Bell & Howell Filmo 70HR

The Filmo 70HR represents Bell & Howell's entry into the professional 35mm still camera market in 1948, leveraging their renowned expertise in precision mechanics and cinema equipment. Built to the company's high standards, it featured a robust metal body construction, a coupled rangefinder for accurate focusing, and a focal plane shutter offering speeds from 1 second to 1/500th plus 'B'. It utilized the ubiquitous 135 film format and accepted interchangeable lenses via a proprietary bayonet mount, catering to photographers demanding reliability and precision akin to their cinema gear. While sharing the esteemed Bell & Howell name and build quality, the Filmo 70HR occupied a specific niche, primarily appealing to industrial, scientific, and press photographers who valued its sturdiness and professional features over mass-market appeal.