The beautiful Filmo 75 is a 16mm movie camera, produced in Chicago beginning in 1928. It was intended for amateur use, but the quality of its construction makes it easy to see why Bell & Howell cameras were the tools of choice for Hollywood studios in the early days of motion pictures.
Although rather heavy by today's standards, the 75 was quite compact for its time, and was marketed as a ladies' camera. Its ornate leather covering was available in Walnut Brown, Ebony Black, and Silver Birch (seen here).
Truly a work of art.
Hovork, wherefore and why., Hyaground, akimus, Mikey In The Morning, and 159 other people added this photo to their favorites.
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bullseyephoto 48 months ago | reply
lucky bastard.
bob the ed 47 months ago | reply
hi John, I've just been given a filmo 75, identical to yours. It's a stunning bit of kit, but it won't wind or run. Is there any kind of locking mechanism on it? Where is the shutter button?
John Kratz 47 months ago | reply
Hi bob/ed,
I don't have a manual for mine, so I don't know whether there's a locking mechanism of some sort. The operating lever is located directly below the nameplate. You might be able to find a manual for it online.
reptileteacher 47 months ago | reply
Wow I just Found one in my basement Even has the box and manuel if yours is locked the tiny silver button beside the word Model on the front may be "Locked" slide it to the left away from the word "model" and it should be able to fire. To fire push on the little silver tab unde r the word Chicago on he name plate.
Andromeda International Records 46 months ago | reply
Okay, I have just seen one in a thrift store today, exact same model and style as this one; interesting in that it has the much worn camera carrier box, with the green interior, where you have to place the camea with the lens down. It has the person's name engraved in gold on top of the box, no manual but, as everyone states, how beautiful to look at. I could not find where the button was to get it to start, although the ring was able to take my counter-clockwise cranks. I would only like to get it if it works; again, someone may have already said this, where is the button to make it start? Btw---it is selling for $80 but I am sure I can make them sell it to me for half price; please advisel thanks!---Mark Matlock/Andromeda International Records
John Kratz 46 months ago | reply
Well, assuming it works, certainly buy it, especially if you can talk them down, but even if you can't.
Push the tab directly beneath the nameplate to see if it runs.
Andromeda International Records 46 months ago | reply
This is the tab you have to push up on, right; I do not think it worked, it was frozen; that being said, what is the relative worth? Could it be fixed? Does anyone have one that works and can talk about the results? As beautiful as it is, I am shying away from cameras that don't work as I want to get some use out of them. Still, that beauty of the style haunts me. So exquisite to look at, to hold.
Mind/Body/Spirit 45 months ago | reply
This is so lovely! wow
Eddi van W. 44 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Creative Commons- Free Pictures, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
wonderful!
bottledog 43 months ago | reply
Just beautiful!
obi1kenobi1 42 months ago | reply
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called 16mm, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
BlondeShot Creative 41 months ago | reply
gorgeous collectible!
furstyferret81 41 months ago | reply
Amazing!
Estela027 40 months ago | reply
This is art for art! Amazing!
SaraReno 40 months ago | reply
Wow, this is absolutely stunning!
cinemalogic 35 months ago | reply
I have just inherited a filmo 75, property of my greatGrandfather It's in a practically perfect condition, It even came with a 1947 cardinals world champions panflet that he left inside. This camera documented WW2 bombings in england and it doesn't even have a little dent. Where can I find film for it, and do they still develop this type of film?
John Kratz 35 months ago | reply
B&H sells 16mm film, and there are probably other places you could get it. There are several places that process it too. Just Google 16mm movie film processing and see which place suits you.
Dustin McAmera 11 months ago | reply
I added this to
camera-wiki.org/wiki/Bell_%26_Howell
Thanks!
Clay Dye 9 months ago | reply
Stunning little camera. Great capture in more then one way. Congrats.
DoGia 6 months ago | reply
I have a similar one, but your one is so attractive