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The Wittnauer film chamber. The marked film path and spindles are for the usual
double run 8mm film in camera operation. The sprocket drive (top right) provides
film feed and take-up in projection mode. The silver housing contains the 90 degree
mirror to reflect the off-set lamp onto the film in projection mode.

Now, here is where the Wittnauer is different to those described earlier – when the front
spool arm is moved into place, a cam arrangement changes the shutter from a
single blade for camera operation to three blades for projection. There is also a
combined entry – exit film drive sprocket, which is used in projection mode only,
essential for large spool operation. The Wittnauer is large in comparison to
other Standard 8 mm cameras; its elongated shape and its weight of over 2 kg makes it
a cumbersome camera to operate without the aid of a tripod.
Images unless noted are of items in the author’s collection.

14 REEL DEALS June 2025