CINESPACE 70 by Todd-AO
The World's Most Advanced 70mm Production System

CineSpace 70 presentation August 10, 1987
From: AC, Vol. 68, No. 10, October 1987

Handheld Camera on Steadicam

Todd-AO introduced its new CineSpace 70 series of cameras at a special meeting of the American Society of Cinematographers on August 10, 1987. In the excellent screening room at Glen Glenn Sound in Hollywood, an impressive demonstration of the capabilities of the new cameras met with enthusiastic approval by a gathering of top cinematographers and film industry technical experts.

The presentation consisted of two reels of "Oklahoma!" which was filmed by Todd-AO 33 years ago, followed by a group of test films made with the new equipment under a variety of conditions and utilizing many new lenses. Commentary was supplied by Dr. Richard Vetter, technical director of United Artists Communication; Buzz Knudson, president of Todd-AO; Doug Fries, head of Fries Engineering; Lee Parker, producer of the demo films; and Jack Cooperman, ASC program chairman.

It was clear from the statements of Knudson and Vetter that the systems were developed in the conviction that the future of theatrical motion pictures lies in wide film presentation.

"Everything has been vastly improved - cameras, film stock, lenses - yet we were seeing better images on the screen 30 years ago," Vetter noted. The "Oklahoma!" footage proved his point eloquently. Produced in 70mm and photographed at 30 fps, the musical evidenced visuals superior to any recent theatrical releases. "The majority of present day moviegoers have never seen 70mm features photographed on wide film." Vetter pointed out that less than half the capabilities of present 35mm film reaches the screen, and that the present 1.85 ratio crops off 40% of the [potential] image. "Blowups to 70mm from 35mm are brighter and bigger, but have no better definition."

After the "Oklahoma!" screening, Knudson said that Todd-AO is dedicated to "bringing back that kind of quality." The assemblage of cinematographers responded enthusiastically.

CineSpace 70 is available in a studio sound model and in a "wild" MOS model which can be hand-held or used with Steadicam. The MOS camera is crystalled at 24, 30 and 60 fps and can be driven at higher speeds. It weighs just over 30 lbs, considerably less than the bulky 70mm equipment of the past. It can be used for time-lapse, aerial work, underwater photography and slow-motion work. It uses 350-ft. or 1000-ft. magazines.

The sound camera, with crystal speeds of 24 or 30 fps, is notably quiet, compact and lightweight. Both models were adapted from the Mitchell AP cameras by Fries Engineering Co. They feature reflex viewing, using butterfly-type mirrors. The reflex viewing tubing is orientable. Both cameras are compatible with Arriflex accessories such as matte boxes, follow focus systems, filters, etc.
 

70mm / CineSpace 70
450% Greater Image Area