michael_schlei Posted May 12, 2003 Share Posted May 12, 2003 Hi - I am currently searching for a high quality 35mm or 70mm camera that is capable of using long rolls of film that could store 1500-2000 frames. Do such cameras exist, and if so, where could I find them? I am working on a project to take time lapse photos of Sea Lions in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. Any assistance you could provide would be much appreciated. Thank you. Michael Schlei Scientific Fishery Systems Anchorage, AK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellis_vener_photography Posted May 12, 2003 Share Posted May 12, 2003 Nikon made long roll film backs (250 exposures) for the Nikon F, F2, F3 and F4 cameras. I am not sure they make a long roll back for the F5 but you certainly can check at http://www.nikonusa.com.<P>For longer sequences you might either have to get a motion picture camera with an intervalometer, or check with <A href = http://www.lensand repro.com> Lens & Repro ( http://www.lensand repro.com)</A> or <a href = http://www.fotocare.com> Fotocare</a> to see if they can locate one of the older Nikon's that has been modified for extremely long rolls like what you are looking for. I think a 1,000 exposure roll of 35mm film is just about 100 feet. if it is longer you may need Kodak to do a special order for the specific film you want to use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_kaplan1 Posted May 12, 2003 Share Posted May 12, 2003 There used to be a few companies that made such long roll cameras for use by the studios that did school photography. I suspect that that market is all digital now but I'm willing to bet that there are still cameras stored away. Check around and see who's doing the photography in your local schools and go from there. One camera brand that comes to mind is Camerz (I think that's how it is spelled). Your local portrait studio probably gets a magazine called The Rangefinder. Check the ads there, or ask their columnist who writes "Problems and Solutions". Sorry, that's the best I can do! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john lehman, college alask Posted May 12, 2003 Share Posted May 12, 2003 Kodak no longer offers most of their 70mm films; the only ones left are one c-41 portrait, and plus-X and Infrared in the aero offerings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steven_clark Posted May 13, 2003 Share Posted May 13, 2003 There was also such a back for the Canon F-1n if I recall. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evan_gatehouse1 Posted May 13, 2003 Share Posted May 13, 2003 How about a digital SLR with a large capacity microdrive? Take the shots in JPEG format, low enough resolution to be sufficient for your needs. Maybe you would need a small dedicated battery to power the camera and shutter release timing mechanism. I'm no digital camera guy, so others may be able to advise how many shots you could fit on a microdrive. Is this to be an unattended operation by the way? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carl_madson Posted May 13, 2003 Share Posted May 13, 2003 I believe Nikon also made a 750 frame back for their F2 line of cameras. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alex_lofquist Posted May 13, 2003 Share Posted May 13, 2003 The Nikon F3 had a 250 frame housing, as did the F4. These took 10 meter (33 foot) lengths of film which had to be cut and spooled from 30 meter (100 foot) rolls. The F2 did have a 750 frame housing that took the entire 30 meter spool, though it had to be spooled by the photographer in a darkroom even though there was a 5 ft leader which supposedly made it "daylight loading". These backs are sometimes found available used, though still expensive. Leica also had a 250 exposure Model FF based on the pre-war Model III. It was a completely manual camera and not suitable for time lapse photography. Unless you find the 250 exposure back for the F4 too limiting, it would be the best available considering its programming capability. It is certainly feasible to use several F4s and program them to run at non-overlapping times. They are rugged cameras and ought to do well under arctic conditions. 100ft rolls may not be available for all emulsions, but I think there will be something to fill your need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill C Posted May 13, 2003 Share Posted May 13, 2003 >> There used to be a few companies that made such long roll cameras� << >> One camera brand that comes to mind is Camerz�<< True, and the company is called "Photo Control". You might give them a call in Minneapolis at 763-537-3601. They have a web site: http://www.photo-control.com/ The film mags typically carry 100 feet, which is roughly only half as many frames as you want. But, like Alex indicated with the Nikon, you could use a second camera and set timers for it to take over. Timing is not built into the cameras, but they generally operate with an electrical release, so outside controls are possible. The people at Photo Control could best answer any questions about their gear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al_kaplan1 Posted May 14, 2003 Share Posted May 14, 2003 Bill C. ~ Thanks for jumping in there with current info. At times I can be a wellspring of outdated and often useless trivia, but we need people like you to make it relevant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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