Time Lapse & Animation Motor for Bolex:

TCS "TTL" Tobin Time Lapse

A True Motor Driven Unit. Shoot 100 or 400 feet without winding. This is not merely a trigger, it prevents the varying exposure time you would otherwise get as the clockwork spring winds down, and the winding up of the spring again which can disturb the setup. The film is smoothly driven by a DC servo gearmotor, which eliminates the possible wear of camera gears, vibration and high current drain of stepping motor drive. DC operation permits use on batteries in the field, or on AC studio power when you add an optional regulated power supply.
The TTL runs at a regulated .75 FPS (frames per second) or 32 times slower than 24 FPS. Exposure compensation needed is 5 F stops or 1.5 ND (neutral density.)

Wide Timing Range. "Seconds" range gives from about 2 to 60 seconds per frame. "Minutes" range gives from about 1 to 60 minutes per frame. The interval timing is by a high frequency oscillator, digitally divided for stability. Timing for the next frame does not start until the previous frame is finished, to prevent missing frames at

short intervals. Interval is continuously variable with a smooth rotary logarithmic dial, so you are not limited to fixed increments. (Dial markings are silk-screened for average intervals and the actual positions may vary slightly for individual TTL units owing to component tolerances.)

Normal or Long Exposures. "Normal" gives a fixed 3/8 second exposure. "Long Exposure" mode stops with the shutter open, for extremely dim subjects such as stars or moonlit scenes.

Animation Mode. Plugging in the remote release cable provided changes over to manual mode. To prevent mistakes, exposure is then unaffected by any of the Time Lapse mode switch and knob settings. Tap the switch on the remote cable for an instant to expose a single frame, or hold the button down for continuous run.

Wind and Rewind modes. Run through leader, or rewind for multiple exposures, at a faster 1.25 FPS (frames per second) rate. This speed can also be used for filming, bearing in mind that it is not stabilized and will vary with battery voltage. The TTL is spaced 1/2" away from the camera body for fingertip access to the frame counter reset knobs, and it does not block the frame and footage counter windows. Note that Rewind cannot be used with the 400' magazine as this will not run in reverse.

General. Operates on 12.6 volts DC with an allowable range of 11 to 14.4 volts, via an industry-standard XLR 4-pin connector. An "Accessory" jack can power a takeup motor for the 400' magazine. Construction is CNC machined die-cast aluminum, with finish in "Steel Grey" powdercoat and with silk-screened legends. An automatic-reset circuit protector is built-in. Case size is 3.7" x 4.7" and protrusion from the camera body is 3-3/4". Weight is 1 lb. 2 oz. or about 0.5 kg. A comprehensive 4-page instruction manual gives installation and operation hints, and suggested starting points for intervalometer settings for clouds, stars, etc.

Requires 1:1 Drive Shaft. The 1:1 shaft is found on cameras made since about 1965, including the H-16 Rex-4 serial number 210601 and higher; the H-16 M-4 serial number 214401 and higher; the H-16 S-4 serial number 221201 and higher; and the H-8 Rex-4 serial number 212401 and higher. All Rex-5, M-5, SB and SBM cameras have the 1:1 drive shaft. The 1:1 shaft is to the left of the film plane mark f and above and to the right of the I-T selection knob. Your camera has the 1:1 shaft if it has the rectangular base, I-T selection by a knob and not by a lever, and two drive shafts on the side.

TTL motor (with remote animation release cable switch) is priced at $495.
TTLe (economy) motor (same but with captive screws instead of captive thumbscrews) is priced at $395.

Converting the motor to use on a 35mm Konvas.

AC Power Supply for the TTL motor for 100 or 120 volt AC power, has North America / Japan type power plug, lightweight, output is regulated 12 volts DC through 4 pin XLR female plug. (NOTE: 1 amp rating is not enough to drive a crystal motor) $39. We also have a medium-duty 3.33 amp power supply for 100 to 240 volts AC which will also drive a 16mm crystal motor, for $79.

Takeup Motor Cable TTL-MM for 400' magazine MM torque motor, $39. 
If you have the WM torque motor you will instead need a cable pigtail adapter, $49. These are custom made and not kept in stock.
Ready to order now? Please see our ordering info page.
Rex-5 Instructions in PDF (on another site)

Animation Pushbutton:

Box with pushbutton and 5 foot cable as currently supplied. Flanges permit screwing or taping to table or animation stand to keep it in one place. Or just hold it in your hand.

Rights Notice: Material on film, tape, disc or otherwise may be subject to stated or implied Copyright or Performance Right, or the right to privacy, etc. depending on the laws of your country. Unauthorized duplication may be a violation that is civil or criminal in nature. Equipment or services offered by TCS Inc. should not be construed as inviting criminal activity. The user should ascertain if duplication might violate any rights, and obtain a written release from each affected party. Consult your attorney about any specific instance.