Help me decide [16mm camera]

nouou

nouou

Well-known member
Arriflex SB: $1,500
includes:
400' mag
zeiss 10-100mm f/2.8 t* zoom

or

Bolex H16 M5: $1,300
includes:
400' mag
optic 17-85mm f/2.8


both working, have motors/chargers, & cases. anyone have any experience with either of these cameras?
 
If it's in decent working condition, I'd go for the Arri, hands down. It will last longer than you'll ever need it. The SB was middle to late seventies IIRC. These are built like a tank and have a wide range of (still) available accessories. The Zeiss lens is a definite plus! This is really the classic 16mm field camera if you don't need sync sound.

Hope this helps.
Ken
the Screen Skins guy
 
Haven't used Ariflex's, but the bolex is indestructible.

A buddy of mine dropped his off the tripod, down a rock embankment, and into a lake. Dried it off, kept shooting the next day, not a problem. Though they didn't have motors. Tank like, but not my favorite 16mm camera.
 
What do you want to use it for? Both are noisier than a battlefront, so if you're looking to do sync sound -- these are the wrong tools for the job.
 
Used both. Would go with the Arri, for most of the same reasons as kplo.

Although if you can find a Bolex EBM or EL in a similar price range, those might be better bets.
 
Sad Max said:
The bidding is young on this EBM kit, but I suggest you take a look...who knows, it might end in your price range...I used a virtually identical kit for years and was very happy, with it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bolex-16mm-EBM-...M?hash=item4ceacd81aa&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177
Click to expand...


There's an EBM I can get for 1200. It's in "excellent condition", although it's missing a battery and battery charger. It doesn't come with a lens either. Can you tell me some reasons as to why I should look into the EBM instead off the Arri SB?
 
Go for the Arri SB. Bolex H16 lacks pin registration which is more important in 16mm.
I've used both. The SB is a professional camera, the Bolex was considered more what "prosumer" is today. Also the 17-85mm is probably an old c mount switar, which is inferior to the Zeiss 10-100mm T3.
 
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