Projecting 16mm Negatives?

S

SE7

Well-known member
This is a pretty basic question, but I'm not really sure... if you shoot 16mm negative film and then get it processed, it will be a negative, right? (So it will have an "inverted" image.. ?).

If you then took that negative and try run it through a 16mm projector, would it should the inverted image, or a correct image?

I was thinking about filming the images from a projector with a digital camera, to cut out unnecessary telecine costs.. but would that work, if it's a negative?

Or maybe I could film the inverted image and then "invert" that image in post to get a correct image?

Thanks.
 
Film comes in two types, negative and reversal (or "positive"). If you shoot reversal film, when it's processed it is a positive image (like slides) and yes, you could project that directly.

When you shoot negative film (which is by far the most common), you need to get it printed to a positive stock before you can project it. You normally wouldn't want to project your one and only copy anyway, as you run the risk of scratches/broken sprocket holes/melted film every time you run it through a projector.
 
And when you make a print of any kind, you compromise your image a little bit each time (it gets grainier, more contrasty, etc.). That's why people most often go to a facility to transfer the negative. You stand the least possible chance of harming the 1st generation of your image and are able to bump it over to tape or a digital file with the absolute best quality. In fact, when features bump the neg over as a high rez Digital Intermediary (for effects and stuff), the resolution can surpass what the original 35mm negative held (no, you don't add information, but at least it doesn't degrade the image).
 
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Thanks for the information guys. About how much would it cost to print a positive from the negative?

I'm just wondering whether a 15 cent /per foot telecine with some extra charges would be more expensive than just getting a positive print and filming from a projector.
 
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