MGM Camera 65: MGM Studios widescreen camera system using 65mm film with anamorphic lenses, forming the basis for Ultra Panavision 70.
Technical Details
The MGM Camera 65 system was based on modified Mitchell cameras with special 65mm film transport mechanisms. The camera exposed an image area of 52.6 mm width by 23.0 mm height, using five perforations per frame. Unlike standard 35mm film, the 65mm film ran horizontally through the camera. The system operated at a frame rate of 24 fps and, due to the large negative area, enabled exceptional image sharpness and detail resolution. The lenses were primarily from Panavision and were specially calibrated for the large-format system.
History & Development
MGM introduced the Camera 65 system in 1957 as a response to competition from Todd-AO and Cinerama. The first film shot entirely with this system was "Raintree County" (1957). The system reached its artistic peak with David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia" (1962), where the desert landscapes fully exploited the technical capabilities of the format. After the commercial failure of several 65mm productions, MGM discontinued the system in the early 1970s. In total, only about 15 films were made with MGM Camera 65.
Practical Use in Film
The system was particularly suited for epics and landscape shots, as demonstrated in "Ben Hur" (1959) and "2001: A Space Odyssey" (1968). Kubrick utilized the high resolution for the detailed spaceship models and special effects. The workflow required special developing facilities and print labs, as standard 35mm labs could not process the format. Disadvantages included the high film weight, increased wear on the cameras due to the thicker film, and the necessity of using stronger lighting to optimally expose the larger negative area.
Comparison & Alternatives
In contrast to Todd-AO, MGM Camera 65 used spherical rather than anamorphic lenses, resulting in more natural proportions. While Cinerama used three synchronized 35mm cameras, MGM Camera 65 operated with a single camera, thus avoiding seams. Modern alternatives include digital IMAX cameras or 65mm systems like the Arriflex 765, which have technically advanced the original format. Today, 65mm is mainly used for prestige productions, such as Christopher Nolan's films, with Panavision System 65 considered the direct successor to the MGM system.