Aerial Cinematography: Continental Magnum Elite Mount

Manufacturer:		Advanced Camera Systems 7625 Hayvenhurst Ave., Ste. 47 Van Nuys, CA 91406 T: 818-989-5222 F: 818-994-8405
Contact:		Russell Ofria, Jr.
Web site:
www.advancedcamera.com
Email:
mailbox@advancedcamera.com

Continental Magnum Elite Mount

Still known in parts of the world as the Continental Magnum Elite, this door mount has been around a long time. It was originally manufactured by Continental Camera Systems and a good number are currently owned and used by many worldwide. The Magnum Elite is strong enough to handle large format cameras, but consult with the mounts owner prior to rental as modifications may be necessary to accommodate. As of this writing, the Magnum Elite requires field approval as it is not covered under an STC.

Camera Compatibility

Check with manufacturer for a complete list of cameras.

BetaCam packages
All current available camcorder makes and models including HiDef.
Aaton 16 & 35 models
Arriflex 16SR models
Arriflex 35-3
(400' magazines only)
Using Jurgen's Video Door and Cinematography Electronics Crystal High Speed Control.
Arriflex 35-IIC
(400' magazines only)
Using Jurgen's video door and Cinematography Electronics's Crystal IIC Motor.
Arriflex 435
(400' magazines only)
Panavision Pan-Arri 35-3
(400' magazines only)
Panavision Pan-Arri 435
(400' magazines only)
Specialty & Large Format Cameras including IMAX, Iwerks, Vista Vision
Not optimal from an operator's standpoint due to size and/or viewfinder configuration, but a necessary evil nonetheless. Practically all makes of Vista Vision, IMAX & Showscan have at one point been used, according to Tyler. Viewfinder issues can be addressed utilizing a video tap and small, camera-mounted LCD monitor. Allow extra set-up and balance time as these configurations are mainly customized for the occasion. Gross weight of the camera package and mount mandates a more powerful aircraft, especially when working 'hot & high.' Consider nothing less than an AStar, Squirrel, TwinStar, or TwinSquirrel.

Aircraft Compatibility

Bell 206 JetRanger
Including: 206, 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-III
Bell 206L LongRanger
Including: 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4
Eurocopter AS350 AStar
Including: AS350 B, AS350 B1, AS350 C, AS350 D, AS350 D1, AS350 B2, AS350 BA
Also known as Squirrel, Ecureuil and Fennec (military).
Eurocopter AS355 TwinStar
Including: AS355 E, AS355 F, AS355 F1, AS355 F2, AS355 N
Also known as Squirrel, Ecureuil and Fennec (military)