The Kodak Cine Special 16mm Cameras (CKS) are a family of precision, versatile, spring-wound 16mm silent movie cameras produced by Eastman Kodak from the 1930s to the 1960s, and intended for advanced consumers and industry professionals. While its rectangular format was typical of earlier Kodak 16 mm cameras (such as Cine-Kodak, Kodak Models B, F and K), the CKS 'box' was formed by two joined sections: the spring motor half with the user controls, winding cranks, and gear work to the shutter. The other half was a film magazine which docked to the motor. This allowed the cinematographer to pre-load multiple magazines of film for quick interchange of film.
Standard features included:
Optional features included:
The first edition (CKS-1) appears in the early 1930s with a two-lens turret. The flat (planar) shape of the turret limited the types of lenses that could be mounted - long lenses would physically and optically interfere with the taking lens. The post-war innovation of the Cine Special II (CKS-II) beveled the turret face so the lens mounts were not parallel . Kodak also made a military version with black, non-reflective metal instead of chrome.
The CKS-1 turret holds 2 lenses. Both positions secure a mounting bracket to connect to lenses. One position is the Cine-Kodak mount, with a fixed 25mm lens. The other position is the Kodak S-mount distinguished by an alignment pin and secured by a screw collar. The latter allows for insertion of interchangeable lenses. The mounting brackets have tilt-up viewfinders with masks according to the focal length.
Additional Kodak lens information is on this page: "Kodak Cine Lenses"
Filters: The CKS family was able to utilize the Kodak TriColor Filter. A 1920s technology using special panchromatic film with a lenticular layer behind the emulsion. This filter separates and distributes the colors in a method analogous to pixels today. KodaScope Model B 16mm projectors reconstructed the original color distribution by placing counterpart tricolor filter places over the projection lens. Further explanation is available on this page: Kodacolor (filmmaking)
Due to strong acceptance of the CKS in professional use a creative aftermarket of CKS extensibility grew.
This table identifies the patents covering CKS technologies, providing good date references.
| Patent | Date Filed | Inventor | Title | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,688,370 | 1/11/1928 | O. Wittel | Lens Attachment for Photographic Apparatus (The Tri-Color Filter) | |
| 1,942,891 | 6/9/1932 | O. Wittel | Motion Picture Film Magazine | |
| 1,976,304 | 6/30/1932 | J. Stoiber | Centrifugal Governor for a Motion Picture Camera | |
| 1,984,103 | 7/29/1932 | O. Wittel | Reflex Finder for Motion Picture Camera | |
| 1,997,321 | 7/13/1932 | J. Stoiber | Brake for Motion Picture Apparatus | |
| 2,011,350 | 7/30/1932 | O. Wittel | Control Arrangement for a Motion Picture Camera (Shutter interlock switch for the film magazine) | |
| 2,083,646 | 7/30/1934 | A.B. Fuller | Motor Drive for Motion Picture Cameras | |
| 2,105,250 | 8/11/1936 | D. F. Lyman, J. Stoiber | Warning Signal for Dissolving Shutters | |
| 2,487,913 | 4/3/1948 (CKS-II) | O. Wittel | Lens Supporting and Focusing Mechanism for Motion-PIcture Cameras (offset mount for lenses) | |
| D 133,626 | 5/1/1942 | W. Bach (Auricon) | Motion Picture Camera Motor Drive Casing |
The following table identifies lens and filter patents of the CKS Series.
| Patent | Date Filed | Inventor | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,620,337 | 1/17/1923 | F.E. Altman | Objective |
| 1,685,600 | 7/20/1927 | W. Frederick | Optical System for Color Processes (Tri-Color Filter) |
| 1,688,370 | 1/11/1928 | O. Wittel | Lens Attachment for Photographic Apparatus (Tri-Color Filter) |
| 1,405,463 | 5/3/1920 | Tessier | Focusing Lens Mount (S-Mount) |
| 2,019,735 | 6/24/1934 | J.W. Scott | Focusing Objective |
Following the CKS Kodak introduced the synchronous, electric drive Kodak Reflex Special with a 400' magazine.
Bach-Auricon began delivery of electric, 16mm sound cameras in the early 1940s, and these were produced through the 1970s.