Prop Cameras 2.0

University of Florida's production of Chicago closes Sunday. I'll be sad to see this one go. The cast, crew, and production team produced an amazing experience. And our prop mistress did a wonderful job on her very first show! I helped her get started on the tricky props like custom newspapers and magazines. So I decided not to post repeat projects. But when we finished the cameras, I thought it would be a nice follow-up.

She'd originally purchased vintage cameras online. But the director wanted something larger and more primitive. Also, he asked for a camera that could flash on command. I showed him a photo of the camera I built for Floyd Collins. (Cameras for Collins) I'd never attempted a flashing camera, but the lighting department had a few ideas. So we set out to build Old Time Camera 2.0.

With only two days to build four cameras, the boxes were identical to speed up construction. We broke apart a few video cameras from the prop room - cameras from the days when 'HD' on the side of the camera stood for 'Heavy Duty'. The parts were spray painted with a silver metallic and attached to the bodies. But the antique cameras proved very useful. The flash reflectors were easy to detach and can be reused on the original units after this show.

Ben, our lighting assistant, and one of the cameras.

At this point the cameras were handed over to the lighting department. An LED was added to the flash reflector. Battery packs were added to the bodies, and switches were placed on the handles. Then the cameras returned to the shop for backs and straps.

Smile!

The cameras were a hit - even the KCACTF adjudicator commented on them. The director was also pleased, and said he's been asking for this kind of camera for 18 years. Just goes to show what a little collaboration across the departments can create!

Roxie and the reporters.