Bell & Howell 70-HR/KRM: How to load?

[LEE HO TING]

Good day to everyone.

I have recently found some Bell & Howell 70-HRs and 70-KRMs with 400ft magazines online, and I am interested in buying one. However, I would like to ask a questions before actually buying the camera, just to be safe.

How to load the 400 feet magazine? Must the whole process be done in total darkness? Thank you.

The attached photo is from one of sellers.

[LEE HO TING]

I’ve also read that an electrical motor is needed in order to run the 400ft magazine. May I also ask,

1. Can the motor for HR be used on KRM?
2. How to install the motor? And,
3. What voltage does the motor run on? (110V?)

Thank you.

[Simon Wyss]

5 hours ago, LEE HO TING said:

I’ve also read that an electrical motor is needed in order to run the 400ft magazine.

That’s incorrect. You connect the magazine take-up pulley to the camera drive pulley by a closed coil spring.

 

PS. Don’t buy a camera from someone that puts it down on mineral tyles in the backyard.

Edited December 11, 2025 by Simon Wyss

[LEE HO TING]

15 minutes ago, Simon Wyss said:

That’s incorrect. You connect the magazine take-up pulley to the camera drive pulley by a closed coil spring.

I see. I found this on Google’s top search, is this what you are referring to? Also, does this mean no electrical motor is needed? 

Got it, I see other more professional stores selling DR types, and I suppose I can refer to another thread in this forum. However, I am still a bit confused about the loading process, as I have not found any resources online yet. By any chance, is it possible if a loading process is provided? I would appreciate very much if it is. 🙏

[Eric Eader]

Hello,

To the best of my knowledge, all 16mm 400' loads come wound around a two and one half inch (approximately), core which fits on a one inch (approximately) core adaptor in the magazine.

Once the film is pressed onto this core adaptor and fed through the bottom of the magazine and the lid screwed closed, threading the camera can be carried out in daylight. 

I have never used that camera with a 400' mag but did own an almost new model 70DR when I shot newsfilm starting in the fall of 1969. I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm for shooting film but considering film's initial cost and processing related costs after purchase, I would choose a different camera to start with. 

My preference would be for a reflex type camera.

A focused image is extremely important for viewing satisfaction. 

The 400' mag makes it very difficult to shoot handheld (that little handle not withstanding), as the camera was designed to be braced against the nose and one looked thru the viewfinder with the LEFT eye.

The movement is sometimes just bumpy enough to make right eye shooting handheld unstable.  Both hands pressed the camera against the forehead to smooth its running. (Don't get me wrong, many shooters back in the day put the camera on a tripod and made money to live on if not hand over fist raking it in). And 100' loads on daylight reels (with no 400' mag attached), are more convenient for shooting handheld.  Focus must be figured out prior to camera rolling.

Find an ARRI 16S  (shoots both 100' and 400' loads),  with a few prime lenses and a zoom and I think you will be a lot happier with the results assuming the gear is in good condition. The biggest disadvantage is that reflex cameras are battery powered.  With practice one can handhold an ARRI 16S 400' load, and zoom, follow focus etc. while following the action.

All 16mm reflex cameras have their own little 'rabbit-holes' that one must enter before producing a professional 'end-product' with them and that is a lot more difficult now with film's decline and the rise of digital.

Hope this helps.

 

 

 

[LEE HO TING]

51 minutes ago, Eric Eader said:

Hello,

To the best of my knowledge, all 16mm 400' loads come wound around a two and one half inch (approximately), core which fits on a one inch (approximately) core adaptor in the magazine.

Once the film is pressed onto this core adaptor and fed through the bottom of the magazine and the lid screwed closed, threading the camera can be carried out in daylight. 

I have never used that camera with a 400' mag but did own an almost new model 70DR when I shot newsfilm starting in the fall of 1969. I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm for shooting film but considering film's initial cost and processing related costs after purchase, I would choose a different camera to start with. 

My preference would be for a reflex type camera.

A focused image is extremely important for viewing satisfaction. 

The 400' mag makes it very difficult to shoot handheld (that little handle not withstanding), as the camera was designed to be braced against the nose and one looked thru the viewfinder with the LEFT eye.

The movement is sometimes just bumpy enough to make right eye shooting handheld unstable.  Both hands pressed the camera against the forehead to smooth its running. (Don't get me wrong, many shooters back in the day put the camera on a tripod and made money to live on if not hand over fist raking it in). And 100' loads on daylight reels (with no 400' mag attached), are more convenient for shooting handheld.  Focus must be figured out prior to camera rolling.

Find an ARRI 16S  (shoots both 100' and 400' loads),  with a few prime lenses and a zoom and I think you will be a lot happier with the results assuming the gear is in good condition. The biggest disadvantage is that reflex cameras are battery powered.  With practice one can handhold an ARRI 16S 400' load, and zoom, follow focus etc. while following the action.

All 16mm reflex cameras have their own little 'rabbit-holes' that one must enter before producing a professional 'end-product' with them and that is a lot more difficult now with film's decline and the rise of digital.

Hope this helps.

 

 

 

I see. Thank you very much for your help and time.

For your concerns about the cost, I can handle the cost if I shoot occasionally, as I have already shot twice, so no need to worry.

I’m am also considering an  reflex camera, and I will surely check out some ARRIs, if my budget allows.

I once again thank you for your advices, and I wish you a pleasant day.