Redlake 15-0001 High Speed Camera Speed Control 4-144fps 115V 15A w/ Case

Redlake 15-0001 High Speed Camera Speed Control 4-144fps 115V 15A w/ Case

The Redlake 15-0001 is a variable-speed controller built for high speed 16mm and 35mm film cameras, providing continuously variable frame rate control from 4 to 144 frames per second. Made by the Redlake Corporation Photo Instrument Division in Santa Clara, California, it was designed to drive Redlake's own high speed cameras and has also been reported compatible with certain Mitchell NC series cameras that supported comparable frame rates. The unit is housed in a rugged white painted metal latch case with a carry handle, making it suitable for field and studio use.

Specifications & What's Included

• Model: 15-0001 (labeled "Speed Control" on front panel)
• Manufacturer: Redlake Corporation, Photo Instrument Division — 2991 Corwin Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95051
• Frame Rate Range: Variable, 4 to 144 frames per second (fps)
• Power Input: 115V AC, 60Hz, 15A
• Front Panel Controls: Large rotary fps selector dial (calibrated 8–16–24–32–40–48–56–64–72–80–88–96–104–112–120–128–136–144 fps); RUN toggle switch; STOP toggle switch (lockable)
• Tach Port: BNC connector (tachometer output, front panel)
• Camera Port: Multi-pin circular connector (camera drive output)
• Remote Port: Multi-pin circular connector (remote control input)
• Power Port: Multi-pin circular connector (AC power output to camera)
• Enclosure: White painted metal latch case with hinged lid, two latch closures, and rubber feet
• Carry Handle: Integrated gray rubber handle on top
• Mounting Bracket: Aluminum side-mount bracket attached to left side of case
• Serial Number: 112 (per rating plate)

Applications

High speed film camera speed controllers like the Redlake 15-0001 were essential tools in industrial, scientific, and motion picture photography from the 1960s through the 1980s, when high speed 16mm and 35mm film cameras were the primary means of capturing fast transient events. They allowed cinematographers, engineers, and researchers to dial in precise frame rates well above the standard 24fps film rate — commonly ranging from slow motion analysis at moderate speeds up to 144fps and beyond — and then play footage back at normal speed to study motion that was otherwise too fast for the human eye. Redlake's Photo Instrument Division was one of the leading American manufacturers of high speed cameras and related controllers during this era, producing equipment widely used in automotive crash testing, ballistics analysis, military research, industrial quality control, and film and television special effects. The 15-0001 specifically provided both a Camera port for driving the camera motor and a Remote port for external triggering or synchronization, with a Tach BNC output for monitoring actual camera speed. Today these controllers are sought by collectors of vintage cinematography equipment, researchers maintaining legacy high speed film cameras, and film schools or archives preserving analog film technology.