IMAX 15/70 film cameras are notoriously loud due to their massive film format and mechanical systems. Each frame spans 15 perforations on 70mm film, requiring 360 sprocket holes per second — roughly 5.6 feet of film moving per second. This enormous volume of film demands a powerful motor, contributing significantly to the camera's mechanical noise.

The camera's magazine and shutter operation add further to the rattle heard on sets like Nope. Beyond film movement, IMAX cameras use a vacuum plate behind the lens to keep the film completely flat during exposure, preventing curls that could ruin the image. The vacuum pump creates a constant high-pitched mechanical hum, making these cameras difficult to operate in certain environments.

Losing suction risks film bends that compromise quality. These combined factors — the sheer volume of film, the powerful motor, and the vacuum system — make IMAX cameras inherently loud and challenging to work with compared to modern digital alternatives.