Vintage Akeley Pancake Hand-Cranked 35mm Cine Camera

Own a historic piece of cinematic innovation!

This vintage Akeley Pancake Hand-Cranked 35mm Cine Camera is a rare and highly collectible artifact from the early 20th century, known for its groundbreaking design and field-ready portability. Designed by Carl Akeley, this camera revolutionized documentary filmmaking, wildlife cinematography, and military footage, enabling filmmakers to capture smooth, stable handheld footage with precision.

Key Features & Historical Significance:

• Era: Circa 1915, a pivotal time in the advancement of portable film cameras.
• Inventor: Carl Akeley, a renowned cinematographer, naturalist, and explorer.
• Design: Unique “pancake” shape for stability, portability, and smooth operation, perfect for handheld and tripod-mounted shooting.
• Mechanism: Hand-cranked for precise frame control, allowing filmmakers to adjust speed and exposure manually.
• Included Equipment: Comes with original lens, tripod, and head, ensuring a complete, historically authentic setup.
• Historical Use: Used in scientific expeditions, military documentation, and wildlife cinematography, including early African wildlife footage captured by Akeley himself.
• Collector’s Appeal: Due to its limited production and historical relevance, this camera is a true gem for film historians, collectors, and vintage cinema enthusiasts.