2007Cameras (Film/Video/HD) forum
Using 65mm cameras on Steadicam rigs
19 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The Arri 765 65mm camera can be operated on Steadicam and provides a large viewfinder frame to scan during operation.
- A Panavision spinning mirror 65mm camera, which was a stripped-down version of the System 65, was successfully flown on Steadicam for feature film production.
- An Iwerks 65mm camera designed for IMAX production, weighing approximately 50 pounds and featuring a vertical magazine, was well-balanced for Steadicam use with a 3A arm.
- A Todd AO 65mm camera can be mounted on Steadicam, though video assist monitoring required attaching a small lens to the viewfinder due to the camera's design.
- Vistavision cameras have been operated on Steadicam rigs using a 3A arm with Pro1 combo, though this setup presents physical demands on the operator.
Depends on
- The Todd AO camera required custom video assist solutions due to its viewfinder design.
- Most examples discussed occurred years before the thread was posted, so current availability of these cameras for rental or purchase in Europe was not confirmed.
- The Panavision spinning mirror 65mm was described as a stripped-down variant, suggesting specialized versions exist with different specifications.
- Weight and balance characteristics varied significantly between different 65mm camera models.