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Camera FAQs
 Format Related
Equipment / Shipping
Camera Accessories And Mounts
Rental Cost
Production And Post Production
FORMAT RELATED:
What special framing considerations do I need to consider when filming in 15/70?
Since the IMAX frame is 10 times larger than a standard 35mm frame you must ensure that everything in frame is as pristine and authentic as possible. The smallest details on a poorly dressed set become very apparent on the large screen. The sweet spot of the frame is in the bottom 1/3, framing for the center or above the center will cause the audience to constantly look up thus giving them a stiff neck.
When framing with the 30mm lens it is important to stay away from subjects with strong vertical lines such as tall buildings and trees as they will distort in the shape of a banana. The IMAX camera viewfinder reticle has guideline markings to assist in framing IMAX and IMAX Dome with minimum and maximum cut-offs as well as an optical centre and horizon lines.
Why is the 30mm offset required when shooting IMAX® Dome?
It is important to ensure that your audience in an IMAX Dome theatre does not find the angle of view uncomfortable. The lens on the IMAX Camera is shifted up (especially important with the 30mm lens) by .37". The reticle markings indicate the suggested IMAX horizon and the IMAX Dome horizon to help frame your shot for the optimum comfort of the viewing audience.
What is the maximum camera panning rate?
Depending on the framed subject, the rule of thumb would be to take double the time to pan or tilt an IMAX 65mm Camera compared to a 35mm camera. There are many factors to be considered when determining the panning rate on an IMAX Camera. For example: the size of the subject, strong verticals, the distance to the subject, etc. Another benchmark to determine your panning speed would be to take 10 to15 seconds to pan 180° or from one frame edge to the other.
How many feet per minute go through an IMAX Camera at 24 fps?
Approximately 334 ft. per minute, or 1000 ft. in three minutes. Each 15/65 frame has a linear length of 2.79".
What are the 35mm equivalent lenses to IMAX lenses?
Please view the IMAX Lens Field Angles document for more details.
EQUIPMENT / SHIPPING:
How many cameras does IMAX have in it's inventory?
IMAX has a total of 21 15/65mm cameras composed of the following:
4 MSM 9802 36 fps
1 MKII Light Weight
3 MKII 60 fps
1 MKIII 60 fps Reflex
3 IW5A 36 fps
1 IW8 96 fps
2 Animation Cameras
3 3D Dual Strip 42 fps
3 3D-30perf Single Strip 24 fps
What are the differences between models?
All IMAX Cameras have their own unique benefits and features. Our inventory includes both 2D and 3D cameras. Some of the cameras have been optimized to be as light weight as possible while others have been optimized to run at higher speeds. Most have reflex view finding while some do not, in order to reach the higher speeds. All cameras use 1000 ft. magazines as standard length magazines, while others have complimentary 500 ft. or 2500 ft. magazines. In summary, regardless of your needs, IMAX will have the right camera to suit your specific filming requirements. Please contact the IMAX Camera Department for more details on each specific camera type.
What are the dimensions of the various IMAX Cameras?
All IMAX Cameras vary in size and shape. Please refer to camera individual specification sheets for details of the MKII, IW5A, MSM, and 3D Cameras. For quick reference, the camera bodies have the following dimensions:
MKII 12" x 11" x 9"
MKIII 15" x 15" x 12"
IW5A 15" x 17" x 13"
MSM 11" x 14" x 12"
3D Dual Strip Camera 22" x 20" x 24"
3D-30perf 17" x 12" x 8"
How much do our cameras weigh?
The 2D Cameras including 1000' magazine load and a lens, range between 56 - 98 lbs. The 3D Camera including 2 - 1000' magazine loads and a lens pair weighs 215 lbs.
How much does a typical IMAX Camera package weigh? How much does it cost to ship?
An average complete camera package weighs approximately 650 lbs. and consists of 16 cases. The cost of shipping depends on the weight of the package, the destination and how quickly it must be delivered. The IMAX Camera Dept. will work with the shipping agent to ensure timely delivery for the best cost.
