A microfilm camera, typically for 16 mm film, having plural coplanar friction-driven belts. The film is held to the belts by vacuum, so that the film and the belts move together.Vacuum film-loop chambers allow accurate low-inertia control of the film positioning for exposure.An intermittently rotatable shutter may be provided for appropriate exposure of the desired image upon the film.Programmable logic receives data from plural sensors and its controls drive means to correlate significant film movement and stationary periods with the functioning of opto-mechanical elements for exposing the film while it is stationary.