Before running the camera, especially for the first time during the day, it is a wise precaution to check that the camera speed (fps) is set as required. The 24/25, 24/29.97 or 24/30 crystal control fps switch is situated in the recess in the centre underside of the camera (the cave). On most cameras this switch may be configured to switch between either 24 and 25 fps or 24 and 29.97/30 fps by means of a switch on the crystal/tach circuit board. The latest circuit boards allow you to switch between all four speeds.
PLATINUM PANAFLEX Speed Controls
The PLATINUM can be set to run under crystal control at any speed (4 - 36 fps) in increments of 1/10 fps by a switch at the rear of the camera. (The 29.97 fps switch is in the cave.) Lift the cover to set the speed and check that it is exactly as required by running the camera and observing the digital display panel. (Note: At 29.97 fps the display will show 29.9 and flash.)
To vary the camera speed continuously and smoothly over the full range a special Variable Speed Control Unit is an available accessory.
GII and Earlier PANAFLEX Speed Controls
The crystal control/variable speed switch of these cameras is located at the rear of the camera providing 4-36 fps variable speeds. Push the slide switch to the ‘VARY’ position (a safety catch prevents this from being done inadvertently) and turn the knurled black knob to vary the speed. On some cameras the maximum speed may be achieved by turning the knob fully clockwise and then backing off very slightly. Running speed is confirmed by the LED display.
A switch at the rear of PANASTAR cameras may be used to set the camera to operate at crystal controlled speeds of 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 96 and 120 fps.
The 24 fps selection may be set to run at 25 fps by means of a switch in the cave and on some cameras this setting may in turn be set to operate at 30 fps by a switch on the crystal/tach board.
Other preset crystal controlled speeds, and infinitely variable speeds may be selected by means of an external speed control unit.
On PLATINUM PANASTAR cameras a digital switch may be used to set the camera to run at any crystal controlled speed between 4 and 120 fps.
An electronic Precision Speed Control is available to run any camera at any speed, in increments of 1/1000 fps, under crystal control.
1. 24/25, 24/29.97 or 24/30 fps switch set in camera cave, 2. 25/30 or 25/29.97/30 fps configuration switch on the circuit board, 3. Precision Speed Control accessory, 4. PLATINUM digital speed selector and rear ON/OFF switch, 5. GII/GOLDEN crystal control (24, 25, 29.97 or 30 fps)/variable speed switch, variable speed control and rear ON/OFF switch, 6. PANASTAR speed control.
HMI FLICKER-FREE CAMERA SPEEDS
Note: The above speed settings are dependent upon very accurate frequency and shutter settings. Where a speed is rounded off it is advisable to use a micro shutter control and a look-through device to ensure safe flicker-free operation (see page 121).
A 200° (or any other) shutter opening is safe at 24 fps with a 60 Hz AC power supply providing that both the camera speed and the 60Hz power supply are very precise.
“0.5 Light Peaks per Exposure” is one light peak during the exposure period but none during the viewfinder period.