Photosonics 4C

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The classic Photo-Sonics high-speed film camera – 35mm at up to 360 fps. With rotating prism compensator, the 4C became the Hollywood standard for film slow-motion.

What is the Photo-Sonics 4C?

The Photo-Sonic 4C is a 35mm film high-speed camera from the 1980s. With up to 360 frames per second on real film stock, it was the Hollywood standard for slow-motion for decades – from explosions to stunts.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Value
Format	35mm (4-perf)
Max. fps	360
Min. fps	50
Transport	Continuous
Compensation	Rotating Prism
Viewfinder	Non-reflex
Magazine	120m / 300m
Weight	~15 kg

Frame Rates

Setting	fps	Slow-Down (at 24)
Minimum	50	2×
Standard	120	5×
Maximum	360	15×

The Rotating Prism Principle

Why Continuous Transport?

With intermittent transport (like normal cameras):

Film stops, exposes, moves
At 360 fps: 360 starts/stops per second
Mechanical stress would destroy film

The 4C Solution

CONVENTIONAL: PHOTO-SONICS 4C:

Film stops → Exposure Film runs continuously
Film moves → Dark phase Prism compensates for movement
 → Image "floats" with the film

The rotating prism optically compensates for film movement – the image remains stationary during exposure.

4C vs. 4E

Feature	4C	4E
Max. fps	360	360
Viewfinder	Non-reflex	Non-reflex (4ER: Reflex)
Generation	Older	Newer
Mechanics	Proven	Improved
Availability	Limited	Slightly better

Film Consumption

At 360 fps

Time	Film Consumed	Rolls (300m)
1 Sec.	5.5 m	0.02
10 Sec.	55 m	0.18
1 Min.	330 m	1.1
5 Min.	1,650 m	5.5

Cost Calculation (90s)

Item	Per 10 Sec.
Film Stock	~€150
Processing	~€100
Telecine/Scan	~€200
Total	~€450

Typical Applications

Film Productions

Application	Typical fps
Explosions	300–360
Glass Breakage	360
Water Splashes	200–300
Stunts	120–200
Pyrotechnics	300–360

Commercials

Product	Application
Automobiles	Crash Tests
Beverages	Splashes
Cosmetics	Hair Movement
Sports	Action

Notable Films

Film	Year	Sequence
Die Hard	1988	Explosions
Terminator 2	1991	Truck Crash
Lethal Weapon 3	1992	Stunts
True Lies	1994	Harrier Sequence
Speed	1994	Bus Explosion

Camera Setup

Standard Configuration

Component	Details
Body	4C
Magazine	300m (1,000 ft)
Lens	Specialized High-Speed Lenses
Mount	Mitchell (adaptable)
Tripod	Heavy-duty industrial tripod

Lighting Requirements

fps	Required Aperture (at ASA 500)
120	f/4 in strong daylight
240	f/2.8 in strong daylight
360	f/2 or more light

Problem: At 360 fps, the exposure time is ~1/720 second – extreme light required.

The Workflow

Pre-Production

Precise fps planning
Light calculation
Film stock order
Backup material

On Set

Camera alignment (non-reflex!)
Video assist for framing
Test exposure
Recording
Immediate magazine change

Post-Production

Processing
Telecine/Scan
Conformity with remaining material

Limitations

Aspect	Challenge
Non-reflex	Framing blind
Light Demand	Enormous
Cost	Very high
Noise	Loud
Setup Time	Long

The Legacy

For High-Speed Cinematography

Defined the standard
Proved: 35mm at 360 fps is possible
Foundation for digital development

The Look

The characteristic 35mm film look at high speed – with fine grain and organic colors – is still not fully reproducible digitally today.

Today

Aspect	Details
Status	Museum/Specialists
Availability	Very rare
Replaced by	Phantom Digital
Collector Value	Historically significant

Why Still Relevant?

For film purists and authentic period productions, the 4C remains the reference system for true film high-speed.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Die 4C war das Arbeitstier für High-Speed-Film. Kein Reflex-Sucher, aber zuverlässig bei 360 fps. Für Explosionen und Action war sie jahrzehntelang ohne Alternative.

Director

Die 4C lieferte die Slow-Motion, die Hollywood definierte. Der Korn des 35mm-Films bei High-Speed hat eine Textur, die digital nicht reproduzierbar ist.

Producer

Die 4C war ein Kostenfaktor – enorme Filmmengen, aber für bestimmte Shots unverzichtbar. Die Planung musste perfekt sein, denn jede Sekunde kostete ein Vermögen.