Xixax Film Forum

Creative Corner => Filmmakers' Workshop => Topic started by: travisbickle1000 on December 01, 2003, 02:51:33 PM

Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: travisbickle1000 on December 01, 2003, 02:51:33 PM
i'm looking into buying a 16mm camera, but i really dont know much about them. of course i don't want a super expensive camera, all i really want is something where i can change the frame rate slower and faster, basic stuff. any ideas? what are some good brands? anything i should look into? advice is greatly appreciated.
Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: aclockworkjj on December 01, 2003, 04:09:43 PM
you can find some pretty decent Bolexes on Ebay....they are a good starting camera.  Figure out what exactly you want...spring wound?  motor driven?  realize a camera with a crystal sync motor (needed for sync sound) is where it's gonna start getting expensive...

here (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2966849256&category=4691#ebayphotohosting) is a fairly decent one (starter kinda camera) i found just quickly searching....
Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: kotte on December 01, 2003, 04:12:24 PM
If you're gonna buy a 16mm camera you need crystal sync. It might be fun awhile without it but you'll kick yourself when you want to do dialogue.
Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: cowboykurtis on December 01, 2003, 05:34:31 PM
i'd get an arri SR II -- great mechanics, built like a tank -- but really with any camera, when all said and done, its really about the lens. you can have a million dollar camera with a shit lens and you're dead in the water.
Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: aclockworkjj on December 01, 2003, 06:17:19 PM
hahaha...you guys...come on now.  sorry if i am wrong, but i am under the impression that he isn't looking for a $10,000 camera.  Travis...what's yer price range?
Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: Witkacy on December 02, 2003, 06:15:54 PM
I'm not sure if anybody here has actually shot 16mm.  I did 10 films over 10 years with an Eclair ACL...it was my partner's but he sold it.  Unless you want to spent lots of cash forget about an Arriflex.  Your best bet is a crystal sync Bolex or an Eclair.  Both are decent but you can load 400ft mags on an Eclair which makes shooting alot easier.  After giving up the Eclair, I'm not concerned... I can rent Arri's for cheap.  Unless you're doing alot of guerilla filmmaking... purchasing a 16 cam is not worth your while then again a good non-sync Bolex will last a life time and not cost you an arm and a leg.  As someone said... the lens is important as I've found out with shitting lenses with Dv cams.  Make sure you have a good deep zoom lens.
Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: Witkacy on December 02, 2003, 06:19:49 PM
Just another note here.... I'm switching from 16 to mini-DV and my analog Nagra would come in handy.  Just want to know if the sync is cool with Dv.  I didn't have time for tests so does anyone have knowledge.... if you've shot 16.... you've used a Nagra.
Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: TheVoiceOfNick on December 02, 2003, 06:29:08 PM
Quote from: WitkacyJust another note here.... I'm switching from 16 to mini-DV and my analog Nagra would come in handy.  Just want to know if the sync is cool with Dv.  I didn't have time for tests so does anyone have knowledge.... if you've shot 16.... you've used a Nagra.

I think Nagras are pretty obsolete with DV... DV audio is pretty much the same as DAT quality (48khz, 16bit, stereo), so why even record audio in analog?  I guess it could be cool, but if you go digital, i'd go digital all the way!  Make the jump.
Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: cowboykurtis on December 03, 2003, 12:37:33 PM
my attitude -- if youre going to spend the money to shoot film -- spend the money on good optics. i think you'd be better off renting a good camera rather than buying a shit one. if you ahvce the money to burn 16mm on unplanned experimentation, thats a different story. i recently got  a nice super 8mm  -- quite nice for little projects.
Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: aclockworkjj on December 03, 2003, 01:41:36 PM
Quote from: cowboykurtisi think you'd be better off renting a good camera rather than buying a shit one.
best idea i have heard.
Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: Witkacy on December 03, 2003, 02:34:17 PM
Quote
I think Nagras are pretty obsolete with DV...
I'm not sure if you know the quality of a Nagra... it's not a piece of shit, it's was the industry standard before digital.  If you can't answer my question then you've never used a Nagra.
Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: Witkacy on December 03, 2003, 02:35:32 PM
Quote from: Witkacy
Quote[/I think Nagras are pretty obsolete with DV...quote]I think Nagras are pretty obsolete with DV...
I'm not sure if you know the quality of a Nagra... it's not a piece of shit, it's was the industry standard before digital.  If you can't answer my question then you've never used a Nagra.
Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: aclockworkjj on December 03, 2003, 02:40:40 PM
how's that quote button working out for ya??? :wink:

hehehe.
Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: Witkacy on December 03, 2003, 03:03:01 PM
Never used it and still trying....  my skills are still in infancy.
Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: aclockworkjj on December 03, 2003, 03:16:32 PM
Quote from: WitkacyNever used it and still trying....  my skills are still in infancy.
it's okay...just takes a little bit of practice (http://xixax.com/faq.php?mode=bbcode#4).
Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: Witkacy on December 03, 2003, 03:20:11 PM
Is it copy and paste or something else....  maybe I'm a just a little bit too analog. Give me lesson.
Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: aclockworkjj on December 03, 2003, 03:22:38 PM
Quote from: WitkacyIs it copy and paste or something else....  maybe I'm a just a little bit too analog. Give me lesson.
Quote from: aclockworkjjpractice (http://xixax.com/faq.php?mode=bbcode#4).

see what happens when you click the word practice (http://xixax.com/faq.php?mode=bbcode#4).
Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: Witkacy on December 03, 2003, 03:32:22 PM
see what happens when you click the word
not sure what's happening.... need some guidance
Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: Witkacy on December 03, 2003, 03:33:23 PM
Still not happening for me...   I'm a fuck up and trying to get it right....
Title: 16mm cameras...
Post by: aclockworkjj on December 03, 2003, 03:52:20 PM
Quote from: WitkacyI'm a fuck up and trying to get it right....
nonsense.  

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Title: 8mm
Post by: truerain on December 06, 2003, 09:49:02 PM
Quote from: cowboykurtismy attitude -- if youre going to spend the money to shoot film -- spend the money on good optics. i think you'd be better off renting a good camera rather than buying a shit one. if you ahvce the money to burn 16mm on unplanned experimentation, thats a different story. i recently got  a nice super 8mm  -- quite nice for little projects.

somewhat stupid question..
super 8mm films 'can' be developed until now in your country?

cause i was told that i can't buy 8mm film nor kodak care (or handle) (super) 8mm film now

i'm sure the laboratory in south korea doesnot develop 8mm film
anymore