How much noise does the camera make?
Some people call it noise …we like to call it a loud purr. IMAX Cameras are considerably louder than 16 and 35 mm cameras. The quietest of the IMAX Cameras are the IW5As, emitting approximately 65db at 1 meter in front of the lens. If noise is a factor, we have a variety of Sound Blimps and Sound Barneys suitable for all models. Please contact the IMAX Camera Department for further information about specific decibel levels.
What voltage does the IMAX Camera operate on? What are the current demands?
All cameras will operate on supplies ranging from 28 to 36 volts DC. Specific voltage requirement is dependent primarily on the desired operating speed of the camera. For example, all cameras must operate on a "stiff" 36 volt supply in order to run faster than 36 fps. Current draw is typically around 8 amps; however, specific current draw is dependant on the type of camera, supply voltage and camera operating speed.
How do I deal with a camera failure in the field?
All cameras come with a maintenance kit designed to enable trained Camera Assistants to handle most camera or accessory failures. For general advise or for more complex problems, emergency service is available 24 hours a day , 7 days a week. If necessary, IMAX will either send out a replacement piece of equipment or, under some circumstances, send out an IMAX Field Technician.
CAMERA ACCESSORIES AND MOUNTS:
What camera accessories do you offer?
Each camera model has a full complement of accessories. For detailed lists of accessories please view the camera accessories section.
What lenses are used for IMAX Cameras, their mounts and focal lengths?
Our primary stock of lenses are Zeiss Still Photography Lenses modified with a cage and bayonet mount. Our Zoom Lenses are Schneider 75-150 f/4.5 and Century (Canon) 300-1200 f/11. Short prime lenses include 30mm f/3.5, 40mm f/3.5, 50mm f/2.8, 60mm f/3.5, 80mm f/2.8, 100mm f/3.5, 110mm f/2, 150mm f/2.8, 250mm f/4. Long lenses include 350mm f/5.6, 500mm f/8, 800mm f/4 Pentax and 1000mm f/8 Pentax Catadioptic.
What under water housings do you have?
We have four Underwater Housings. They are:
IW5 Underwater Housing
This housing is our most popular as it can be submerged to
depths up to 250 feet sea water.
MKII Underwater Housing
This housing is rated for 120 feet of sea water.
MSM Splash Housing
This housing is rated for a depth of 6 feet.
3D Underwater Housing
This housing is rated for 125 feet of sea water.
How do you deal with sync sound?
The IW5A, the MKII and the MSM Cameras are all crystal speed controlled and if necessary can be slaved to almost any external reference. All Cameras have sound blimps that are quite effective even at close range. All the Cameras also have Soft Sound Barneys for use with longer lenses.
Where have IMAX Cameras been mounted?
IMAX Cameras have been mounted on airplanes, fighter jets, helicopters, ultra-lights, submarines, spacecraft, underwater housings, gyro-stabilized mounts, cable-car mounts, cranes/hotheads, automobiles, motorcycles, roller-coasters and a variety of heads and dollies.
What type of aerial mounts are available?
The IMAX Camera Department has worked closely with a number of aerial mount specialists to provide a broad range of aerial mount capability. For assistance with your specific aerial mount needs, contact IMAX Camera Department at (905) 403 6500.
Do you have Gyro-stabilized mounts?
IMAX does not own a Gyro-stabilized mount. However we have proven experience with Spacecam and the Peace River mount just to name two. Spacecam will accommodate the MSM Camera and can be used as a helicopter mount or a general purpose gyro-stabilized mount. The Peace River mount has been very popular for use on the deck of a ship or as a helicopter door mount.
What model cranes have been used for IMAX Cameras.
There are a variety of cranes used for different models of IMAX Cameras. The model of crane used will depend on the Camera type and the filming application required.
RENTAL COST:
What is a standard rental week?
A standard rental week is 5 days. After the shipping allowance, the Production will be charged rent for 5 out of every 7 days of rental.
What discounts are available for a camera rental?
