1st 16mm camera
I will be purchasing my first 16mm camera, and I had some questions. I have a budget of $15,000 through American Express Equipment Financing,
and I am interested in getting the best package I can for the purpose of making 16 mm (or Super 16mm) indie films.
I own a recording studio, so I knowledge about recording
sound just not in terms of cameras (sync etc.)
I know Arriflex, but I have little experience with the 16S, 16BL, and SR3.
I have even less knowledge about Bolex.
So ultimately my question is this ... can you suggest the best set up with these budget requirements?
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Buying Rawstock
I was looking for a good source for 16mm raw stock. I found your site but am not sure as to whether you sell raw stock or just have general
information. Ordering information was mentioned on the production page, but I didn't see any additional information on how to order. Do you sell raw stock and if you do how do I order it?
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Eclair ACL 16mm
I'm seriously interested in an Eclair ACL crystal sync camera. It seems to be a decent camera from what little info I can find about it. I really like the fact that I can upgrade it to super 16. It's also shoulder mount and in my price range.
Any input on this subject?
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C-mount focus
It dawned on me recently that if a C-mount lens is screwed in too far or
not far enough, even by a hair, the focus will probably be off. How can
I optimize focus in a non-reflex 16mm camera?
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A) If you want to do independent shorts, you will be very limited in what
you will be able to do if you don't have a crystal sync camera. Crystal
sync means that the speed of the motor is precisely controlled via a
crystal. This means that when you record sound on a DAT or Nagra they (the
camera and the recorder) will run at consistent speeds. Crystal sync
cameras such as the Eclair ACL and the Arri BL usually go for $2200 to $2500
and on up, depending on condition. We don't have any crystal sync cameras
for sale on our page.
If you get a non sync (wild or ungoverned motor) camera then you will still
get a beautiful quality image but it will start slipping and lose sync after
about 5 or 6 seconds. You can shoot some wonderful images and if you are
imaginative you can do shorts but forget trying to do anything but the
briefest of dialogue. I have seen some really well done shorts with the
Bolex H16 which is a popular and common 16mm camera. It has a turret mount
that will accept the common C-mount lens, variable speeds and frame by frame
option for animation and special FX cinematography. It has an auto load
feature for the 100ft daylight spools which makes it fairly easy to load.
It doesn't work right everytime so you will have to familiarize yourself
with it to get it to work right. These cameras are also very durable and
tough, another good feature for a beginning cinematographer. Another great
camera is the Scoopic 16. It also had variable frame rates and the auto
load works smoothly and perfectly everytime. The problem is that it has one
fixed zoom lens and is more expensive because it is battery operated, unlike
the H16. At this time we don't have any Scoopics but I recommend them if
you can find one at a reasonable price. Any other specific questions, ask
me.
B) To rent or buy all depends on how much money you have. If you can afford
it, go for it. If money isn't coming out of your ears then you have to
decide whether you can justify owning the equipment. How much money are you
putting out? How many projects are you going to do? How much money are they
going to net you back? Can you rent time to other people? If you plan on
doing alot of projects and the price is good, go for it. If you're strapped
for cash or don't foresee using it quickly, rent.
C) 16mm is going to be around for a while. The format will probably outlast
any camera you buy. I'm surprised to see there is a resurgence in Super 8 and 8mm, BTW.
It is very popular these days with low budget film makers. Film in general
is on the way out but it will be quite a while before its gone.