Description
Photo-Sonics 4B 70mm High Speed Film Camera Sync Motor 500 FPS 240V 1HP 1PH
The Photo-Sonics 4B is a high-speed synchronous AC motor purpose-built for driving 70mm film through a Photo-Sonics high-speed camera at controlled frame rates up to 500 frames per second. The motor is rated for 500 ft of 70mm film at 500 FPS, operating on 240V single-phase AC power at 3600 RPM. It connects to the camera via a multi-pin circular military-style connector and is mounted through a machined flange base with a central drive shaft hub.
Specifications & What's Included
- Brand: Photo-Sonics Incorporated, Burbank, California
- Model: 4B
- Type: High Speed Film Camera Sync Motor
- Voltage: 240V AC
- Horsepower: 1 HP
- Phase: Single Phase (1PH)
- Frequency: 60 Hz
- Current: 1 Amp
- Speed: 3600 RPM
- Film Format: 70mm
- Maximum Film Load: 500 ft at 500 FPS
- Maximum Frame Rate: 500 Frames Per Second (FPS)
- FPS scale markings visible on body: 500, 1500, 2000 positions
- Connector: Multi-pin circular military-style power connector with attached cable
- Mounting: Bottom flange with bolt pattern and central drive shaft hub
- Includes: Motor unit with attached power cable
- Camera body not included
Applications
Photo-Sonics was a Burbank, California manufacturer of high-speed film cameras used in scientific, military, and industrial imaging applications. The 4B camera system — and its associated sync motors — were widely used in ballistics testing, aerospace flight research, crash testing, and other high-speed event capture where precise frame rates and synchronization were critical. Operating at up to 500 frames per second, these cameras could record events that occur too quickly for standard motion picture equipment, producing footage that could be played back in slow motion for detailed analysis. Photo-Sonics cameras and motors of this type were in active use from the mid-20th century through the later decades of film-based high-speed photography, before digital high-speed cameras became the standard in research and industrial settings. Today these units are sought by collectors of vintage scientific and cinematographic equipment, film camera restorers, and institutions maintaining film-based high-speed imaging systems. The motor's robust construction and industrial connector reflect its origins in demanding field and laboratory environments.
This Photo-Sonics 4B 70mm High Speed Film Camera Sync Motor has been inspected and is in good condition. The white painted housing shows normal surface wear and some discoloration consistent with age and use, visible across the body. The rating plate and caution label are both present and legible. The attached multi-pin circular power cable appears intact. The bottom mounting flange is present with all mounting bolt positions visible. The FPS scale markings on the side are readable. 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: |
Photo-Sonics |
Model: |
4B |
MPN: |
4B |
Type: |
High Speed Film Camera Sync Motor |
SKU: |
35517 |
Voltage: |
240V |
Horsepower: |
1 HP |
Phase: |
Single Phase |
Frequency: |
60 Hz |
Amperage: |
1 A |
Speed: |
3600 RPM |
Max Frame Rate: |
500 Frames Per Second (FPS) |
Film Format: |
70mm |
Film Load: |
500 ft max at 500 FPS |
Connector Type: |
Multi-pin circular military-style connector |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Condition: |
Used – Inspected and in Good Condition |
Seller Notes: |
Includes attached multi-pin power cable. Motor only — camera body not included. |
Application: |
High speed 70mm film cinematography, ballistic, scientific imaging |
Form Factor: |
Standalone Motor Unit |
Condition Notes: |
Photo-Sonics 4B 70mm High Speed Sync Motor inspected and in good used condition. Housing shows normal wear and aging. Rating plate and caution label present and legible. Multi-pin power cable attached and intact. |
