinder camera #477064 for 70mm roll film, rare olive-colored military outfit from the US Signal Corps: KE-4 (1) with matching Ektar 2.8/4" (102mm) nº RM823, (1953) Ektar 4/8" (205mm) nº OY169, (1960) hood, cap, flash with olive-colored reflector, 5 color filters all...

www.hylandgranby.com

Or this one;

Ja Maurer Ke-28b U. S. Military 6x6cm Aerial Camera. Leitz Elcan 6/2.8 Lens | Lens Vintage Camera

lensvintagecamera.com

If I ever stumble across a complete one for a price I'm willing to pay, is it feasible to actually use one? I don't like the 70mm prices I've seen lately, but 8x10 is pretty silly too.

Ayye, Jason (of the channel GrainyDays) just put out a video of his "journey" of having the Graflex KE-4 (KS-6).

 

[Chuck1]

The Maurer I think has to be plugged into the aircraft for power, I saw one of those for $500 a month or two ago, it looked really good.

 

[MTGseattle]

the Maurer P2 definitely requires off camera power, etc. The Big Graflex rangefinder, and the KE-28b/a (similar in shape to a TLR) are both operable as a
"normal" camera.

 

[Chuck1]

I'm glad I didn't know that

 

[rhizomeblur]

Ayye, Jason (of the channel GrainyDays) just put out a video of his "journey" of having the Graflex KE-4 (KS-6).

Thanks for sharing this. Very hard to watch, though... Instead of shooting 70mm film with this amazing camera, he adapted it to 120, bypassing the advance/tension sprockets, placing all tension on the takeup spool, which caused an internal part to fail, essentially destroying the camera. Proof that not reading shoot70mm.com can definitely harm you!

 

[rhizomeblur]

For anyone who isn't on the mailing list and thus didn't see the announcement yesterday, M-Alchemy (the lab and film division of Mercury Works) has released a brand new 70mm film stock: Murnau 100. It's unperforated, fresh, fine grained BW film. It was quite a journey to get this batch made, and I don't know if we'll continue this in the future, so if you are interested in fresh 70mm film at half the price of HP5 (and much finer grain), this is your chance! Check it out here.

 

[eli griggs]

For anyone who isn't on the mailing list and thus didn't see the announcement yesterday, M-Alchemy (the lab and film division of Mercury Works) has released a brand new 70mm film stock: Murnau 100. It's unperforated, fresh, fine grained BW film. It was quite a journey to get this batch made, and I don't know if we'll continue this in the future, so if you are interested in fresh 70mm film at half the price of HP5 (and much finer grain), this is your chance! Check it out here.

View attachment 368651

Good news.

 

[MTGseattle]

I couldn't make it through the video either. I'm not sure I've completed any Grainy days videos.

I'm not sure I will embark on any 70mm film usage, but I appreciate the information and the work you're doing @rhizomeblur

 

[Sonynolta User]

For anyone who isn't on the mailing list and thus didn't see the announcement yesterday, M-Alchemy (the lab and film division of Mercury Works) has released a brand new 70mm film stock: Murnau 100. It's unperforated, fresh, fine grained BW film. It was quite a journey to get this batch made, and I don't know if we'll continue this in the future, so if you are interested in fresh 70mm film at half the price of HP5 (and much finer grain), this is your chance! Check it out here.

This would be great for those fiends that want to re-roll their own 116 / 616 film and shoot vintage folding / box cameras.
I may have done that with 65mm Vision3 film.... don't need to add any more film to my 'collecthord'

 

[MTGseattle]

There are a couple of 70mm offerings in the Ilford ULF program this year if any of you were wondering.

 

[eli griggs]

I see there in 127 format film here, great for our Primos/Sawyers mk.4, baby Rollie, and the many none TLR shooters.

Cameras should be easy to find, 127 cameras were for many years more popular than 135 format.

 

[rhizomeblur]

Hi all, Mercury Works is now an Ilford ULF dealer so we can bring 70mm (and other formats) directly to you. The hassle, prices, and lack of transparency from other dealers really bugged us, so we've jumped into this. We have set our prices at the absolute bottom and don't plan to make any money from this; we're doing it as a service to 70mm shooters. Only a couple days left on the campaign, but it isn't too late to get your film from us!

70mm unperforated (definitely recommended) as well as perforated
46mm (127 bulk)
Anything else you want, just ask

Order here: https://mercuryworks.store/collections/film

 

[rhizomeblur]

Also, anyone who orders 70mm Ilford film through us has the option of either Ilford's original packaging (plain cardboard box, no core or spool) or our repackaging into a 70mm bulk spool (compatible with the Mercury Bulk Loader and all other 70mm bulk loaders) and a metal can to protect your film from damage, moisture, and x-rays. All of our 65mm and 70mm film comes in these cans and we consider it essential to protect your film these days! This is the only way to get your Ilford 70mm film into a convenient and protected format, and we will do it without re-spooling, so your film will not be handled except externally (we're creating special spools to enable this).

 

[eli griggs]

Is there a price difference in your film format offerings?

 

[Mike Lopez]

Is there a price difference in your film format offerings?

Did you click on the link that was provided?

 

[eli griggs]

Did you click on the link that was provided?

Overlooked first post link.

Cheers

 

[rhizomeblur]

Thanks to those of you who already placed orders!

This is a final reminder that all orders are due by tomorrow (Sunday) morning. This is your last chance to order HP5+ in 70mm (or 46mm)! Read about it and purchase here!

Cheers,
Zach

 

[film4eva]

I just joined Photrio, but largely because of this thread. I've been reading a bunch (not all) of the website - first, thank you, Zach! I found this thread because I just stumbled upon a Pentax 645 (which I have long wanted) that has a 70mm back (and nothing else - not even the extender for the eyepiece, nor a grip). I didn't intend to get into 70mm, but because it's there, why not?

I'm a bit confused by the site's treatment of film stocks, in particular the 65/70 differences as they relate to the Pentax 645 70mm insert. My confusion is specifically around what film to start with. I don't really want to modify the insert right away, but would like to shoot 70mm first, see if it's even something I want to keep doing. What should I be looking for in terms of film stocks? I see Type I & II perfs discussed in this thread, and it seems if I read things correctly that unperfed film won't work in this insert. So should I just be looking for basic 70mm motion picture film and not worrying about anything else? I would like to shoot color, but am not opposed to BW (I am set up for color processing right now - C41 or ECN-2, either one), but have not processed BW myself since high school many many many moons ago.

Sorry if this is already out there - admittedly, I may be missing some comprehension.

Thanks!

 

[MCB18]

Fresh unperforated 70mm is available for pre-order! FN-64 and 42L (Santa Rae 1000)!

For Sale - Astrum/Svema group buy Q4 2024 for FN-64, 42L (Santa Rae 1000) and Mikrat Ortho (FPP Super positive), Many formats available!

I’m at it again, I am buying a bunch of film from Astrum and rolling it for folks in the US and Canada! Orders are open for Astrum film in many formats! Orders will be closed 16 October and film should be delivered by early January! Films and formats: Mikrat Ortho (FPP Super Positive) 35mm, 36...

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