Camera Flash Effect - 16mm

bcheong

bcheong

Well-known member
Hi!

I'm gearing up to shoot a student film in March on an SRII S16. Shooting mainly 24FPS with 180 degree shutter. There is a press conference scene with photographers/journalist snapping photos of the lead character up on a stage. I've been told that electronic flashes are too fast to be caught on film and that old flash bulbs would be the best because of their slow decay. Due to the shear number of flashbulbs needed, their 1 time use, and our very small budget this isn't really an option.

As a test I tried a modern a on-camera flash with my DVX set at 24PA standard shutter. Is this absolutely identical to a film camera also running at 24FPS with a 180 degree shutter??? I found it was a hit and miss. I got a good white flash burnout once every 4 or 5 times flashed. I figure the secret will be having plenty of units firing off randomly. I should catch something.

Any thoughts?
 
I just shot a music video on super 35, I had a group of reporters and I wanted the same effect I rented 5 or 8 cameras from a rental house with GOOD flashes but the flash is so minimal from those flashes that it is just a white blip, I was shooting 42 Frames per second as well, I think if you could shoot like 64 FPS on the scene you would have a better chance of capturing it. Or use the old time cameras $$$ but dont count on anything cool at 24FPS
 
flash effect.

flash effect.

An FX rental house is a good place to try. They can solve your problem. Electronic flashes are too fast and not bright enough to expose a "POP" on film. The shutter is also a factor. An FX house has the old style flash bulbs that are very bright and can be controlled remotely on command so you can create a more realistic environment. Check it out in a town near you.
 
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One effect which is do able but somewhat dangerous is to get a class 3 fx expert to advise you on the use of flash powders in the old trey holders .
if it were last minute fx
id rig house hold dimmers
and ramp them up and down with a slider and
a knob type dimmer using photo floods .
Id combine this with the modern flash units and
RUN A TEST ..
Good Luck
Cheers
Bruce
 
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