Bell & Howell Filmo 70-A 16mm Cine Camera — Carl Zeiss Jena Tessar 25mm f/2.7, ca. 1925–29

The Bell & Howell Filmo 70-A is the direct descendant of the camera that opened amateur cinematography to the world. Introduced in Chicago in 1923, the original Filmo 70 was the first spring-wound 16mm motion-picture camera ever manufactured — a landmark instrument built on the engineering tradition of Bell & Howell's legendary 2709 Standard 35mm studio camera, which had served early Hollywood productions throughout the silent era. The 70-A presented here is the second-generation refinement of that pioneering design, dating to circa 1925–1929.

The front nameplate reads in full: "BELL & HOWELL CO., CHICAGO — Filmo REGISTERED — AUTOMATIC CINE CAMERA — MADE IN U.S.A." The rear panel carries the earlier shield emblem, "STANDARD BELL & HOWELL COMPANY CINEMACHINERY," a designation phased out on later production runs and a reliable indicator of this camera's early manufacture. Two frame-rate positions — 16 and 32 fps — are selected via the rotary dial on the operator's face; the footage counter dial, graduated to 100 ft, is visible on the top of the camera body. Two film-chamber door latches (marked OPEN/CLOSED) are present on the loading side, both appearing intact and functional. The spring-motor winding key is attached on a ball chain with a period leather fob, keeping it conveniently at hand.

What distinguishes this body above all is its optic: a Carl Zeiss Jena Kino-Tessar f/2.7, F=2.5cm, serial number 4960 (list number 7 as engraved on the ring). The four-element Tessar formula — Zeiss's celebrated "eagle eye" — was specified in this fast f/2.7 cine variant for Zeiss's own Kinamo and Movikon 16mm cameras of the same decade. American Filmo bodies were conventionally supplied with Cooke Anastigmat or Wollensak Velostigmat lenses; the presence of a factory- or period-installed Carl Zeiss Jena optic makes this a dual-interest piece for both cine-camera historians and Zeiss glass collectors alike.

Condition is consistent with a century of working life: the crinkle-lacquer finish shows honest surface oxidation and light crazing across the main disc and body panels, with some scattered spotting to the rear housing visible under raking light. The original brown leather carrying strap survives, aged and darkened but structurally sound. The winding key and chain are present and original in appearance. The two film-door latches operate correctly and the fps selector moves between positions. The Tessar glass appears free of fungus in the images; precise assessment of internal haze would require bench inspection, but the front element photographs cleanly. Mechanical function — spring-wind, governor, shutter — is described by the consignor as operational.

Material: Die-cast aluminium body with crinkle-lacquer black finish; nickel-plated hardware; brass lens mount ring; aged brown leather carrying strap; steel winding key on ball chain