All transfers were done using a Panasonic DMR-EZ48V VHS deck as the playback machine, with digitisation by external DV recording onto a Panasonic NV-DS50A for PAL material, or by recording to the in-built DVD drive for NTSC material. The DV-tape or DVD produced was then transferred to computer. All of these historical video tape recordings are made available in preview quality for educational purposes only, to assist research and study.

(5.52 MB)

Travel back to early 1982 and see the ABC TV evening news coverage of the first XPT public passenger service being operated on trial in Sydney before commencing the regular service to Dubbo on 8th April 1982. Shows original XPT livery and interiors. Runs for 1 minute 29 seconds. (First few seconds are missing.)

(56.1 MB)

Travel back to March 1982 and see ABC TV Nationwide Sydney's (now 7:30 Report) background to the Bridge Of Our Dreams film, made for the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Features excepts from the film and interviews with Brian Adams, the writer of the film. Runs for 7 minutes 41 seconds.

(384 MB)

Travel back to March 1982 and see the ABC TV programme Bridge Of Our Dreams written by Brian Adams for the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Features background history, historical footage of the bridge under construction, interviews with those who worked on the project, and helicopter views of Sydney in 1982. Runs for 52 minutes 39 seconds.

(16.1 MB)

Travel back to 19th March 1982 and see the ABC TV evening news coverage of the official 50th anniversay plaque unveiling ceremonies, at both South and North ends of the bridge, to celebrate its opening on 19th March 1932. Features except of speech given by Premier Neville Wran. Runs for 2 minutes 12 seconds.

(22.3 MB)

Travel back to Sunday 21st March 1982 and see the ABC TV evening news coverage of the closure of the Harbour Bridge for pedestrians to walk across, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its opening on 19th March 1932. Features original ABC Majestic Fanfare bulletin opening, with Clive Hale as the newsreader. Runs for 3 minutes 4 seconds.

(8.49 MB)

Travel back to 18th December 1982 and see the ABC TV evening news coverage of Manly Ferry MV Freshwater entering service. Newsreader is James Dibble. Runs for 1 minute 10 seconds.

(11.5 MB)

Travel back to 8th January 1983 and see the ABC TV evening news coverage of Manly Ferry MV Baragoola's last day in service. Runs for 1 minute 35 seconds. (First few seconds are missing.)

(55.5 MB)

Travel back to week ending 18th March 1983 and see ABC TV Nationwide Sydney's (now 7:30 Report) report on the modernisation of the Urban Transit Authority's ferry fleet carried out under the Wran government, including teething problems with MV Freshwater. Features shots of the new MV Freshwater, including original interiors, MV North Head in service, the withdrawn MV Baragoola and MV Freshwater aground on the beach on 10th March. Runs for 7 minutes 36 seconds.

(9.79 MB)

Travel back to 9th July 1983 and see the ABC TV evening news coverage of Manly Ferry MV Queenscliff entering service. Runs for 1 minute 21 seconds. (First few seconds are missing.)

(149 MB)

Produced by Minolta Corporation in America, this training video covers specifically how to use the first generation Minolta 5000 and 7000 SLR autofocus 35mm film cameras. In 1985 the Japanese camera firm Minolta lead the industry by being the first to introduce a mass-produced integrated autofocus 35mm SLR camera system of bodies, interchangable lenses and flashes. The 5000 was the basic model and the 7000 was the advanced model. The Minolta film SLR system has evolved into the all-digital Sony Alpha range. Presented by Jim Caldwell and Joanne Ritchie(?). Runs for 27 minutes 35 seconds, from an original NTSC tape. To read about these cameras in more detail download the Minolta 5000/Maxxum 5000/Alpha 5000 manual or the Minolta 7000/Maxxum 7000/Alpha 7000 manual

(230 MB)

Again produced by Minolta Corporation in America, this training video covers the basics of photography, and specifically how to use the Minolta 3000i SLR 35mm film camera. The 1988 3000i was Minolta's most basic second-generation autofocus electronic SLR film camera. Narrated by Joe Barrett, similar versions of this video were issued for the 5000i, 7000i, 8000i and various third-generation xi models. Runs for 39 minutes 15 seconds, from a fresh original NTSC tape. To read about this camera in more detail download the Dynax 3000i/Maxxum 3000i/Alpha 3700i manual. There is also a copy of the Minolta 3xi camera video available elsewhere on the internet.

(274 MB)

Again produced by Minolta Corporation in America, this training video covers the basics of photography, and specifically how to use the Minolta 8000i SLR 35mm film camera. The 1988 8000i was Minolta's most advanced second-generation autofocus electronic SLR film camera. It is very similar to the 7000i, except with a faster maximum shutter speed and multi-exposure capability. Narrated by Joe Barrett, similar versions of this video were issued for the 3000i, 5000i, 7000i, and various third-generation xi models. Runs for 54 minutes 48 seconds, from an original NTSC tape. To read about this camera in more detail download the Dynax 8000i/Maxxum 8000/Alpha 8700i manual.

(23.7 MB)

Produced by Seaflight Cruses in 1990, this was a corporate promotional video for the Supramar PT20 hydrofoil Manu Wai. The name means "Water Bird" in Maori and the hydrofoil was originally ordered for the Auckland to Waiheke Island (New Zealand) run, which it did in 22 minutes. A vessel of same type, but built by Hitachi in Japan, operated between Manly And Circular Quay from January 1965. Shows exterior (and one interior) shots of the vessel in action on Sydney Harbour, but mainly on Broken Bay/Hawkesbury River. (Background music is Fantasia Para Un Gentilhombre - 4th Movement: Fantasia Canarios by Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo.) Runs for 3 minutes 14 seconds.

(44.2 MB)

Produced by the State Rail Authority in 1995, Leaning Towards the Future was a promotional video for the Swedish X2000 trials in NSW. It promotes the tilt train technology, and the short period of twice daily test operation between Sydney and Canberra between 23rd April and 18th June 1995. Features lineside, interior and helicopter shots. Runs for 6 minutes 5 seconds, with HiFi Stereo soundtrack.

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