Akeley Gyro Tripod

PART OF:
The Kodak Museum Collection

Akeley Gyro Tripod

Invented by Carl Akeley (1864-1926), curator of the American Museum of Natural History, this camera was of unique design. The film was contained in a single magazine inside the camera. The shutter was cylindrical and ran round the inside of the body. This image shows the telescope viewfinder which could be adjusted to any angle allowing the cameraman to follow rapid action easily, regardless of the tilt of the camera. Akeley cameras were mainly used for documentary films, notably Robert Flaherty's 'Nanook of the North' (1922).

Details

Category:
Cinematography
Collection:
Kodak Collection
Object Number:
1990-5036/8492
Measurements:
overall: 1160 mm x 220 mm x 200 mm,
type:
tripod
credit:
The Kodak Collection at the National Media Museum, Bradford