From Russia with Love, the Krasnogorsk 3?

[film_idaho]

I was wondering if the Krasnogorsk 3 is worth buying. From what I have read is it’s noisy, it’s really hard to load, and is prone to jams, but then again many people swear by them claiming that they are great cameras with lots of extras included in the kit (filters, case, shoulder strap…). I found many of them on ebay for around $150.00 + shipping (US dollars) a rather cheap price for a 16mm film camera that’s built similar to a USSR tank.

But is the K3 worth my purchase? Or should save for a bit longer and save for a Bolex? I think I would really like to try some 16mm maybe a couple rolls of 7270 Kodachrome 40 Type A ($38.97 for one).

Anyways I'd love to hear your feedback

-Alex Mason (teenage Super 8 junkie)

P.S. Is there a “blimp” for the K3 to help with noise.

P.S.S. Are any of you selling a fully loaded K3 set? I am willing to look into any offers!

[chachi]

I have a K3 and like it. That said, invest in a good wide angle and/or another lens that can focus closer then 2 meters. i removed the loop formers in my camera as auto threading never worked and the formers have a tendency to scratch the film anyway.. It is noisy, but its the cheapest rotating shutter reflex camera your going to get with a built in light meter to boot.

I would get one then save up for a bolex or other better cam in the future...

[Joe Gioielli]

OK, with the understanding that you never know what you are getting when you buy sight unseen...

I am very happy with my K3. I did nothing to it and it works. I don't think it's hard to load but I started with regular 8mm so I'm kind of used to it. It's just one of those things that takes a little practice.

It's loud, it's heavy. It's kind of a drag having to wind it. But I think it is a great way to get your feet wet. Just understand what it is and what it isn't. I think of it as an AK-47, not a target rifle.

BTW, I couldn't get the poll to work on my computer.

Have fun
Joe

[downix]

I bought one off of ebay, loved it so much I aquired another. 8)

Always be sure it is one with the M42 mount and not the Bayonet. I've long considered asking Roger if he could make a replacement front-plate so I could use standard lenses, like Pentax K-mount or Nikon F-mount, and an adaptor so I could still use the Meteor lens.

[film_idaho]

Well would you want to sell me the second one? I'd like to buy one from someone who has put film into one.

I'll pay top dollar !

-Alex Mason (teenage Super 8 junkie)

[downix]

Well, I had considered it, as I don't really need 2 of them. Make me an offer and I'll think about it, ok?

[Konton]

I bought one, but it was missing the lens shade, the hand grip, and the strap. I think that's about it.

On the bright side the gate was widened to Super 16mm, it has a crystal sync motor for 12, 24, and 48 fps filmmaking, and it came with (2) 12 volt batteries and the recharger. I still need to test it, but I was told the lens mount had been moved to center it in the Super 16mm area. Now if that is true or not is another question.

[flyingsquirrelsnake]

A note to anyone who purchases one directly from Russia: ask the seller to put at least one return address in ENGLISH or customs will take a dump on it and send it back to them. Due to that little discrepancy, I'm still waiting on mine I ordered in April. The return post to the seller is very slow... Unless you can find one stateside in unused condition for $150.... yeah right.
But, I cannot wait to get mine. I've a roll of K40 & Tri-X waiting patiently in the fridge.

[Konton]

I'm sad to say after further examination the lens was not centered for Super 16mm. Still, a grand for a crystal sync Super 16mm camera is not a bad deal. And these K-3's aren't too shabby.

[BigBeaner]

If you have to money I would say the Bolex Reflex H16, Reflex is the important word there because there is no parallax error. But hey, if a k3 does the job for cheaper and is reflex I would go with it. Even better is if you could somehow borrow/rent a H16 (yes I know owning is better).

[downix]

The K-3 is a mirrored reflex, actually a higher-end reflexing system than the Bolex's prism. More lenses available as well on the M42 version.

[BK]

I almost bought one when I was holidaying in Beijing, China. But due to limited baggage space and money bought the little Zenit super 8 instead.

My friend has one and when he showed me the footage projected I was blown away by the quality of the image, it's just amazing.

Bill

[Andreas Wideroe]

Go and buy one! It's a great camera for it's price and well worth the money. I use mine quite often and I like it very much.

Andreas

[BigBeaner]

The K-3 is a mirrored reflex, actually a higher-end reflexing system than the Bolex's prism. More lenses available as well on the M42 version.

Convinced me, I think I'll check out the K-3 also. Besides the sound issue you can just probably re-dub later or figure something easier anyways.

[ccortez]

For those of you in a different, er, frame of mind... ;-)

I'm selling my filmo package. I'm going to offer it up here before ebay in case there's a chance to keep it in the family. I really don't want to sell it, but it's 16mm camera #3, I've got to pay Mr. Andersson for a full service job on my R16, and my wife and I are trying to buy a house. So needless to say, I need cash.

There will be a thread about it soon, and I'll place it in the classifieds for a predetermined period of time before listing it on ebay.

Details:
Filmo 70-HR - Film Tested!
400' mag
AC motor w/power supply
Angenieux lenses: 10mm, 15mm, 75mm
IIRC: viewfinder objectives for those 3 focal lengths + 25mm, 50mm
NOTE: Haven't film tested the mag and motor, but they work.

I'll be putting pictures on my website and will include them in the upcoming thread. PM me for more information or to make an offer... I haven't yet come up with a price that will cover its' value + the pain of letting it go. ;)

Coming soon: the reluctant sale of the Bauer 715 XL-S...