Camera Noise Control

If a camera becomes noisier than it should be, then there are a number of possible causes that can be checked immediately, viz.:

Is the filter door closed?

Is the film running over the sprocket teeth correctly?

Are both loops as large as possible?

Has the pitch control been set for optimum quietness?

Is the de–anamorphoser lever set properly?

Are the aperture plate locking levers touching the camera door?

Is anything creating a mechanical link between the mechanism plate and the camera body?

Are all the internal circuit boards secure?

Is the motor touching the motor cover?

Does the movement require lubricating?

If none of the above is the answer to the problem then the camera should be returned to PANAVISION, or its representative, for attention.

Minimizing Camera Noise

Although the noise generated by PANAFLEX cameras is reasonably even all around there is a slight advantage to be gained by positioning the microphone forward of the film plane (rather than behind the camera) and at ‘10 o’clock’ or ‘5 o’clock’ relative to, and looking at, the front of the camera.

Most of what little noise comes from PANAFLEX cameras is confined to a few very narrow frequency bands. Much can be done, particularly at the dubbing stage, to minimize any recorded camera noise by putting in notch filters at 24 Hz and 12 KHz and their harmonics.

1. Polar camera noise graph showing noise level three feet forward from the film plane, 2. Noise spectrum graph of a PLATINUM PANAFLEX, 3. Noise spectrum graph of a GII PANAFLEX.