Millisecond Service

What is the purpose of the Millisecond Service?

The Millisecond Service is designed for capturing ultra-slow-motion footage for visual effects. This system can record at speeds ranging from 120 to 12,000 frames per second, in increments of 12 fps. It enables the slowing down of action by up to 500 times, achieving unprecedented slow-motion effects.

What type of film magazine does it use?

This camera does not utilize a traditional magazine. Instead, it uses a film loader to transfer a 90-inch strip of film from a roll into a light-tight cassette. This cassette is then used to load the film into the camera and retrieve it post-exposure. This method allows for approximately 50 takes from a 400-foot roll, compared to just one or two takes from a 1000-foot roll with other high-speed cameras.

Is there a video tap available?

Yes, the camera includes a C-mount port for video tap and comes with a standard color video camera providing 30fps output. You can monitor the image through the video tap for setup and composition, and during shooting, the image can also be transmitted through a 10% pellicle mirror. This mirror can be removed if you prefer to maximize light exposure to the film.

How do I adjust exposure?

Exposure settings are managed similarly to other cinema cameras. The minimum aperture is f/2.8, with a one-stop loss through the optical system, making the minimum T-number t/4. The maximum shutter angle is 80º, adjustable down to 10º, with image quality being sharper at angles below 60º.

Can I use the camera outdoors?

Yes, outdoor shooting is possible, but it requires significant lighting. High-speed shots typically need more light than what sunlight provides, especially as exposure times are very short. Additional lighting or pushing the film stock might be necessary. High-speed shooting can also lead to partial exposure of frames due to the shutter's open and close times.