Eclair ACL 100ft magazine

[Pavan Deep]

 

I used the small motor and a 200ft magazine, but getting hold of 200ft film wasn’t always easy nor practical. Like a lot of people, I ended up running the far more common 100ft spools instead.

 

Not long after, I managed to get a 400ft magazine. It worked, but it was heavy and I needed the heavy-duty motor to make the setup usable. Later on, I came across a damaged 400ft magazine with no doors. Rather than leave it sitting on a shelf, I decided to turn it into something more practical. I cut down the front and built a compact aluminium housing for it.

For the loading system, I borrowed the old Kodak coaxial method which was copied on the Kiev Alpha. The result was a much smaller, lighter magazine that’s quick and easy to load and it ended up becoming a far more practical solution for my ACL.

Edited May 25 by Pavan Deep
layout

[Gregg MacPherson]

Good project Pav. The ACL bodys are compact and light.  Interesting custom magazine ideas could transform the camera. I always fantasized about making a composite 400' magazine, which could be very light and also improve the ergonomics on the shoulder. Also, to lower the weight, the ACL II could have a redesigned lower base or have much of the mass machined out inside.

Gregg.

[Pavan Deep]

Thanks,. I know many will disagree but the ACL's are the best?

I believe the ACL is highly relevant in today's environments due to its size, ease of maintenance and modular design. Unlike many other 16mm cameras there are no difficult-to-repair electronics, it uses a simpler mechanical system that is easier to service and adapt. Its short flange distance supports smaller, affordable lenses, and interchangeable parts, adaptable mounts make it highly customisable. Modifications such as a Micro Four Thirds mount and custom 100-foot magazine further expand its flexibility, making the ACL a practical, repairable, and adaptable filmmaking tool rather than a fragile vintage object.

Pav