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As far as can be ascertained, the film had to be loaded
into the cassette by the owner, it being quite different
compared to the more common Pathé 9.5 mm film
charger. The lens was a Taylor-Hobson with
variable aperture.

In camera mode it operated fixed focus. A fold
down viewfinder was mounted on the top of the
body. In projection mode, an internally mounted torch
bulb was powered by the battery pack and
film transportation was via a foldable handle protruding
from the side of the unit.

I have a few home movie films in my collection which
were taken with one of these cameras and the results are
surprisingly good - one shot on Kodachrome is of the
royal visit decorations in Melbourne in 1954.

Midas produced an updated model at a later date
as well as a “Super attachment”, which enabled Above: Midas rear section, lamp
the use of 300 ft. reels in projection holder and drive sprocket visible
mode. These are a nice collectable unit, and
can often be found complete with original
colourful box and instructions.

There are two things to watch if considering
the purchase of a Midas. The internally
mounted lamp holder is die cast and is
frequently crystallized and useless, the
battery compartment will often be found with
severe damage due to battery acid leakage.

THE CAMPRO 9.5 mm

These machines were first advertised in
1935 by Home Cine Cameras Ltd of London.
They were widely advertised in the cine press
of the day and then seemed to
disappear completely. The unit utilised a wind-
up clockwork motor for film advance, both in
camera and projector mode. In camera mode,
that unit was designed to accept the common
Pathé 9.5 mm film cassette, which was held
within the body of the camera. A basic
frame type viewfinder on the top of the

REEL DEALS June 2025 9