FOR SALE:1908 Columbia Graphophone BC Cameraphone mech $SOLD

[MicaMonster]

What I am offering for sale is an entire Graphophone BC Cameraphone mechanism. Eugene Norton, a mechanical engineer who worked at Columbia, sought a method for synchronizing sound to motion pictures. His Cameraphone Company equipped the Higham amplifier equipped Graphophone BC with an electromechanically controlled double clutch arrangement. This engaged and disengaged the mandrel mechanism by the completion of an electrical circuit by the projectionist or in combination with a mechanism integrated with the film projector. Escaping patent infringement suits by relocation, the company was soon bankrupt, and concurrently other companies developed methods of sound synchronization that were more complex and elaborate.

The bedplate has a crack near the ON/OFF lever hole, which should be welded from underneath, OR transfer the equipment to your existing BC bedplate.

I first stumbled upon information on this system here: http://filmsound.org/ulano/talkies4.htm, and using the inventors name was able to find the patent drawings on Google.

In particular, I like how the method of creating cylinders for motion pictures was flipped around. As described, the film would be made with the actors pantomiming, THEN they would voice the cylinder. Proving to be more difficult, it was easier for the process to be reversed! Recording the cylinder, THEN filming the actors lip synching to the recording. Empirical experimentation at its best!

I did oil the mechanism, and it does work when I apply 3.3Volts to the terminals. I can only imagine the additional technical hurdles involved to make this system work "better," like making sure the film speed and cylinder speed were consistent. The use of the double clutch is interesting. The phonograph motor is left running....idling, and when the pulley clutch engages it starts the mandrel turning IMMEDIATELY. Do inspect the patent drawings. The disengage mechanism relies on a tongue spring to stop the drive, and spring tension to stop the mandrel.

To my knowledge there is only ONE other Cameraphone in existence! Mine will necessitate the installation of the complete BC amplifier and reproducer.

Price: $SOLD I can deliver to Wayne, NJ or Charlotte, MI in April. If you were industrious, you could make a short film with your iPad or iPhone, and have your "actors" record a wax cylinder on a recorder equipped Edison or Graphophone. Port the video from your Apple device via HDMI adapter to your widescreen TV, then play your wax cylinder on the Cameraphone......closing the circuit via pushbutton from your couch. Just a thought!