Description
Perkin Elmer 917-FA 16mm Body Motion Picture Camera Ilex 14mm f/2.5 Lens
The Perkin Elmer 917-FA is a compact 16mm body-mount motion picture camera built by Perkin-Elmer Aerospace Systems in Pomona, California. It is a rugged block-format film camera designed to be mounted directly to a subject or platform — typically used in aerospace, military, and high-speed photographic data-recording applications rather than conventional handheld cinematography. This unit includes the Ilex Optical 14mm f/2.5 wide-angle lens in its C-mount, an attached braided wiring pigtail, and a DB9 electrical connector.
Specifications & What's Included
- Model: Perkin-Elmer 917-FA Body Motion Picture Camera
- Part Number: 330588 (NAC P/N 653692)
- NSN: 6710-933-3360
- Manufactured by: Perkin-Elmer Aerospace Systems, Pomona, California
- Film Format: 16mm
- Lens: Ilex Optical 14mm f/2.5 (C-mount, included)
- Electrical Interface: DB9 connector on attached braided wire pigtail
- Drive port and film transport interface visible on side panel
- Rugged black anodized/painted aluminum housing with mounting bracket
- Missing: Film magazine (not included)
- Missing: Power supply (not included)
- Missing: Other accessories required for operation
Applications
The Perkin-Elmer 917-FA belongs to a class of compact body-mount or gun-camera style 16mm film cameras developed primarily for military and aerospace data-recording use from the 1960s through the 1980s. These cameras were designed for situations requiring a small, rugged, self-contained film unit that could be mounted to an aircraft, vehicle, weapon system, or test rig to record events at high frame rates where standard motion picture cameras were impractical. Perkin-Elmer's Aerospace Systems division in Pomona produced optical and imaging instruments for defense and government programs, and cameras like the 917-FA were often procured under military contracts — as the NSN and government order number on this unit confirm. Today these cameras are sought by collectors of military and aerospace optical equipment, cinematography historians, and occasionally by restoration or display projects.
This Perkin Elmer 917-FA 16mm Body Motion Picture Camera is being sold as-is for parts or repair. The camera body is present and includes the Ilex 14mm f/2.5 lens, an attached wiring pigtail, and a DB9 electrical connector, but is missing the film magazine, power supply, and other accessories required for operation. It has not been tested and no functionality is guaranteed. The housing shows significant wear consistent with military/aerospace service use, including paint scuffing, surface marks, and oxidation on metal hardware visible throughout. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions. Please note: We have multiple units in stock — yours may not be the one shown in the photos, however, it will be similar in condition and function.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Perkin-Elmer |
Model: |
917-FA |
MPN: |
330588 |
Secondary Model: |
NAC P/N 653692 |
Type: |
16mm Body Motion Picture Camera |
SKU: |
42154 |
Film Format: |
16mm |
Lens Included: |
Ilex Optical 14mm f/2.5 |
Lens Mount: |
C-mount (visible in photos) |
Manufacturer: |
Perkin-Elmer Aerospace Systems, Pomona, CA |
NSN: |
6710-933-3360 |
Order Number: |
BOA 704608-87-A-0601-0P01 |
Connector Type: |
DB9 electrical connector (attached pigtail) |
Condition: |
As-Is / For Parts or Not Working |
Seller Notes: |
Missing film magazine, power supply, and various accessories. Body and lens included. |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Application: |
Aerospace / Military high-speed body-worn film camera |
Form Factor: |
Body-mount compact block camera |
Condition Notes: |
Perkin Elmer 917-FA 16mm Body Motion Picture Camera sold as-is for parts. Missing film magazine, power supply, and accessories. Untested, no functionality guaranteed. Body and Ilex 14mm f/2.5 lens included. |
