8mm & 16mm camera suggestions

B

bffilms

New member
Looking to buy super 8 & 16mm cameras. Any suggestions on what kind and where to buy. Will be used for shorts and in my existing business. Any info is appreciated.

Bob
 
Bob super 8 cams are everywhere, 16mm cams are more rare, It really depends on how much you want to spend. http://www.visualproducts.com/ has aloto f used gear cycling through them, Give them a call and ask them questions, they are very good at what they do, and they will hook you up with a 16mm cam with all its accessories for a good price, plus they are legit and have a warranty policy. Have fun with Film, oh on that note do you have experience in film or just in digital, with the way things are going you can get a great image from an EX1 with a 35mm adapter for right about the same price your going to be spending on a 16mm cam, the EX1 will produce a sharper picture, and the DOF will be shallower than a 16mm cam, just keep those in mind, also you get around the Film processing and developing with film, and buying stock also, lots of variables.


Jon
 
Thanks Jon. I do have the Letus 35 Extreme adapter on order and also getting ready to switch to HD. Still in the stone age with 3 SD cams. Looking at the EX1 and Z7U. I've seen some footage with the EX and it looks great so it gives me something to think about. Just starting my research but what do you know about those cams? What's the difference between the EX and Z7U?

Bob
www.bobfranklinfilms.com
 
I did a bunch of research on higher end Super 8 -- and came up with the Canon 1014xls as (arguably) the best out there. I spun through a couple of reels and I'm really really happy with it. It also has a sound synch (though I haven't experimented with that yet). If you want interchangeable lens, Bealieu seemed to offer the best choices.
 
Thanks Vern. I found the same in my surfing as well. Will probably go with the canon. Thanks for your time.

Bob
 
Just out of curiosity, why would you want an 8mm or 16mm camera considering your current equipment?
 
Just to be able to offer the film option to some of my clients. HD is great but some prefer the nostalgic look and feel of film. I've always liked that high contrast super 8mm look. Have you seen "Factory Girl"? Lot of high con s8mm in it.

Bob
 
i own a canon 1014 and it is fun to tinker with but i would NEVER use that camera on a paying gig. it is entirely too unreliable and anymore it is hard/expensive to get film for it.

your best bet, if you want film, would be to make the investment in an arriflex 16mm. quality wise you will be much much happier although you are going to making a much more significant investment.

but in the end, i would just shoot some test reels or maybe a short film on a rented one so you feel comfortable and form a comfortable working relationship with a local rental house. tell your clients the option is always available but will be SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive than shooting on video. for each 150 seconds assume you will be spending $150 on development and telecine. you'd be better off renting a film camera than investing in one...just an opinion.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top