E.X. 16 and PANORAM

In the last few years of its existence, Eclair designed two cameras that were evolutions of the ACL II design : the E.X.16 and PANORAM.

E.X.16

The E.X.16 was to be Eclair’s lower-cost, consumer model.  This camera was more-or-less an ACL II with downgraded accessories such as a fixed viewfinder, 200′ magazine and fixed 24/25 motor.  The U.S. list price in 1983 for a basic E.X.16 camera was $11,865.

E.X. 16 Ad from "le technicien du film et de la video" Oct. 1982 (Scanned by Erkan Umut)

E.X. 16 Ad from "American Cinematographer" Oct. 1982 (Scanned by Boris Belay)

PANORAM

The PANORAM was to be the top-of-the-line professional model, including substantial improvements over the ACL II such as a quick-change dual 16mm/Super-16 format (“Varigate”), a spinning mirror, adjustable shutter  and premium accessories.  The U.S. list price in 1983 for a basic PANORAM camera was $20,185.

Eclair had just begun marketing the two cameras when they ceased all camera production and Aaton bought the technology and patents.  Neither camera made it to the mass production stage.  Apparently a very small quantity of PANORAMS were produced.  There may only be a few prototypes of the E.X.16.   It is not clear whether either model was actually distributed, but they both appear in late Eclair sales brochures.

If you own or have information about either of these cameras, please post a comment!

Thanks to Erkan Umut for the E.X.16 and PANORAM scans

PANORAM leaflet (original scan restored by Erkan Umut)

E.X. 16 Prices (from the AGE CATALOG 1985)

PANORAM Prices (from the AGE CATALOG 1985)