ECLAIR CAMERETTE
The camerette 16/35 motion picture camera is a rugged lightwieght unit that permits precise and reliable operation under field conditions. The movement is the ratchet-claw type, which engages the film which is guided by two pressure pads on the magazine. Vertical steadiness is achieved by this pressure system, while lateral steadiness is assured by means of two spring side rails. The design of the film moving mechanism assures dependable results under widely varying temperature conditions and variations of film size.
Features incorporated in the camera are reflex viewing and during filming, magazine loading, divergent three-lens turret, interchangeable drive, and die cast construction which affords a combination of strength and lightness in weight. The reflex device views the image, free from parallax error, through a tube which can be used horizontally for normal work, or vertically for low angle work. Shutter can be adjusted in a range from a maximum of 200° to a minimum of 40°. (The model C adjusts from 230° to 110°.) Magazines are available in 400-ft. and 1000-ft. capacities for the 35mm, and 100 and 400-ft. daylight load capacities for 16mm, which permits the use of 100 or 200-ft. daylight spools or 400-ft. laboratory packed film. Magazines can be rapidly attached to the camera by simple hand pressure, and released by pressing the locking knob and removing. Each magazine carries its own automatic footage counter.
The 16/35 Camerette permits the use of one camera and unit with interchangeable magazines and aperature plates for either 16mm or 35mm film. The finder is calibrated for both standards, and the same lenses are used for both film sizes.
Standard lenses are available in focal lengths from 18.5mm up to 500mm and variable focus zoom type lenses are available for both 35 and 16mm. Other accessories include extension tubes for extreme closeups and macrophotography, and geared mounts for use in the Camerette blimp.
Normal motor drive consists of a 6/8-volt DC variable speed motor; 24-volt DC motors and 110 or 220 AC synchronous motors are also available as standard equipment.
Also available are a matte box and filter holder, supports for long focal-length lenses, tripods and adapter base for adaptation to any tripod. A single blimp accommodates either the 35mm or 16mm Camerette; all controls including the reflex viewfinder are controlled from outside the blimp. Total wieght of the cmaera, loaded magazine and blimp is 110 lbs.
Special requirements are readily adaptable such as time lapse or industrial instrumentation applications.
In the Camerette group is the Aquaflex, a completely self-contained underwater camera with external manual controls, reflex viewing, 400-ft film capacity, interior pressurization and stabilizing fins and weights. The Aquaflex is actually the 16/35mm Camerette in a specially contained housing. An automatic control valve and air bottle attached to the underside of the Aquaflex housing keeps internal air pressure about six pounds per square inch above the external water pressure regardless of depth. This assures complete watertight operation. Adjustable we1ghts are supplied to provide control when diving or surfacing.

The Basic Unit houses the main mechanism and has a wedge plate for attachment to the tripod head and also acts as a simple stand. The viewfinder assembly is at the upper left, and at the right side are is the detachable motor which also serves as a convenient hand hold. Centered, is the aperature plate and pulldown claws. To the right is a protruding gear which engages the the sprocket and takeup mechanism in the magazine when attached. At the bottom left is the tachometer which reads 0 to 40. Removal of the magazine affords easy access to the gate for cleaning, while the slotted screw cover at the top left hand side of the unit provides access for cleaning the prism. The two knobs below this are for adjusting the shutter opening and for manipulation of the reflex mirror respectively. Lubrication points are marked in red. The gate is protected by a metal dust cover for use when the magazine is not in position.
The magazine is attached to the camera by simply pushing it into position; a guide assures correct alignment. By depressing the knob on top, the magazine is instantly removed. The magazine light traps automatically close when detatched from camera body, and open when the magazine is attached and in shooting position. In the 16/35 model, the conversion from 35 to 16 is done by removing the gelatine filter holder from the side of the camera and placing the 16mm film aperature into the 35mm aperature. This is retained by means of a polished steel slide which takes the place of the 35mm filter holder. The 16mm film is transported with a single claw mounted on the same shaft that drives the 35mm claw. The 16mm claw and guides are recessed below the those of the 35mm film and the pressure pads of the 16mm magazines are raised to conform to this level. When the 16mm magazine is in use, it is possible to use a lens of as short focal length as 13mm.

Loading the magazines must be done in a darkroom or changing bag, with film wound emulsion out. Film wound emulsion in can be used by turning the roll over in the magazine, and passing the film to the opposite side of the guide roller. The magazines are die-cast; they accommodate the feed and takeup rolls, and the sprocket mechanism and tension rollers. The cover comes off by pushing down the magazine release lock. Lay the magazine flat, and put the feed roll into the smaller rounded end, on the spindle provided. The pressure rollers should be drawn away from the sprocket. The end of the film should be passed through the upper curved slot, opening the light trap to facillitate the passage of film through the slot. About 2 1/2 ft. of film should be drawn out, and checked to be sure that it is emulsion out. The film near the feed roll should be put upon the sprocket teeth, and when properly engaged, the pressure rollers should be put into position against the sprocket, holding the film in place. Next, pull enough film out of the magazine to permit your finger to pass under the film, drawing the finger up to the upper end of the magazine face. Any surplus film must be drawn into the magazine. With this length set, the pressure rollers on the takeup side of the sprocket should be closed with the film properly engaged on the sprocket teeth. The film end should be fastened to a takeup core which is set upon the takeup spindle. Replace the magazine cover. The footage indicator will automatically indicate the amount of unexposed film in the magazine. The loops are formed with the closed magazine by dividing the slack in two, and pushing the two halves into the magazine above and below. Do not force the cover on. If it doesn't go on properly it means that the film is not properly on the spindles, or that the pressure rollers have not been properly closed over the sprocket. Before using a magazine, be sure that slack is removed from takeup by turning the buttons provided onthe back of the magazine.
In the 16/35 unit, if daylight spools are to be used, the core adapter plates are remvoved exposing the spindles which will accommodate the metal daylight loading spool. There are two footage indicators: one for the 400-ft. laboratory packed fols on the cover and showing the amount of unexposed film; another for the 100 and 200-ft. spools is fitted on the magazine body and indicating the amount of exposed film. When using the daylight-loading spools, the first indicator should be locked by pushing it to the left while the cover is in the open position.

Lubricate all moving parts when necessary. The use of lubricants should always be on the spare side, with all surplus being carefully removed. Oil holes are marked in red. With the magazine in open position, the red screws should be removed, and a few drops of oil introduced into the spindles of the feed and takeup units, and the spindle of the main sprocket. The motor does not require lubrication.

Cleaning of the reflex mirror or other parts should be done with extreme care. The reflecting surface of the mirror should not be touched by the fingers, or any hard, moist or greasy substance. Any dust that may be found on the mirror should be removed with a camel's-hair brush or air syringe. If water, oil spots or fingermarks unfortunately are found on the mirror, remove very lightly with a soft lintless cloth or lens tissue. However, this treatment should be avoided as much as possible. The ground glass surface can be wiped with a lintless cloth; the upper surface of the ground glass is made accessible by removing the screw retaining the gelatine filter holder. A soft brush can be used while watching through the eyepiece.
The film gate and aperature should be cleaned with camel's hair brush, a soft-wood dowel (never any metal object) and an air syringe. With the 16/35 unit, the removable gate should be be removed frequently for cleaning on all sides. The magazine can be dis-assembled by unscrewing the thwo large-headed retaining screws at the back. Lifting the upper and lower locking catches permits the plate to be lifted toward you. Parts can be cleaned in the usual way, with brush and air syringe, and replacement in correct position is accomplished by replacing catches and screws.