Southern Methodist University – Spring Term 2007
117 Umphrey Lee, Mondays 9:00-11:50am
Robert Flowers, Instructor
- NEVER RUN ANY FILM CAMERA OVER 24fps without film
- Check the Gate (aperture and pressure plate) before loading film
- Never use “Q-Tips” to clean the Gate
- Check camera interior for film chips before loading
- Make sure the Prism is clean
- Make sure the trigger is not locked in the ON position before winding
- Make sure the wind-handle is locked in place before pulling the trigger
- Make sure the pressure plate is closed before closing the door
- Turn “ticker” on or off
- Adjust diopter for your eye and lock before shooting OR Loading film, clean if necessary
- Clean eyecup w/ rubbing alcohol when needed
- Clip off the pointed-tip of the head of the new roll before loading to avoid jam
- Load camera in subdued light
- Make sure the film is winding up on the take-up side
- Open the loop guides before closing the door, do not rely on it to be automatically opened
- Make sure door is closed tightly, or seal w/ black camera tape
- Run the camera footage counter to “0″ w/ the lens cap on, then shoot
- Make sure the shutter is open before shooting
- Make sure the filter holder is in place
- Make sure your eye is on the eyepiece or the viewfinder is closed with film loaded
- Make sure lenses are clean
- Remember the BOLEX has a 135 degree shutter, Adjust the F/stop accordingly
- Remember to set the film speed (fps) before shooting
- Remember to shoot at 24 fps unless shooting at a different speed for an effect
- Make sure the lens turret is locked in place before shooting
- When not shooting, keep the lens cap(s) on
- Make sure all the “wind” is off the spring after finishing the shoot
- Do not lose the tiny back-wind key if and when you check it out
- Blowing sand and dust are a cameras worst enemies
- Always keep track of the remaining film on the footage counter
- Familiarize yourself with the sound of the “film-roll-out”
- Remember you lose the first and last roughly five feet of a 110′ roll of film
- Set your lens to the correct F/Stop before each take
- When shooting single frames select either “T” (timed) or “I” (Instantaneous)
- Do not leave camera on tripod without supervision