K3 & Bolex H16 to super 16

[Kalu]

Thinking about converting the Krasnogorsk-3 camera to super 16mm.
Easy or stupid to DIY ?

What about Bolex H16 NON-REFLEX. Is it possible to convert it ? Looks easier, but... ?

[Will2]

K3 is about the easiest camera available to convert to Super 16. Just file the gate wider.

Now, if you'd like to do it right, you'd want to recenter the lens. There was someone from Russia selling newly machined re-centered M42 mounts for the camera a few years ago on eBay. Wouldn't be very hard for someone with access to a machine shop to make. Just unscrew the current one, bring to a machine shop and ask them to replicate it in aluminum with the offset...not sure what that would be... maybe 2 millimeters?

The only other thing would be widening the viewfinder. Mine was done but it isn't really that important. You can guess at the framing just fine.

[Kalu]

K3 is about the easiest camera available to convert to Super 16. Just file the gate wider.

Now, if you'd like to do it right, you'd want to recenter the lens. There was someone from Russia selling newly machined re-centered M42 mounts for the camera a few years ago on eBay. Wouldn't be very hard for someone with access to a machine shop to make. Just unscrew the current one, bring to a machine shop and ask them to replicate it in aluminum with the offset...not sure what that would be... maybe 2 millimeters?

The only other thing would be widening the viewfinder. Mine was done but it isn't really that important. You can guess at the framing just fine.

Thanks for the answer!

I've red that centering the lens isn't that important, just don't zoom while shooting!

What about the H16 non-reflex?

[Wade]

K3 is about the easiest camera available to convert to Super 16. Just file the gate wider.

Now, if you'd like to do it right, you'd want to recenter the lens. There was someone from Russia selling newly machined re-centered M42 mounts for the camera a few years ago on eBay. Wouldn't be very hard for someone with access to a machine shop to make. Just unscrew the current one, bring to a machine shop and ask them to replicate it in aluminum with the offset...not sure what that would be... maybe 2 millimeters?

The only other thing would be widening the viewfinder. Mine was done but it isn't really that important. You can guess at the framing just fine.

Sounds like converting to Super 16 is relatively easy on the K3. Another option is converting to Ultra 16. Re-centering optics is not necessary at all in Ultra 16.

[mr_x]

Ask a silly question: what about converting Bolex P1, 2 or 3 Standard 8 cameras to 16mm. You'd need a new sprocket?

[bolextech]

If what you define as a conversion is simply filing the gate wider then yes, it's not that complicated. How then are you going to compose your shots? A proper super-16 conversion will enlarge the usable area on the film negative and also provide the user with an accurate viewfinder image in order to see exactly what you're getting. In addition, the mechanism must be modified to ensure that the extra picture area obtained is free from scratches.

As far as converting regular 8 cameras like the ones mentioned to 16mm, it can't be done. Only the Bolex H-series cameras has a design which would permit this somewhat assuming you could get all the available parts you need.

Cheers,
Jean-Louis

[mr_x]

hey-hey, no harm in asking was there? ;D

[Will2]

Another option is converting to Ultra 16. Re-centering optics is not necessary at all in Ultra 16.

I'd avoid Ultra-16 on the K3...not when Super 16 is just as easy and much more compatible on transfer machines. There's only one "Ultra-16" gate for a Spirit and that's Cinelicious's. Ultra-16 is perfect for a Scoopic where Super 16 isn't option.