Kodak's newest V3 50D now available to UltraPan8 filmmakers

[Nicholas Kovats]

Serendipity.

Kodak announces a refocus to their core competency aka film and my reperforated Vision 3 50D UP8 stock arrives the same day.

Specifically Mr Edward Nowill has reperforated Kodak's newest single perf 16mm stock (1R-2994) specifically for Bolex UltraPan8 cameras. Remember that the Ultrapan8 format, i.e.

1.) Utilizes the full 16mm width of R8 film (2R-1497) with R8 pulldown producing an aspect ratio = 2.8:1.
2.) Relative to 16mm magazines UP8 doubles shooting time, i.e. there are 80x UP8 frames per 16mm foot instead of 40 standard 16mm frames.
3.) UP8 is a native spherical format that utilizes standard 16mm c-mount optics. No re-centering required.
4.) The UP8 also has a native viewfinder with a Cinemascope mask (2.4:1).
5.) A scanned example = http://vimeo.com/27492482

A big thanks to Richard Tuohy of Nano Labs in Australia for suggesting we try using Mr. Nowill's 2nd industrial machine dedicated specifically to perforating sheet film. And reminding me of UP8's fundamental design criteria using R8 film (2R-1497) whereby the UP8 pulldown ONLY utilizes the B-Wind perf for pulldown (right side). The A-Wind (left side) is not used.

Edward agreed to the test noting that his machine would not be using the stock factory single perf as a reference. It would punch 2 new left and right perfs per UP8 frame. Every 2nd left side perf would overlap the standard 16mm single perf. The end result being that the UP8 pulldown would ignore both of the redundant A -Wind (left side) perfs (1st perf = single perf 16mm + 2nd perf R8 = 1R-1497 R8 per 16mm frame)

I have attached a quick photo illustrating the perfs from the film backing perspective with the emulsion hidden from view. This reperforated film has the correct orientation regarding B-Wind and the emulsion.

Kodak originally donated the 800 FT of V3 50D stock which is to be rolled down into 100FT rolls. Each of the five current UP8 camera users will be receiving 100 FT. I am going to reserve one 100FT roll as a dummy to test the threading path.

Edward charged a very modest 40 GBP for the 800FT of film. I am working on reducing or eliminating the expensive shipping costs to the UK by sourcing single perf 16mm stock locally in Europe.

Stay tuned for posted scan results.

[marc]

So you end up with something that can be used in a regular 8 camera for boths halves.

[Nicholas Kovats]

Marc,

This specially perforated film is only usable in a UP8 camera as per my detailed note. The left perfs (A Wind) cannot be used by Regular 8 cameras.

[marc]

I thought that was what you were saying but the photo seemed to indicate otherwise.

[Nicholas Kovats]

Marc,

I should remove the photo as it is not detailed enough to visually indicate that the left side perfs are clearly not usable. They are a mess (greater that R8 1R-1497) as the former single perf 16mm perf (1R-2994) has ended up being punched twice, i.e.

1. first by Kodak
2. second by Mr. Nowill.

It would have been ideal to incorporate R8 user base but we could not.

[Will2]

So what you are saying is that 5 people on this planet will be able to use this re-perfed stock. That's great.

If he would like to do a run that could be used on regular 8mm cameras in 25ft spools I'd be happy to invest.

[Nicholas Kovats]

Will,

Whats stopping you from taking the initiative to pursue your interests in reviving Regular 8 specific to your needs and /or others?

Mr. Nowill's contact info is readily accessible.

[carllooper]

So what you are saying is that 5 people on this planet will be able to use this re-perfed stock. That's great

Being one of those 5 it's great for me. I guess the point of the announcement is just to let those considering UP8 that theres some more scope to the format being made available.

Carl

Format agnosticist

[Nicholas Kovats]

Scope, scope, and more scope. What a wonderful word.

[Will2]

Touchy folks here. I was writing that with a smile. Sorry, like I said in another forum, I'm very happy the boundaries of film are being pushed.

I have nothing against the project, I just think it's funny that 5 people on the planet can benefit from it. I am very happy for those 5 people. Please don't be offended. It is a beautiful format and I wish Kodak would decide to pick it up and make cameras and film available to the masses in this format.

So what is the verdict on what one of these cameras would cost? I haven't seen a message on pricing.

I'd like to get my 35mm 2c modified to 2-perf and bring costs inline with Super 16 and that would run about $3000. I'm guessing the Bolex and the mod would be less than that correct?

[Nicholas Kovats]

No offence taken, Will. Tone does not translate well at times in postings.

Who are you considering for your Arri 2c 2 perf coversion? Bruce at Aranda in Australia? His oufit was selling a ton of his 2 perf conversions on eBay. His Arri 2c 2 perf cam never sold and he was asking $3,600 US, i.e.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-PERFORATION-T ... 622wt_1185

He had Camflex 35mm 2 perf w/ modern electronics sell for about $1,600 US.

As I have mentioned repeatedly please contact Jean-Louis Seguin <bolextech@gmail.com> for a specific quote. The final price depends on what you bring to the table for potential UP8 conversion, i.e. one single H16 or H8 cam, both or none. It is way less than what you are looking at.

[marc]

Scope, scope, and more scope. What a wonderful word.

I like RetroScope!

[Will2]

Who are you considering for your Arri 2c 2 perf coversion? Bruce at Aranda in Australia? His oufit was selling a ton of his 2 perf conversions on eBay. His Arri 2c 2 perf cam never sold and he was asking $3,600 US, i.e.

I've been talking to Bruce for years, he does amazing work...I probably would have jumped on that one if I hadn't just picked up a beautiful 4-perf crystal one. It costs more than $3600 to do one from scratch unfortunately.

As I have mentioned repeatedly please contact Jean-Louis Seguin <bolextech@gmail.com> for a specific quote. The final price depends on what you bring to the table for potential UP8 conversion, i.e. one single H16 or H8 cam, both or none. It is way less than what you are looking at.

So I need an H16 and an H8 then he puts them together like a maniac elf and out comes an UltraPan8? Makes sense. To bad he couldn't do it to a Scoopic MS. I have three sitting on a shelf right now.

Does Jean-Louis work on Arri's?

[sciolist]

So I need an H16 and an H8 then he puts them together like a maniac elf and out comes an UltraPan8?

You needn't supply anything, but the cost of the camera/conversion will be reduced based on the number on components you can deliver to Jean-Louis and the bells & whistles that you specify (I got a bayonet front and 13x viewfinder on my H8 RX4 UP8).

[bolextech]

Hi. Maniac Elf here.

Bolex H-series cameras are by far the easiest to convert. It is also the camera I am the most familiar with and I happen to have a substantial stock of spare parts. I know very little about Scoopics and parts are scarce. I do work on older Arris but only general maintenance, no fancy conversions.

Cheers,
Jean-Louis