Where to buy 16mm stock?

The Green One

The Green One

Active member
I saw a couple suggestions on other posts but I'll be darned if I can't find those posts again.

Basically right now I'm looking for some inexpensive 100' reels to practice with my new (to me) Bolex. Am also looking for good/inexpensive developing and transfer to DVD.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you can throw out.
 
I want to shoot. I did take a bolex training class at the film school so I have the basic basics down-ish. I just need to work on lighting and whatnot.

Thanks for the link.
 
The NW film center should have some 16mm stock for sale at their office in downtown portland. I see that you're in Hood River, if you're ever in the Portland area, drop me a line! You could also call the film center and ask if there are any local suppliers of 16mm. Good luck! Are you shooting skiing by chance?
 
I'd thought about shooting at the halfpipe at Meadows, although my current goal is to shoot a low budget attempt at a blend of Baraka and Inconvenient Truth.

That's where I took my training class. I did get a film/developing/etc price sheet but I've lost it and can't find one on their site. Maybe I'll cruise in to town again on Friday since I don't work Fridays.
 
Call The Dr Group(thedrgroup.com) 1800 323 4647. They deal in re-cans, factor fresh and short ends, good deals. Check 'em out, they have a lot of different stocks but mostly single perf(lately).
 
So the Dr group only has one stock and the price is pretty high. The film emporium's site doesn't work.

That brings me to my next question: since super 16 is apparently more readily available, is its cost lower? Is there anyone who will do conversions for a reasonable rate?
 
Super16 film is the same as 16mm film, depending on what camera you're shooting with.

S16 film has perforations on one side of the stock. Almost all new film sold is "one-perf." Some cameras had pulldown claws on both sides of the frame, and so they need "two-perf" film (peforations on both side of the frame). But those are few and far between; the vast majority of 16mm film cameras use only claws on one side.
 
So the Dr group only has one stock and the price is pretty high. The film emporium's site doesn't work.
Click to expand...

What the suckle? Are you sure? Usually a '100 roll is approx. $25. They must be pretty low on stock right now. Next best thing is to buy some short ends off someone. I just bought 1,100 feet for $20 and 300feet of 35mm SE for 10 bucks. Check around, you might find someone.
 
Barry_Green said:
Super16 film is the same as 16mm film, depending on what camera you're shooting with.

S16 film has perforations on one side of the stock. Almost all new film sold is "one-perf." Some cameras had pulldown claws on both sides of the frame, and so they need "two-perf" film (peforations on both side of the frame). But those are few and far between; the vast majority of 16mm film cameras use only claws on one side.
Click to expand...

I have an older H16 Bolex. I've looked for super 16 cams but they are hard to find and usually cost a lot more, probably due to the conversion cost. I'd sure love to find someone who does the conversions for less than the $800 I've seen.
 
TheGreenOne said:
I have an older H16 Bolex. I've looked for super 16 cams but they are hard to find and usually cost a lot more, probably due to the conversion cost. I'd sure love to find someone who does the conversions for less than the $800 I've seen.
Click to expand...

You can buy a S16 K-3 for $400 on craigslist.org right now(LA sales). If interested.
 
Robert86 said:
You can buy a S16 K-3 for $400 on craigslist.org right now(LA sales). If interested.
Click to expand...

That's a good deal although I didn't see it on the site. Whoda thunkit to buy a camera from LA? :)
 
Yes, all they had in double perf were 400' rolls of one stock. The price actually wasn't that bad at 0.29/ft. Dang, I'm starting to wish I hadn't just bought my regular 16 because that super would be....super. Oh well, it is a Bolex so I think it'll be alright for what I need. I did find B/W locally for 0.20. I was planning on going color but there is a lot of beauty in B/W if you shoot it right.

Another question for you: can you run single perf through a regular 16?

Thanks for all your help so far. I really do appreciate it.
 
Another question for you: can you run single perf through a regular 16?
Click to expand...

You can run single perf through your camera only if your sprockets have "teeth" on one side. If the sprockets have "teeth" on both sides, then you won't be able to shoot single perf film.

Also, if you are able to shoot single perf film, then you could buy short ends and re-cans from the DR Group at a cheaper price. And if you buy the '400 rolls, they can break them down for you in '100 daylight spools. Though it cost llike $7 for every break. To avoid the cost, you could go to your local lab and ask for daylight spools(free), then break down the '400 roll yourself which is what I do.

lol

That's a cool signature you have there.
 
Most every 16mm camera can run single-perf stock. Check your gate; if you have a pulldown claw on only one side, then yes you can use single-perf.
 
You got all that 1100 feet for 20 bucks??? lol
Click to expand...

Oh yeah, I forgot about that. lol

The Green One, also check craigslist.org ads too. A few weeks ago I just bought 1,100 feet of re-cans and short ends for 20 bucks! What a world!!!
Also bought 300 feet of 35mm for 10 bucks. Whoo hoo, my first spec commercial will be shot with those 35mm SE's.
 
khmuse said:
Sounds like you are looking for some short ends. Do you need these for learning to load or did you want to shoot with them?

Try this link, I have used them before:

http://www.filmemporium.com/newweb/rawstock/kodak.htm
Click to expand...

Thanks for the rec for film emporium. I placed my order online this morning. They called me and set me straight on my order (come on, I'm a n00b with film...he was very helpful and patient), shipped the film and sent me a tracking number all by lunch time. It's hard to find a company that 'together' anymore. Kudos to them.

I just hope I have as much luck with developing and transfer.

BTW, the link above doesn't work anymore. Just go to the root site and nav to the film.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top