Bell & Howell Eyemo 71-Q (1925–1970s)
A compact, spring-driven 35mm motion picture camera built for durability and rapid deployment in field production.
Overview
The Bell & Howell Eyemo 71-Q is a 35mm spring motor driven motion picture film camera made by the Bell & Howell Company. It was introduced in 1925 and the Eyemo line stayed in production through the 1970s. Newsreel crews, combat photographers and documentary shooters used it, and it also worked as a crash camera, thanks to its rugged, compact design. The 71-Q has a three-lens turret and a C-mount for interchangeable lenses. A variable shutter supports frame rates from 8 to 64 fps. The viewfinder is a non-reflex optical type with a positive-type viewfinder system, and the camera has seven governor-controlled film speeds.
Specifications
| Film gauge | 35mm |
| Drive mechanism | spring motor driven |
| Lens mount (base model) | includes a single lens port |
| Lens Mount | C-mount (interchangeable lenses) |
| Shutter Type | variable shutter |
| Frame Rates | 8 to 64 fps (spring-wound), 24 fps |
| Viewfinder | Optical viewfinder (non-reflex/parallax) |
| Turret | Three-lens turret |
| Film speeds | Seven film speeds, governor controlled |
| Dimensions & Weight | Approx. 6 lbs (without lens) |
Design
The Eyemo 71-Q is based on the earlier 16mm Filmo design. It keeps the same small, rugged construction, which suits handheld shooting and tight spaces. The line picked up a three-lens "spider" turret in 1929 and electric motor options by 1932. The 71-Q has a positive-type viewfinder system and takes external magazines and motor drives.
Context
The Bell & Howell Company was founded in 1907 in Chicago by Donald J. Bell and Albert S. Howell. It developed the Eyemo as a reliable tool for photojournalists and cinematographers. The camera stayed in use for over five decades. It was valued for its robustness and for being ready to shoot right away in high-pressure places like war zones and breaking news events.
Market
The Bell & Howell Eyemo 71-Q is currently listed at $2,000 in unrestored condition (as of listing C10730 on CinemaGear). A U.S. government surplus example was recently listed on eBay with motor and case. Owners have reported lens issues and have sought replacement parts such as prismatic magnifiers and eyepieces.
Similar items on eBay
No exact Bell & Howell EYEMO 71 Q listings are live right now — these searches show current Bell & Howell and similar vintage camera gear on eBay:
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.