Photosonics 4E

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The improved Photo-Sonics high-speed film camera from the 1990s – 35mm at up to 360 fps with improved mechanics. Available as 4ER with reflex viewfinder.

What is the Photo-Sonics 4E?

The Photo-Sonics 4E is the improved version of the legendary 4C – a 35mm film high-speed camera from the 1990s. With up to 360 fps and improved mechanics, it represents the pinnacle of film high-speed technology before the digital revolution.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Value
Format	35mm (4-perf)
Max. fps	360
Min. fps	48
Transport	Continuous
Compensation	Rotating Prism
Viewfinder	Non-Reflex (4ER: Reflex)
Magazine	120m / 300m / 600m
Weight	~14 kg

4E vs. 4ER

Feature	4E	4ER
Viewfinder	Video-Assist only	Reflex + Video
Framing	Indirect	Direct possible
Weight	Lighter	Heavier
Cost	Standard	Premium

Improvements over 4C

Aspect	4C	4E
Mechanics	Proven	Modernized
Reliability	Good	Very good
Maintenance	More complex	Simpler
Magazine Change	Standard	Faster
Electronics	Analog	Digital Control

Continuous Film Transport

Principle of Operation

EXPOSURE AT 360 FPS:

Shutter Speed: ~1/720 second
Film Speed: 5.5 m/second
Compensation: 8-sided rotating prism
 rotates synchronously with film transport
 → Image remains stationary

Advantages

No intermittent stress
Higher fps possible
Less risk of film breakage

Disadvantages

Slight blur possible
Complex optics required
Higher precision demands

Frame Rate Options

Setting	fps	Slow-Down	Application
Low	48–96	2–4×	Mild slow motion
Medium	120–200	5–8×	Standard slow-mo
High	240–300	10–12×	Extreme slow motion
Maximum	360	15×	Ultra slow

Film Consumption and Costs

At Various fps

fps	Film/Second	Film/Minute
120	1.8 m	110 m
240	3.6 m	220 m
360	5.5 m	330 m

Total Costs (1990s-2000s)

Item	Per 10 Sec. @ 360 fps
Film Stock (55m)	~€200
Processing	~€100
4K Scan	~€300
Total	~€600

Typical Applications

Feature Films

Sequence	Typical fps
Explosions	300–360
Gunshots	360
Glass Breakage	360
Water Effects	200–300
Vehicle Stunts	120–240

Commercials

Category	Application
Automotive	Splash, Details
Beverages	Drops, Pouring
Cosmetics	Hair, Skin, Product
Technology	Materials

Notable Productions

Production	Year	Application
The Matrix	1999	Explosion elements
Pearl Harbor	2001	Bomb impacts
Spider-Man	2002	Action sequences
Various Super Bowl Ads	1990–2005	Slow motion

Camera Setup

Standard Configuration

Component	Details
Body	4E or 4ER
Magazine	300m (1,000 ft)
Lenses	T/1.4–T/2.8 required
Mount	Mitchell BNC
Tripod	Ronford or Mitchell
Video-Assist	Integrated

Lighting Requirements

fps	ASA 500, Daylight	ASA 500, Interior
120	f/5.6	10kW+
240	f/4	20kW+
360	f/2.8	40kW+

Consequence: Extreme high-speed is usually only possible in daylight or with enormous artificial lighting.

The Transition to Digital

Timeline

Year	Development
1999	Photo-Sonics 4E Standard
2004	Phantom v7 Released
2008	Phantom Flex Dominates
2010+	Film High-Speed Rare

Why Digital Won

Aspect	4E (Film)	Phantom (Digital)
Cost/Sec	~€60	~€0
Instant Playback	No	Yes
Max. fps	360	2,500+
Light Demand	Extreme	High
Setup	Complex	Faster

The Legacy

For Cinematography

Last major film high-speed era
Defined the look of 90s/2000s action
Reference for organic slow motion

The Unique Look

Feature	Film 4E	Digital
Grain	Organic	None
Colors	Photochemical	Sensor-based
Highlights	Film Roll-Off	Digital Clip
Texture	Physical	Mathematical

Today

Aspect	Details
Status	Historical/Collector
Availability	Museums, Specialists
Replaced by	Phantom Series
Application	Nostalgia, Authenticity

For Film Purists

The 4E remains the reference system for authentic film high-speed – when the organic look is more important than practicality.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Die 4E war die verfeinerte Version der 4C – zuverlässiger, besser gewartet. Die 4ER-Variante mit Reflex-Sucher machte das Framing endlich praktikabel. Für die letzten Film-High-Speed-Shots unverzichtbar.

Director

Die 4E war das Ende einer Ära – die letzte große Film-High-Speed-Kamera bevor Digital übernahm. Der Look ist einzigartig und wird von Puristen bis heute geschätzt.

Producer

Die 4E war etwas einfacher zu handhaben als die 4C, aber die Grundkosten blieben enorm. Mit dem Aufkommen von Phantom wurde Film-High-Speed schnell zur Seltenheit.