chapter 7

Introduction to Equipment

A piece of equipment responds in its performance in direct proportion to the amount of thoughtful care and study it is given, and a motion-picture camera is no exception. Technically, a camera is a machine—a mechanical device. However, this is only part of the story; a camera is also a delicate creative tool that requires special attention and handling if it is to perform up to its maximum potential.

There are two types of production cameras: those equipped with a reflex viewing system and those equipped with an offset-viewfinder system. Almost all newer model cameras have reflex viewing systems. Some older cameras with offset-viewfinder systems are still in use. Many of these offer the option of being converted ...

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