KRASNOGORSK 3 16mm

Post by **bmarksb** » Tue Dec 02, 2003 2:04 am

Does anyone have any info KRASNOGORSK 3 16mm cameras?
Are they good,bad or What? I looked all over the net for a review, NO luck.
I am curious because they are very inexpensive. But that usually doesnt qualify them as bad. Any info is appreciated.
Thanks
Brian

Post by **FilmIs4Ever** » Tue Dec 02, 2003 2:14 am

I recall reading on this site that K-3's are generally of good quality. I know for a fact that they can be purchased new because I've been considering getting one myself. There's even a distributor here in the US that imports them from Russia. The one negative aspect that one may encounter with this camera is that not all of them run the film through perfectly. Some jam the film or give it heavy scratches. Also the camera is clockwork, meaning you wind it and then it gives you about 35 seconds of useful filming before the motor putters off. This isn't really a negative unless you need long takes. There's probably some kind of electronic adaptors. One final potential disadvantage is that the camera takes relatively short loads of film (200ft?). That's only about 2 2/3 minutes of footage per roll (no 30 minute takes with this camera). I hope this helps. Shoot film!

Post by **bmarksb** » Tue Dec 02, 2003 2:20 am

yeah,
thanks that does help. Though Im still not sure.
Does the distributer offer some kind of warantee.
Brian

Post by mg » Tue Dec 02, 2003 2:26 am

K-3 cameras are great learning tools. They come with very good lenses and are usually pretty reliable. Would I film something with them? Depends what it is. Maybe B-roll stuff. When I used one in college I enjoyed it, but they are very loud and obviously non-sync. There is a yahoo group if you want to check it out.

mg

Post by **Ian_** » Tue Dec 02, 2003 2:27 am

Ive had 2 that were both faulty and new, One had bad lens mount the other wouldnt trigger., never got a chance to use either. On the other hand I ve heard many succces stories. Enough to the point Ive considered trying my luck again.

do you know the address of that yahoo group?
thanks
Ian

Post by **FilmIs4Ever** » Tue Dec 02, 2003 2:35 am

I remember being on the site about a year ago. After leafing through my old Shutterbug magazines, I think I've found it: http://www.kievusa.com
I'm pretty sure this is the one I was on before. They seem to sell all kinds of Russian camera equipment and are apparently some of the only authorized retailers in the US.

Post by **FilmIs4Ever** » Tue Dec 02, 2003 2:35 am

I remember being on the site about a year ago. After leafing through my old Shutterbug magazines, I think I've found it: http://www.kievusa.com
I'm pretty sure this is the one I was on before. They seem to sell all kinds of Russian camera equipment and are apparently some of the only authorized retailers in the US.

Post by **shralp** » Tue Dec 02, 2003 3:36 am

You should definitely talk with the Kiev guys. They basically take the K-3 and modify it to take care of the problems that these cameras had when they came out of the factory. If you've got K-3 questions they are the ones with the answers....

Post by **Patrick** » Tue Dec 02, 2003 3:41 am

I have only put two rolls of film through my K3 but I am pleased with it's performance.footage was very steady and smooth - no scratches or anything. The first roll I exposed out in the snow - filming skiers and snowboarders. You could possibly order one brand new but in that case, you would be forking out a fair amount of money. Alternatively, you could pick one up from the second hand market for a very low bargain price but you would have to investigate whether your chosen camera is a decent running machine or a bomb.

The K3 is certainly a versatile camera

Advantages:
Large range of multiple running speeds and single frame
Robust and reliable - (if you get a good one!)
Mirror shutter resulting in 100% of the light reaching the film
Very bright user-friendly viewfinder - certainly easier to focus than a Bolex
M42 lens mount for which a huge range of 35mm still camera lenses are compatible with - if you need a powerful telephoto lens, simply mount a medium tele lens designed for 35mm and the magnification will increase significantly.

Disadvantages:
100ft max. film loads which offer 2 and half minutes of filming
Wind up mechanism means average and short length takes
Noisy but this is not necessarily a disadvantage depending on what you are shooting
Innacurate light meter (which I never use anyway) - just use a hand held meter or a still camera's built in light meter

Post by **Skylab001** » Tue Dec 02, 2003 8:12 am

I've got one, bought "new" from ebay...it was old stock. Works great and I guess I'm lucky because my light meter actually works....although I definately don't rely on it. I've shot a quite a few rolls with it, most of which came out quite nice when projected...never had any telecined yet though.

you shoud check out the krasnogorsk-3 group on yahoo groups for more info. They are great cameras, if you get one that works!

Post by **Old Uncle Barry** » Tue Dec 02, 2003 2:57 pm

K3 plus K40 plus seperate lightmeter equals STUNNING!

Go for it,I did.