16mm Camera Reccomendations

[BonnutFilmStudio]

I'm working on three feature length films right now one in Super8, one 16mm, and one in 35mm. I plan to use the 16mm stock for a film that's starting production next year. And I the film although outdated is what I need for it. I wasn't too sure what camera would be best and I didn't want to spool 100' of all that film on seperate reels. And I have the cash to get a somewhat descent camera so I asked here what would be a good choice, but if you reccomend. I had renting as a consieration even though I haven't looked into yet, but I buy cameras usually because they always get used at the studio for someone else's project anyway. So whn I'm finished, someone else might need it. But renting has always been an alternative, know any places in the CT, NY, NJ area?

[Nigel]

There is no need to buy a 2500 dollar camera. You won't be able to rent it beyond the village idiot.

http://www.abelcine.com

http://www.cameraservice.com/index.htm

http://www.nycresource.com/Equipment_an ... nt_Rentals

It seems to me that if you are calling yourself a Studio then you would know about the ROI on a camera/equipment as well as companies in your area that provide gear.

I don't want to sound harsh.

[BonnutFilmStudio]

Well, actually it's a film group more than a studio. It's a studio in the sense that we have one set, an editing suite and place for all the equipment. I'm still getting into the industry and trying learn what I can. I've still got ways to go, but keep in mind at 18 I'm the oldest member of the film group everyone else is 16-17 and considering that, we're doing quite well for ourselves thus far. I just want to take in as much stuff as I can about the industry and what not, that's why I joined this forum. I'm not trying to be cocky and I know you're not trying to bully me so I don't think you're being harsh. But I've shot ekta and K40 most of my life since I started Super 8, 10 years ago. I've learned more about what's available to me in Super 8 in the past 2 years than I have in any other preceeding year. Not knowing till 2 years ago that the Super 8 community existed on the internet. And with that also under consideration my knowledge in 16mm is incredibly less than my Super 8 knowledge. I'm asking the stupid questions now so I can know the answers to them when I'm in college next year. So you'll have excuse me for sounding like a moron someimes. Not just now but any time I make a post. Thanks for your help and the links.

[Konton]

I've been trying to keep to Super 16 as it seems to work for many people doing to either HDTV or 35mm blowup. Many TV shows are done on Super 16 and one or two movies (but far and few between). I used to have a Eclair NPR Super 16 around the house, but recently sold it for about $3200. Frankly most of what I was shooting was silent and the damn thing weighed 24lbs and I just refused to lug it around. Great camera with execllent registration. But most time I shoot on the fly on the street and it was just not made for that. Anyway last night I decided to get that K-3 crystal sync Super 16 on Ebay. I got it for $1029 after shipping. I figure it will be a good second unit camera until I come to the point where I need a first unit camera again. the guy said it was about as quiet as a Arrilfex S (which means loud). We'll see. I figure I'll get a sound barney made and put some B Quite in it to see if that muffles the noise a bit.

[MattPacini]

I have both a Scoopic M, and a CP-16 R/A.
None of the Scoopics shoot 400 foot loads, except the MS, and even that doesn't do it without the mag adapter and a CP 400 mag.

Anyway, I'm extremely happy with the CP-16 R/A.
Quiet, sync, great camera.
You can get into a package for probably around $1,500, although if you're like me, it may soon nickel and dime you to death!
I've since bought 3 batteries & chargers, an AC adapter, a nice Canon zoom, 4 Super Speed prime lenses, a Nikon-CP lens adapter, etc., etc.

Matt Pacini

[ericMartinJarvies]

I'm working on three feature length films right now one in Super8, one 16mm, and one in 35mm. I plan to use the 16mm stock for a film that's starting production next year. And I the film although outdated is what I need for it. I wasn't too sure what camera would be best and I didn't want to spool 100' of all that film on seperate reels. And I have the cash to get a somewhat descent camera so I asked here what would be a good choice, but if you reccomend. I had renting as a consieration even though I haven't looked into yet, but I buy cameras usually because they always get used at the studio for someone else's project anyway. So whn I'm finished, someone else might need it. But renting has always been an alternative, know any places in the CT, NY, NJ area?

for starters, if you are new to shooting motion picture film, do yourself a favor and AVOID the outdated film!! use fresh stock, use an inexpensive camera, like the kran, as it has a viewfinder and is clockwork(dead simple to use). once you have shot and processed enough rolls of film to figure out what you are doing, and if you have figured out the HASSLE of motion picture film is WORTH it for YOU, then invest in a nicer camera, and then content with the lens issues, the mag issues, the power supply issues, and all the other issues associated with more complex, expensive motion picture cameras. but be wise(unlike myself when i first started), and use a $150.00 russion clockwork with viewfinder, or any inexpensive clockwork with viewfinder(either through prism/gg, or off the lens if the case may be). for example, you could purchase a NEW a-cam for $5k, and then invest in a top quality angenieux 12-120 lens with a viewfinder, or a handful of other lenses with build on viewfinders(think older cp-16). shooting using a filmo is also good, but you do not have a through the lens viewfinder, and for beginner, this means more thought and understanding when studying your processed films ... but if your smart and on the ball, you can figure out what needs to be figured out using a non viewfinder type camera.

i have aabout a dozen filmos i have been restoring and painting cool colors, as well as about 6 or 7 beaulie r16s ... i will be listing these for sale on ebay next month ... all have been PERFECTLY reconditioned as far as i am concerned, and those that will be sold with lenses have been bench tested using a richtor autocollimator and adjusted back to factory specs(lens mount specs for lens, and camera body mount for camera ... not the cheat system of over compensation of either the body side or the lens side, but the real deal, so any properly adjusted lens will work with the camera body ... something i have found to be a VERY rare occurance amongst the several dozens of cameras i have purchased over the past couple of years).

tobin will be making some krasnogorsk crystal motors once again in the months to follow, and these cameras are very easily converted to s16. i recently purchased 6 of them brand new in the box for $150usd each, and will recenter the lens mounts(change to nikon) and machine the gates to s16, and post them on ebay for $1500.00 a pop, if your interested.

i've finally got my milling machine and lathe and overall shop skills/tooling up to speed, so now i cam perform these tasks in relative good time, unlike al my projects over the past couple of years, riddled with learning new machines, techniques, etc. it's my hobby now, and i enjoy it.

good luck.

eric

[ccortez]

i have aabout a dozen filmos i have been restoring and painting cool colors, as well as about 6 or 7 beaulie r16s ... i will be listing these for sale on ebay next month ... all have been PERFECTLY reconditioned as far as i am concerned, and those that will be sold with lenses have been bench tested using a richtor autocollimator and adjusted back to factory specs(lens mount specs for lens, and camera body mount for camera ... not the cheat system of over compensation of either the body side or the lens side, but the real deal, so any properly adjusted lens will work with the camera body ... something i have found to be a VERY rare occurance amongst the several dozens of cameras i have purchased over the past couple of years).

Have you considered modifying the Filmo gate and viewfinder masks for S16? That'd be a hot item on eBay -- a serviced, powder-coated ice blue S16 Filmo HR. :twisted:

(Are these the same Filmos you were dunking in a bucket of oil? ;) )

Maybe I could just send you my HR and you could modify it and flame paint it or something. Are you offering your hobby as a paid service?

Man I'd love to come check out your setup sometime!

Regards,
Chris