Birtac ciné camera projector for 17.5 mm film
- Materials:
- brass (copper, zinc alloy) , glass and wood (unidentified)
- Object Number:
- 1946-311/1
"Birtac" camera projector for 17.5mm film, made by Birt Acres in 1898; complete with handle, lens, two mantle holders and spool of positive film showing "Domestic Scene". The magazines hold 20 feet of film, sufficient for about 40 seconds of filming. The intermittent motion is of the 'dog' type.
Designed by the film pioneer, Birt Acres (1854-1918), this was the first piece of film-making apparatus intended for amateur use. It used 17.5mm film, which was produced by slitting standard 35mm film in half. It is shown here with its carrying case, which was designed so that the camera could be operated secretly while still inside the case.