Should I buy a Bolex or save up for an Arri?

Wed Aug 24, 2005 10:11 am

Ok, what is your opinion? I could get a fully-featured Bolex with my current available funds but the prospect of an Arri 16S/B looks soooo tempting. I mean, come on! It's an Arriflex! I'm sure someone has/has used this model Arri. What's it like? Worth saving up for?

Post by **sonickel** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 10:29 am

Ah. That all depends on what you want the camera for.

If you're into animation/ time lapse work, the Bolex is unbeatable, and has all the necessary features.

If you want to make a drama complete with sound sync, go for the Arri. It's quiet compared to the Bolex, and can be serviced far more easily.

Good luck.
8)

Post by **mattias** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 11:02 am

the arri s is a great camera. it's built like a tank, has mirror reflex viewing and registration pin, but it's more expensive to crystal sync than a bolex and if you're trying to tell me it's quiet you're forcing me to call the nice people in white coats again and you don't want that, do you? ;-) perhaps you're thinking of the sr? that's also a good camera which is quiet enough for sync sound and runs in sync, but it's also more expensive.

/matt

Post by **sonickel** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 11:46 am

I was thinking of the Arri BL (also going pretty cheap these days) - I was impressed with its volume last time I listened to one.

Bolexes are really loud, you've got to admit - especially if you use an external motor.

Whatever - it's not a choice I can afford to make yet.

Post by **sonickel** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 11:53 am

Agh! Double post! :evil: :evil: :evil:

Post by **mattias** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 12:10 pm

sonickel wrote:Bolexes are really loud, you've got to admit

yes, but the arri s is as loud or for some models even louder. that's all i'm saying. the bl is fine of course, but the poster especially asked for opinions on the s/b.

/matt

Post by **Patrick** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 12:57 pm

One thing I have heard about Arriflex cameras is that they have to be used on a regular basis. It has something to do with the oil which is used to lubricate them. If you have them lying around unused for a considerable amount of time, problems can occur and servicing is expensive.

Post by **chachi** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 3:07 pm

The Arri S is indeed louder! However, my experience with this camera has been quite good.

Fact is its SEXY!

so, why not just get a blimp for it?

Just so happen there's one on ebay!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Arri-16mm-SOUND-BLI ... dZViewItem

Post by **Nigel** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 5:33 pm

1) What are you using the camera for??

2) Do you need the camera to do anything special??

3) How long do you plan on being married to this camera??

4) Why do you feel that you should buy a camera??

Answer those question and then we can start talking.

As for the Arri S/B they are loud. The Bolex is loud and sorry to say it but the BL is loud also when you compare it to other cameras.

Good Luck

Post by **mattias** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 6:35 pm

i second nigel on those questions. and imo all arri cameras are loud, especially the not so well maintained ones you'll likely to find unless you want to spend a fortune. yes, including the sr's. i've used sr3's that we as loud as bl's, but also some that were almost aaton silent.

/matt

Post by **Evan Kubota** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 7:11 pm

My brother uses an Arri S, but not for sync sound. Definitely not quiet enough...

Post by **flyingsquirrelsnake** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 7:41 pm

Nigel wrote:1) What are you using the camera for??

2) Do you need the camera to do anything special??

3) How long do you plan on being married to this camera??

4) Why do you feel that you should buy a camera??

Answer those question and then we can start talking.

As for the Arri S/B they are loud. The Bolex is loud and sorry to say it but the BL is loud also when you compare it to other cameras.

Good Luck

1. Tripod and handheld work. Possibly animation (with proper lens capping!) Possibly sound, but keep in mind that my budget is around a grand to start out with and I cannot afford anything but the Arri S/B. Unless I'm missing something...

2. I suppose the fact that both cameras (ok, some bolexes) can take 100' internally and a 400' mag, just in case. Film is expensive, and running 100' loads is going to be my style, but the capability for larger is always a good thing.

3. Until one of us dies. ;)

4. Time to upgrade. That and I am going to Brazil in the winter and am going to make a mini documentary out of it, with my Nizo and XXX16mm cam.

Post by **shralp** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 10:19 pm

I've owned both and both are great cameras depending on what you're looking to do. From what you're saying, I'd definitely go with the Bolex, preferably a newer one like a Rex4 or Rex5. The viewfinders are much bigger and brighter.

If you've got a grand to spend, you're going to have a hard time finding a an Arri SB that you'll want. For that kind of cash, they are usually ready for a refurb/rebuild, whic could run you $600-$800 to do right. Anything that has been already rebuilt will cost you more than you can afford. An Arri S might be cheaper, but we've found that the SB, (meaning 1 of the 3 lens turret mounts is a locking bayonet style mount), works much better for bigger zoom lenses as the non locking "S" style Arri mount does not support the larger weights of some zooms. This causes them to "sag" in the mount which can screw up your lens collimation causing soft focus problems.

Hey, we'd love to sell you one of our two Arri packages that has been for sale for the last year, but the bolex is a better bet!

As long as your not running long loads, (assuming your getting a spring wound camera, not a battery operated bolex), then you should be fine. My Bolex usually got me a 25-30 sec shot before the spring wound down. Let me tell you, when you're traveling, not having to deal with heavy batteries and charging issues is SUCH good thing. It definitely frees you up to worry more out telling your story and less about your gear going down on you. I shot a snowboard mountaineering documentary in the French Pyrenees in 1998 with my Bolex and when weight and ease of use was an issue, this camera rocked. Spend the money for good glass instead of the nicer body, its all about your lens...

Need audio? Shoot with a small DV camera as much as possible and even if you don't want the video, the audio will become invaluable for voiceovers in the edit. Trust me.

I'd say that if you don't have the money to not only buy the camera but buy the filmstock, get it processed and get a good telecine on it, then don't buy either of them.

Good Luck, -Eric

Post by **odyssic** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 10:29 pm

Remember that lenses are more important than the camera in terms of image quality. Frankly I don't even think you can get a bolex with nice lenses (or a zoom) for a grand. (probably more like $1500) And don't blow all your wad in one place because many of these old cameras may need servicing (circa $250) and there is always the little junk you'll need that really adds up!

Steven

Post by **Nigel** » Wed Aug 24, 2005 11:35 pm

Based on your answers...

Then I would shoot Super8 in Brazil and make your doc on that format. Then if animation is really what you want to do save up the cash and trick out an old Mitchell or some other beast of a 35 since film waste is not a big factor.

If you are simply looking to "Upgrade" then don't do it. You are spending money you don't need to. You could take that money and rent a super nice S16 package to make a film with.

Just because you have the cash doesn't mean it has to burn through your pocket. Save it buy some V2 200T in S8 and a great Xfer when you get back.

Good LUck