Tangible Media: Removable Storage of Image, Sound, Motion and Data
Tangible Media: Removable Storage of Image, Sound, Motion and Data
Tangible Media: Removable Storage of Image, Sound, Motion and Data
Frames
Gaumont-Demenÿ Chrono de Poche

Date:

1900

Material:

Cellulose nitrate

Dimensions:

15 mm

Company:

L. Gaumont & Cie

Location:

Paris, France

Intended for home movies, the Chrono de Poche had a simplified mechanism and was relatively small, hence the name “Pocket-Chrono.” The film transport was based on the beater-cam mechanism used by Demenÿ for his earlier 60 mm system. It was the first camera to offer a clockwork mechanism to wind the film (a crank was also available). The simplicity of the device and the reduced film width lowered the cost, making it more accessible to amateurs. The camera also functioned as a projector, further reducing the cost of ownership. However, it still used highly flammable cellulose-nitrate film. Safety film wasn't available until 1910, when Kodak began manufacturing cellulose-diacetate film.