Hi,
I'm hoping for some advice. I know nothing about film making. I've been interested in photography for some time and recently ran across a Bolex 8mm camera and projector, thought they looked very cool and (because I like stuff), thought I'd look into getting one.
Now, I can't figure out whether it's better to go with the 8mm or 16mm and which (inexpensive) camera and projector to buy. I'm not interested in Super 8 (don't like the cameras). This won't be something I'll likely get seriously into, but think would be a cool hobby.
Any direction would be greatly apprecieted.
Thanks. -Peter
8mm v. 16mm for a newbie???
Moderator: Andreas Wideroe
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Yemi
Hey,
What don't you like specifically about super8 cameras? Super8 is by far the easiest motion picture format to begin with. A wide range of cameras wer produced so you can't really generalize.
Most of them have auto exposure and auto filmspeed selection but the high end models such as the Beaulieu offer full manual control and the ability to change lenses.
I started off shooting Super8, slowly upgrading cameras until I decided to give 16mm a try. I never felt compelled to try regular 8mm because the number of available filmstocks is limited and the frame size is smaller than super8 (although the film transport should give more stable registration).
16mm is expensive and the cameras tend to be bulkier but the images speak for themselves.
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Yemi
What don't you like specifically about super8 cameras? Super8 is by far the easiest motion picture format to begin with. A wide range of cameras wer produced so you can't really generalize.
Most of them have auto exposure and auto filmspeed selection but the high end models such as the Beaulieu offer full manual control and the ability to change lenses.
I started off shooting Super8, slowly upgrading cameras until I decided to give 16mm a try. I never felt compelled to try regular 8mm because the number of available filmstocks is limited and the frame size is smaller than super8 (although the film transport should give more stable registration).
16mm is expensive and the cameras tend to be bulkier but the images speak for themselves.
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Yemi
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David M. Leugers
- Posts: 1632
- Joined: Thu May 02, 2002 12:42 am
- Contact:
R-8mm Lives
R-8mm is a wonderful hobby format. The cameras and projectors still available on the used market are true works of art and beautiful. While I shoot all three formats (16mm, S-8mm, and R-8mm) and like them all, I always go back to R-8mm and I love to film with it. It has the economy of S-8mm yet requires a level of craftsmanship equal to shooting 16mm. That I find enjoyable. Plenty of filmstocks are available both black and white and color stocks of different speeds. If you are looking for a hobby and don't want to spend much money, R-8mm is a real choice. Besides, since sound film is no longer made, S-8mm can't do anything R-8mm can't do. 8)