Best 16mm MOS camera for ski/snowboard

[cellulararrest]

I've noticed a few threads about which cameras are good, but haven't found much of a definitive answer. Mostly due to the fact that people haven't been specific. This winter I'm going to be going up to Whistler for a while and am going to be shooting a snowboard film and I would like to shoot on 16mm. The first thing I'm trying to tackle is which camera to use. I need something with variable frame rates, is solid, relatively light (if that exists), preferably electric (not wind-up), around or under $2,000.

My favorite camera (though I must say the only one I've shot on) is the Arriflex S. It just felt so solid and reliable when I was using it. Does anyone know of any place to get one of these in my price range (under 2,000)?

Anyone have any suggestions for other cameras that may fit my needs? I'm open to everything.

Thanks for any help!

[JHouser]

I've noticed a few threads about which cameras are good, but haven't found much of a definitive answer. Mostly due to the fact that people haven't been specific. This winter I'm going to be going up to Whistler for a while and am going to be shooting a snowboard film and I would like to shoot on 16mm. The first thing I'm trying to tackle is which camera to use. I need something with variable frame rates, is solid, relatively light (if that exists), preferably electric (not wind-up), around or under $2,000.

My favorite camera (though I must say the only one I've shot on) is the Arriflex S. It just felt so solid and reliable when I was using it. Does anyone know of any place to get one of these in my price range (under 2,000)?

Anyone have any suggestions for other cameras that may fit my needs? I'm open to everything.

Thanks for any help!

I would recommend a Krasnogorsk with a S16 conversion and a Clive Tobin Motor. I just picked one up on eBay for $400. The Arri S is a GREAT camera. The M as well, but long lenses are not as readily available as M42 (K3). With the Krasnogorsk3 you can get a Peling 8mm lens for $250. That would be great for close up over cranked stuff. Also, you can get any assortment of longer Pentax screw lenses for the K3. Just a bulletproof camera. They get a bad name because people don't know how to correctly load them. (You should pull out the auto load mech) I love mine. I've quite a bit of film through it without a single jam. I actually shot a project for a local school in Seattle. Link attached http://www.bonfireseattle.com/cityuvideolarge.html All of the profile footage (people looking into camera) was shot on a K3. Everything else was shot on an Aaton X-prod. I could barely tell which was which in the transfer $27,000 vs. $175 camera :) It's all about the glass. I think Barry Green has some REALLY nice M42 glass. I need to get some better M42 lenses.

I would actually get 2. One with a Crystal motor and one crank. I think Steve at DuAll will even convert your K3 to PL mount! Hmm.. That would be sweet.

In celluloid we trust-
Werner Hertzog (The white Diamond)

[cellulararrest]

Thanks for the reply! The K3 looks great! I noticed that it is a wind up camera? Is there a conversion or something to use a motor with it? It certainly looks like a good deal. Can't beat that price!

P.S. - I plan on using your G35 as well. Looks like a wonderful product. I can't wait to get my hands on it!

[JHouser]

Thanks for the reply! The K3 looks great! I noticed that it is a wind up camera? Is there a conversion or something to use a motor with it? It certainly looks like a good deal. Can't beat that price!

P.S. - I plan on using your G35 as well. Looks like a wonderful product. I can't wait to get my hands on it!

Clive Tobin made a product in the 90's that was a motor that coupled to the drive of the K3. Becuase the K3 uses a 1:1 drive (similar to the newer Bolex cameras) you can do this. I know he discontinued the motors for a while, but I think he is re-making them. You can get a NEW K3 + Sync motor for under 1k. Here is his link
www.tobincinemasystems.com . Good luck with it!

Jonathan-

[John Michaels]

Hmmm, I would recommend the Canon Scoopic. Very easy to shoot with, variable speeds, electric motor, even auto exposre option. Many that I know highly recommend this reliable camera. Especially for first time use.

I have heard mixed reviews about reliability and quality of the K3.

[JHouser]

Hmmm, I would recommend the Canon Scoopic. Very easy to shoot with, variable speeds, electric motor, even auto exposre option. Many that I know highly recommend this reliable camera. Especially for first time use.

I have heard mixed reviews about reliability and quality of the K3.

That would be a good recommendation as well. My main issue with the scoopic are that is basically like a big super8 camera. Split beam, so it’s very difficult to see the true DOF of your shot and also non removable lenses. If you are shooting snowboard footage you want to be able to swap out to longer lenses. You are correct john in regards to the K3; it's best to buy a K3 that you can verify its operation. Some have more issues than others. They suffered from pretty bad QC. Usually the K3's that have been fitted with TXM-20 (Tobin motor) have been proven to operate well. Also, big issues come from the auto load mechanisms, which should be pulled out anyways. Another benefit of the K3 is a Super16 conversion can be done for $200. (not including the eyepiece swap out)

[cellulararrest]

Yeah I noticed that about the Scoopic. I think that's pretty much out of the question just because of the fixed lense. And it's not a reflex camera. The K3 is looking pretty good. The price is great!

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I really appreciate it.

[Don Tucci]

Hi i have an old arriflex 16 s with 3 Schneider and a angenieux 12-120 zoom .if interested make an offer .Don

[cellulararrest]

oh man. I wish I had the money right now. How much are you looking for? I still love the S and always will :)

[JHouser]

Hi i have an old arriflex 16 s with 3 Schneider and a angenieux 12-120 zoom .if interested make an offer .Don

There you go, nice thing about the S is you can add 400' mags for it (with 8V motor). Not necessarily the most "compact" solution, but for lots of overcrank work would be easy on the changing bag. Another + the ArriS is that it's pull down claw also acts as a registration pin. So if you will theoretically get steadier slow motion than the K3. It's all about the $$$ vs. $ :) good luck! Don how much are you looking to get for you S? Also what's the FL of the Schneider’s?

[Paul Watt]

Bolex Rex 5 or Bolex SB are great film cams for shooting snowboarding. Fairly cheap, super reliable, no batteries to freeze up in super cold conditions. and light enough to carry easily. arri s is great too of course.
i've been shooting snowboarding with a bolex for the last few years in whistler, and love it

basically everyone I know of in the snowsports film world uses a Bolex or an Arri S, with the occasional XTR thrown in.