WTB: arriflex 16mm camera

J

jmega

Active member
i have checked ebay and have found a few possibilities, but i thought i would check on here as well.

i would prefer a arri 16BL, or something similar. if it has a crystal sync motor that would be a huge plus.

also does anyone know if there are any sites like dvxuser but that focus more on film instead of digital? i searched a little but i didnt find one that had as much activity and as many members as this.
 
The 16BL sure is a great camera, however you should know that servicing such cameras is becoming very difficult and expensive as parts are becoming hard to get by...
 
Try Cinematography.com as a source for a good film forum. Also, look into Aaton LTR cameras and possibly Eclair NPR or ACL as an alternative. I used to own an Arri 16bl, and it was a good camera, but really heavy for any kind of handheld work. The lens also has to be blimped to record sound, unlike Aaton or Eclair or CP16, which can switch lenses easier (as long as the mount is correct). Also, it's not a poor man's sport - I now own an LTR which i would like to sell, and an Aaton XTR Prod, which I paid $2700 to have rebuilt (and there was nothing wrong with it!). Sources for purchasing cameras like these are Cinematography.com ads, Mandy.com., In Sync Publications.com, Visual Products, Jimon.com. Best of luck, Matt.
 
my company owns 5 Arri S/B cameras and 1 Bolex H16 camera. i would suggest the S/B over the BL because its a smaller camera and you have the option of shooting 100 ft loads (in body) or 400 ft with an optional mag. the cameras are cheap and maintenance runs about $500 every year or 2 (from Du-All Camera in NY) and assuming you take care of them. parts are pretty easy to come by. of course none of these cameras are silent, they are only for MOS shooting (and you usually have to get a crystal-sync motor separately). for the money the best deal right now is a Bolex Super16 camera. they are a bit awkward to hand hold and their viewfinder is darker than an Arri's, but Super16 for around $3k is pretty compelling.

my favorite stores for 16mm gear are: Du-All Camera, Alan Gordon, Visual Products, and Whitehouse Audio Visual (lenses). i dont know of a 16mm forum thats as active as DVXuser. sorry. usually when i have an issue or question i call up one of the stores. they are very knowledgeable and i can get correct answers (not just guesses) more quickly than searching the interweb or a forum.

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The Arri S/B is too loud for sound and need a special motor. A blimp exist for the Arri S but it is huge. The Arri S is also a very heavy camera. Furthermore they are becoming very expensive to service, especially since NYU pretty much bought all the spare parts left in the country. LOL
 
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