The Kenworth / Nettmann Snorkel Camera System

The Kenworthy / Nettmann Snorkel is effective in problem-solving difficult shooting situations and enhances the creativity of shot designs. It is especially useful as a continuity device for linking near and far shots. The periscope of the camera gives you fluid movement in difficult, hard to reach places, such as stationary or moving vehicles and in tight spaces where a normal camera can't travel, like the inside of a telephone booth, shower stall or miniature sets. It is a remote image taking system with operator and camera components removed from shooting area.

The camera looks into a periscope-like optical relay tube that extends downwards below the camera and ends with a small front-surfaced mirror. Since the mass of the camera with operator is removed from the shooting area, considerations of scene staging are concerned only with the small end (1" x 1" at the mirror) of the tube. The tilting mirror is remote controlled as there are other functions such as pan, roll, focus, zoom and iris.

The mirror system permits intimate shooting (due to its small size). It also permits tilting up in constricted situations because the mirror - rather than the tube / camera combination - does the tilting. The system allows viewpoints in tight quarters reachable from overhead or from very low viewpoints or in miniature sets. Pans and tilts are on system nodal point.

An additional waterproof jacket for the tube permits underwater transition shots.

The Snorkel tube can be oriented in any position up, down, or horizontal, or anywhere in between and has brackets for it to mount to a Technocrane or others through a standard Mitchell Mount. It has been used numerous times as a motion control camera for miniatures and model shots. View spec sheet for more information and diagrams.