418

Lot #418: VARIOUS PRODUCTIONS - Panavision PSR (Panavision Silent Reflex) 35mm Motion Picture Camera

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Movie - Props Start Price:20,000.00 USD Estimated At:40,000.00 - 80,000.00 USD
Lot #418: VARIOUS PRODUCTIONS - Panavision PSR (Panavision Silent Reflex) 35mm Motion Picture Camera
Winning bids placed on iCollector are subject to an online buyer's expense fee equal to 3% of the hammer price. There is no fee for bids placed on propstoreauction.com
VARIOUS PRODUCTIONS - Panavision PSR (Panavision Silent Reflex) 35mm Motion Picture Camera - A Panavision PSR (Panavision Silent Reflex) 35mm motion picture camera manufactured circa 1960s and utilized on many productions throughout its history. The PSR camera was Panavision's first custom-made camera system and quickly became a staple of the movie industry. Panavision built the PSRs around existing Mitchell camera internals, placing the Mitchell interiors into custom-made Panavision blimps and applying superior engineering to systems for optics, lenses, and other crucial parts of operation.

PSR cameras were used extensively on major motion pictures in the U.S. and abroad from their introduction in the late 1960s until circa the 1980s. Many fan-favorite films were shot on PSRs, including The Wild Bunch, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, Alien, Superman: The Movie, Star Wars: A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, and countless others. Panavision only rented its equipment to productions and never sold it, though it did have distribution deals with a number of overseas partners such as Samuelsons in the U.K., who supplied Panavision equipment into major European productions.

After the PSR, Panavision developed the Panaflex camera system, which was lighter weight and easier to work with on location. PSR cameras became studio cameras for films, and in the 1990s were commonly used as pedestal-mounted cameras for shooting sitcoms.

Only a small number of PSR cameras (perhaps less than 60) were ever manufactured, unlike Panaflex cameras, which were manufactured in greater quantities. Many PSR cameras were converted circa late-1980s and 1990s into "Super PSR" units with additional electronics, a revised motor system, and controls on the back. This PSR is in its original unconverted condition, matching the appearance seen in stills from behind the scenes of A New Hope and other films of the era. However, the magazine blimp which sits atop its body is engraved with the Super PSR text (including "R-200," a reference to the 200-degree angle of the shutter.)

While the specific history of this camera and the productions it worked on are unknown, it may have been on any number of countless films and represents one of the great motion picture camera systems of the past 100 years. Panavision cameras are exceedingly rare and the PSR is considered one of the finest. Its current functionality remains untested but it is believed to be in operational condition. Also included are a 100mm Panavision lens with follow-focus system; a swing-out Panavision matte box; an early-style round motor cover for a non-crystal motor; a Mitchell non-crystal motor; a yellow Panavision power cable; a 35mm film magazine; and transport cases for both the camera and magazine. The set is well cared for and remains in excellent overall condition with minor wear to the camera body and lens. Dimensions: 26.5" x 17" x 14" (67.5 cm x 43.25 cm x 35.5 cm)

Contains electronics and mechanical components; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.

Special shipping required; see notice in the Buyer's Guide.

Estimate: $40,000 - 80,000

Bidding for this lot will end on Wednesday, June 28th. The auction will begin at 8:00AM PDT and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Thursday, June 29th or Friday, June 30th.