Fries-Mitchell 35R Video tour and walk around

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Feel free to discuss any topic related to the Mitchell Camera. Both 35 mm and 16 mm models are welcomed here. Also consider posting topics of other major motion picture cameras that you feel are important to the development of the Mitchell Camera. Feel free to upload a photo from the option on each new post.
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mitchellbnc
Posts: 57
Joined: Wed May 15, 2013 10:03 am

Fries-Mitchell 35R Video tour and walk around

Post by mitchellbnc » Mon Jul 28, 2014 3:40 pm

Hello members. This YouTube video was posted in 2011 when the owner had it up for sale. Even though it is no longer available, it is still posted on YouTube for us to enjoy the its beauty. This is the Mitchell camera model that Fries modified known as the 35R. You can see the NC movement when the camera door is opened and this gentleman does an excellent job of describing all the equipment and its features. It drags just a little bit when he demos the magazines and opens them one by one, but hey - he was trying to sell the thing! Still worth a watch. We have the Fries-Mitchell 35R handbook posted on our Brochures page as well.



Theodore Wilhelm
MitchelllCamera.com administrtor

followthefocus1

Re: Fries-Mitchell 35R Video tour and walk around

Post by followthefocus1 » Mon Aug 25, 2014 10:29 am

Nice YouTube video, I was impressed with how in depth the person went in to all the features.

I wonder what he ended up getting for this rig, it looked in great condition but I see it was uploaded some time ago. I don't see what it even listed for. Is there any way to find out?

There is a Fries-Mitchell rig on EBAY right now. I have uploaded pictures. The seller wants $9,500 but is is all setup for motion control:

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This item is a 35mm Fries AF35R Motion Control Stop Motion Animation and High Speed Visual Effects Camera. This complete unit and all accessories are in excellent working condition. The complete package includes the AF35R camera with video tap assist and case. A 400 foot Fries Mitchell conversion magazine with A.C. torque motors. A regular 400 foot Mitchell magazine. And a Fries AF35R operation manual. The item is pictured with a Nikkor lens, but does not come with it or any other lenses. The Fries AF35R (Auto-Focus 35R), a reflex conversion to the Mitchell Standard/High Speed camera, is the same as the standard 35R with the addition of an auto-focus base. The auto-focus base is a sliding plate with a bellows attachment that holds the lens in a fixed position, while the camera body is moved to achieve focus. With this approach to focusing, you maintain a constant distance from the lens nodal point to the mounting surface of the AF35R camera. This is commonly called a fixed nodal point system which greatly simplifies the programming required for the computer controlled or motion controlled camera tracking systems. The modular design of the 35R conversion allows great flexibility in customizing to special requirements.

AUTO-FOCUS

The auto-focus base is an aluminum casting 13.25 inches long by 4.75 in width. There are four 3/18-16 threaded inserts in the bottom surface. The camera mounts to the upper sliding focusing plate, which is attached to the base by two crossed roller "Microslides", and positioned by a .200 Inch travel per revolution lead screw. The lead screw is driven by a stepper motor (or motor of your choice). The focusing plate allows for a full 4.75 inches of travel.
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THE REFLEX

Through the lens reflexing is accomplished using a glass plate type beamsplitter that diverts 1/3 stop of light from the film to the viewing system. The beamsplitter itself is of the latest design, utilizing a very thin glass with the highest efficiency anti-reflection coating.
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SHUTTER

The reflex conversion retains the full variable shutter capability of the original Mitchell camera.
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VIEWFINDER

The 35R reflex viewfinder uses all new coated optics for a crisp, bright image at 5X magnification. The eyepiece is adjustable for individual focus and is positioned for comfortable right or left eye viewing. The viewing image is manually correctable through 360º rotation of the viewfinder.
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LENS MOUNT

The Nikon lensmount is on standard Academy centerline or on full-frame silent centerline for those shooting background plates, etc.
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TORQUE MOTOR FILM MAGAZINE

Commercial A.C. torque motors are on the Mitchell modified regular 400 foot magazine.
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GROUNDGLASS

The groundglass is standard formats including 1.85/TV, 1.33/TV, 1.85/1.33, 1.66, 2.35 etc.

FILM CLIP

A special feature of the 35R is the ability to insert a film clip in the viewfinder. The clip is positioned on a set of precision aligned register pins and therefore needs no special punch. The clip is viewed simultaneously by the operator and the video tap assist.

ANIMATION MOTOR

A stepper or motor camera drive unit is included. The unit is compatible with and activated by the camera buckle switch. Additionally there are two switch closures to indicate shutter open and shutter closed position.

MOTORIZED DISSOLVE SHUTTER CONTROL

The motorized dissolve unit is mounted in place of the standard manual shutter arm. It is driven by a stepper motor through a belt reduction to increase shutter control accuracy.

CAPPING SHUTTER

The internal capping shutter is located behind the reflex beamsplitter so it does not affect the operator viewing or the video assist. The shutter is activated by a rotary D.C. solenoid. The standard capping shutter comes in the normally open position. There is an external knob with witness mark to indicate the shutter open or closed.

VIDEO TAP ASSIST

The camera comes with a video tap assist. The actual video tap assist is a 2/3" low-light level newvicon equipped video camera.

ACCESSORIES

The 35R is comparable with all of the original Mitchell accessories, Matte box rod holders are available for both the standard-high speed lower fixed rods, and the BNCR style side swing away rods, Standard Mitchell magazines are still used.

The modular design of the 35R conversion allows great flexibility in customizing to special requirements. The camera is refinished in standard black wrinkle. The camera and case weigh: 31 pounds

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