Description
Grass Instruments C4R Kymograph 35mm Camera Controller 115V Ilex 58mm Lens
The Grass Instruments C4R is a motorized 35mm film kymograph camera and synchronous controller designed for physiological and scientific recording. The system combines a 35mm film transport camera body — fitted with an Ilex No. 1 Synchro Electronic 58mm lens — with an integrated controller base that provides synchronized relay, shutter, and contactor outputs for coordinating with external recording instruments. A foot switch/pedal is included for hands-free triggering.
Specifications & What's Included
- Brand: Grass Instruments (Grass Instrument Co., Quincy, Massachusetts, USA)
- Model: C4R Kymograph Camera
- Film format: 35mm
- Lens: Ilex No. 1 Synchro Electronic 58mm (Ilex Optical Co. Inc., Rochester, NY)
- Power: 115V AC, 60Hz
- Fuse rating: 3A
- Synchronous outputs: Relay, Shutter, Contactor
- Film speed control: Variable (graduated MM/SEC dial)
- Control modes: External, Single, Film Frames, Repeat, Moving
- Form factor: Benchtop/tabletop unit on integral mounting base
- Includes: Camera unit, controller base, and foot switch/pedal
- Film stock, cables, and mounting accessories not included
Applications
The Grass C4R Kymograph Camera was designed for physiological research laboratories, primarily to record continuous data from polygraph and physiograph instruments onto 35mm film. Grass Instrument Co. was a leading manufacturer of physiological recording equipment from the 1940s through the 1980s; their kymograph cameras were standard tools in academic and medical research settings for capturing nerve, muscle, cardiovascular, and EEG waveform data on film. The kymograph tradition — recording biological signals onto moving media — dates to the 19th century, and motorized 35mm film cameras like the C4R were the mid-20th-century evolution of that method, offering a compact and synchronizable recording solution before digital data acquisition became standard. These units are now primarily sought by collectors of vintage scientific instruments, museums, and researchers maintaining or restoring legacy Grass physiograph systems.
This Grass Instruments C4R Kymograph 35mm Camera and Controller is being sold AS-IS for parts or repair. The unit looks to be in reasonable cosmetic shape overall — the painted metal housing shows age-appropriate wear. The lens (Ilex No. 1 Synchro Electronic 58mm) shows some surface corrosion on the retaining ring, visible in the close-up photo. Due to the age of this equipment, we have not tested it and cannot confirm functionality; it is sold strictly for parts, repair, or as a display/collection piece. The foot switch/pedal is included. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Grass Instruments |
Model: |
C4R |
MPN: |
C4R |
Type: |
Kymograph 35mm Scientific Film Camera & Controller |
SKU: |
35505 |
Seller Notes: |
Includes camera, controller base, and foot switch/pedal. No film stock included. |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Power Requirements: |
115V AC, 60Hz |
Voltage: |
115V |
Frequency: |
60 Hz |
Fuse Rating: |
3A |
Film Format: |
35mm |
Lens: |
Ilex No. 1 Synchro Electronic 58mm |
Lens Mount/Brand: |
Ilex Optical Co. Inc., Rochester, NY |
Synchronous Outputs: |
Relay, Shutter, Contactor |
Film Speed Control: |
Variable (MM/SEC) |
Control Type: |
External / Single / Film Frames / Repeat / Moving |
Form Factor: |
Benchtop / Tabletop |
Application: |
Physiological research, kymograph recording, scientific film documentation |
Compatible With: |
Grass physiograph / polygraph recording systems |
Manufacturer Location: |
Grass Instrument Co., Quincy, Massachusetts, USA |
Condition Notes: |
Grass Instruments C4R Kymograph 35mm Camera & Controller sold AS-IS for parts or repair. Cosmetically fair with age-appropriate wear; Ilex 58mm lens shows surface corrosion. Not tested — no functionality guaranteed. Foot switch included. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |
