HVX for a poor-man's telecine

T

tippert

Member
I'm in Mongolia working on a project and I have access to some old 16/35mm communist propoganda films for my project. I want to capture the footage with my HVX, what's the best method? Should I project onto a screen and shoot or simply direct the film projector right into the lens? Any advice is much appreciated.

thanks!
 
I am by no means an expert in this area, but I would shy away from directing anything right into the lens . . .
(your picture, I think, would also be backwards).
 
Project the film onto a wall / screen with the smallest possible image size. The smaller the image, the more light is concentrated from the projector. Aim the HVX at it with a slight off angle direction - this way you dont see the kickback from the projector lamp (like a light shimmer). record in 1080@24p - It should work fine. I would do HDnorm, normal matrix, - 0 or -2 on the croma assuming the footage is B&W.
 
Note that the 16/35mm footage might not be at 24fps.

You can probably use the variable framerates in 720p to match the speed of the projector.

Also be sure to experiment with adjusting the shutter time on your camera (and the projector too, if possible) to remove as much flicker as possible.



It might also be worth trying (if you have a bit of time to experiemt) with adjustign playback framerate fo the projector if possible - slower framerates will give you more light to work with. Then correct speed in post. - Audio (if any) would then of course have to be re-recorded seperatly.

- Mikko
 
I used to do all of this in film years ago.

Mikko is right about experimenting with shutter speed to get rid of flicker. My guess is a slower shutter speed will even out flicker that might come from a double bladed shutter.
If the films are sound then the projector speed shouldn't be an issue and it will be obvious if it is. If silent then it could be anywhere from 16 to 25. Most likely around 18-20 but you would still record at 24 (unless you are doing PAL at 25. You want the speed to look normal presumably.
I would question some of the advice above.

Re: HD Norm. The projected image will be contrasty and i would consider Cine -D to preserve the information. Bottom line is though - whatever looks good on the HVX is what you want. You can always recreate contrast later and adjust gammas & black stretch to your taste in post.
The big problem with projecting is that the footage will be keystoned to the side. You will have to experiment. Don't want a harsh central glare from the projector bulb, but you don't want that glare on the side either and the further you are from being directly lined up the more things will keystone.

Re: smallest image possible? I don't know why that would matter as long as you have enough light for a good exposure with evrything in focus. The disadvantage of a small screen is that you may find it harder to line-up central to the projector. Play around till it looks as good as you can get it.

Check your 100% zebra's to avoid overexposing highlights.
Color balance on the pure projector light (unless the print is way off and you want to correct it.)

Experiment with the surface you are projecting onto. A smooth white matte surface is probably best. (a White card) A movie screen might be too specular.

Good Luck,

How's the weather in Mongolia?
 
My comments regarding experimenting with off-speed playback only refer to the actualy shooting of the material. Just as film beeing scanned at only a frame or two a seccond.
The footage should then be retured to the proper speed in post.

- Mikko
 
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