Bell & Howell Eyemo 71 N (1925–1970s)
A compact, spring motor-driven 35mm motion picture camera built for durability and field use.
Overview
The Bell & Howell Eyemo is a 35mm spring motor-driven motion picture film camera. It came out in 1925 and stayed in production through the 1970s. It was a rugged handheld camera, and it got used for newsgathering, combat, documentary photography and as a crash camera. The line grew out of the earlier 16mm Filmo. A 3-lens "spider" turret arrived in 1929, and electric motor drive and external magazines were added in 1932. The Eyemo 71-N is a variant in this long-running series. Examples identified as military models were likely used by the U.S. Army Signal Corps during WWII.
Specifications
| Film format | 35mm |
| Film capacity | 100' internal daylight load capacity |
| Drive mechanism | spring motor driven |
| Lens mount (for base model) | single lens port |
| Dimensions (LxPxH) | 11.1(14.5) x 15.5(18.5) x 20.2 cm |
| Weight | 3.25 kg |
| Shutter angle | 160 degrees (except 71-Speed, which had 18 degrees on request) |
| Model 71-S speed | 64 fps only |
Design
The Eyemo is a small, rugged, handheld camera based on the earlier 16mm Filmo design. It can be fitted with a spider turret, a 400' magazine, and the Electric 'St-George' motor drive. You open the camera door by turning the latches labeled in figure 6 of the manual. Some units may jam over time and often need service.
Context
The Eyemo went into service in 1925 and stayed in use for over five decades. The Type 71 Military Model was likely used by the U.S. Army Signal Corps. It saw extensive service in combat and documentary roles, where its reliability and portability held up in harsh conditions.
Market
A Bell & Howell Eyemo 71-N was auctioned in March 2020, and a WWII-era U.S. model sold for €1,795.95. A current listing on CinemaGear prices an unrestored unit at $2,000. Maintenance is a known issue among users. Spare parts such as main springs turn up occasionally.
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