IMAX offers discounts when a 'standard' camera package is rented. A 'standard' package consists of the camera and accessory kit, a full complement of lenses from 30mm to 250mm, matte box, (3) magazines, (3) batteries and chargers, a full set of tripods and an O'Connor Head. Additionally, IMAX recognizes the concern regarding increased shipping times and is as flexible as possible in this regard.
In addition to rental charges what other costs are associated with a camera rental?
In addition to rental charges, the Production is responsible for Carnet & Bond charges, shipping and brokerage charges and the cost to insure the camera package during the rental. The cost of these services is determined by the size of the camera package.
What are the payment terms for a camera rental?
Payment of the camera rental is required prior to commencement of the rental. Typically, an invoice to cover the cost of the rental will be issued several days in advance. Payment may be by wire transfer or cheque. At the end of the rental a Statement of Account is issued which will include any additional charges or credits which may occur after the initial invoice is generated.
PRODUCTION AND POST PRODUCTION:
Can a 16/35mm Camera Operator and Camera Assistant operate an IMAX Camera?
Before any IMAX Camera package leaves our facility, the Camera Operator and Camera Assistant must be trained on the operation of the IMAX Camera system. Although all camera systems are similar, there are many precautions and rules that must be followed when using an IMAX Camera. This training is included at no cost for productions renting IMAX Camera equipment, and is conducted at our facility in Mississauga, Canada.
How many people are required for a large format crew and what are their duties?
A minimum crew for a large format location shoot would be as follows:
Camera Operator - can act as DOP and Operator
1st A/C - acts as focus-puller and general 1st A/C duties
2nd A/C - acts as magazine loader and general 2nd A/C duties
Where can I buy raw stock? What is the lead time?
Raw stock can be purchased through your local Kodak or Fuji dealer. Kodak stock is manufactured in Rochester, New York. For standard order lengths of 1000', the lead time is 1 to 3 weeks. Special orders of 500' or 2500' lengths may require 6 to 8 weeks lead time. For approximate costs please refer to Film Production Considerations.
What are the available film stocks?
Kodak can supply pretty much all the same stocks in 65mm as they do in 35mm stock. Examples include: 5245, 5248, 5274, 5246, 5293, 5298 (in 2500' loads only), 5277, 5279, 5289. Please contact Kodak or Fuji directly for costs and delivery.
What precautions should I take to protect film from x-ray damage during shipping?
Unfortunately we are all at the mercy of international customs inspectors. All we can do is ensure that there are the bright " DO NOT X-RAY" stickers in plain sight on the packages. If the production is prepared to pay a premium they can ship their film in lead lined cases.
What labs will process and print 65mm film stock?
CFI, Consolidated Film Industries
959 Seaward Street
Hollywood, California
90038, U.S.A.
Tel (323) 960 7444
Fax (323) 467 2317
Gulliver Laboratoire, Paris
31/33 rue Madame de Sanzillon
92110 Clichy
France
Tel: 33 1 55 21 83 70
Fax: 33 1 55 21 83 79
Where are 65mm post production facilities located?
The most popular post production facility is located in southern California:
David Keighley Productions 70mm Inc.
3003 Exposition Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA
U.S.A. 90404
Contact: David Keighley
Tel. (310) 255-5552
Fax (310) 255-5673
Email: dkeighley@imax.com
A fully integrated quality assurance service company. Viewing, approval of 35mm dailies, 70mm dailies in 2D/3D; digital film recording; negative cutting; titles/opticals; hand spotting; used print evaluation; print/negative storage; answer print, interpositive, duplicate negative approval; release print approval; new/used print 3M Scotchgard coating; 35mm printdown dailies with video transfer; video mastering, duplication and distribution
In Europe:
Gulliver Laboratoire, Paris
31/33 rue Madame de Sanzillon
92110 Clichy
France
Contact: Oliver Brunet
Tel. 33 1 55 21 83 70
Fax 33 1 55 21 83 79
gulliver@aranelab.com
www.gulliverlab.com
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