8mm Forum: Reccomended 16mm projector and basic camera with decent lens to start.

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Topic: Reccomended 16mm projector and basic camera with decent lens to start.

Jake Mayes
Expert Film Handler

Posts: 119
From: Bath, UK
Registered: Sep 2012

posted December 20, 2017 11:55 AM

I have shot super-8 for a few years as many will know from seeing my posts here.

I am interested in shooting 16mm for making little short story-based movies (mainly reversal, i have the gear to process at home up to 16mm for both E6 and ECN-2). Andec could make a positive print in the event of shooting negative, the processing i can deal with myself, mainly for fun and to save on the expense as for me development costs are expensive, that is no problem to process myself. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention here, as not having to pay for processing and the cheapness of the chemicals made it just about affordable to shoot on movie film if i spread out how often i shoot with it.

I am not too interested in sound and features as of yet, but good quality optics and a stable transport of film, mainly, and where the projectors are concerned, gentle treatment of film.

I have had a hard time finding information on good projectors/cameras. I would say my budget is about £700 for equipment to dip my toe in this to see if i like it. I love super-8, but i think 16mm would be fun for 'serious' story-based movies just in case i wished to circulate them further, later, as it would give me the extra resolution for this purpose. Crystal sync and other audio-based features i would look into if i liked the format for my intended purpose, or if i would stick to super-8.

Keep the super 8 for fun and family/friends, and the 16mm for more serious projects for the extra headroom.

What's disturbing is the film stock isn't that much more expensive than super-8 at the current prices. May change when kodak releases the newly restarted ektachrome, and based on their latest podcast it seems things have gone well.

I am adept at shooting super-8 and at processing/exposing the stuff, its merely the equipment I need, nothing too fancy apart from decent optics and stable film transport.

Anyone have any suggestions as to where to start out with it? Thank you!

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Nantawat Kittiwarakul
Master Film Handler

Posts: 280
From: Rajburana, Bangkok, Thailand
Registered: Aug 2017

posted December 22, 2017 09:46 PM

Although I have 0 knowledge about 16mm camera,but something about projector that might be some use for you.

If you only intend for personal viewing/small group film show,I strongly recommend usual slot-load projector. Eiki brand springs up as no.1 for me - really simple design (easy for maintenance) and if anything disastrous happens,you can safely unlace film from the projector with ease.
The next best choice would be Elmo 16-cl. Very well-made and reliable (although a bit harder to service). The biggest flaw would be its infamous rubber-coated rollers,which will more than likely to be totally disintegrated by now. [Frown]

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Just a lone collector from a faraway land...

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Maurice Leakey
Film God

Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007

posted December 23, 2017 02:20 AM

Jake
For a camera, go for the Bolex H16. Bolex in Switzerland are still active for spares and service.
http://bolex.co.uk/andrew/Bolex_Site/BolexHome.html
For a projector, an Elf, models in the NT series are easy to find and do not have any trouble with their worm gear as do the Bell & Howells.
https://ian-partridge.com/elf_nt1.html

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Maurice

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Dave Groves
Jedi Master Film Handler

Posts: 508
From: Southend on Sea, Essex, UK
Registered: Feb 2015

posted December 24, 2017 12:39 PM

Jake, I've never taken 16mm pictures but the name Bolex has always figured strong in my thinking having seen their cameras from time to time. Maurice has sound advice. As for a decent projector, give Kevin Brown in Nottingham a call. He services and sells 16mm machines. He won't pressure you and will give good advice, and usually has models for sale. His number is 0115 9113125 MOBILE 07970 851866.

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Dave

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Christian Romero
Film Handler

Posts: 47
From: Everett, WA, USA
Registered: Sep 2017

posted December 26, 2017 11:28 PM

I regularly shoot with a Bolex Rex 1 and I can tell you it's a great choice. Make sure whichever Bolex you get has a reflex viewfinder because that will make your life a lot easier. I also have a B&H Filmo 70-DR which has finder objectives and it's a gamble to focus. Indestructible camera, though. In Nam the VC would blow up helicopters and nothing would be left of the craft or bodies but footage was still salvageable from Filmo cameras dropping from high up in the air.

The cheapest okay cameras are the Soviet Krasnogorsk K-3 cameras, but those are a bit of a gamble. The threading is awful flimsy. It's a favorite of students because you can buy one off ebay for $100-$200. Those have a Pentax M42 mount so they'll take still camera lenses.

Whichever one you choose will get you hooked. Let me know if you need info as to where to process film, telecine, etc. The nice people on this forum know a lot more about projectors than I do.

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Terry Sills
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1423
From: Weymouth,Dorset,England
Registered: Oct 2012

posted December 28, 2017 05:56 AM

Jake
I have a Bolex H16 reflex three turret with 3 different lenses, all in excellent condition,as is the camera. It comes in the original leather fitted case.
I see that you are in Bath so not too far from me (Weymouth). If you are interested I can email you with some photos, or you can come and see in person.

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Mark Todd
Film God

Posts: 3846
From: UK
Registered: Aug 2003

posted December 28, 2017 06:56 AM

That Sounds nice Terry.

Also no need for an upgragde etc.

Best Mark.

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Terry Sills
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1423
From: Weymouth,Dorset,England
Registered: Oct 2012

posted December 28, 2017 08:47 AM

Yes Mark it is beautiful - but not cheap, but like my old dad used to say ' always buy the best you can afford. Buying cheap usually ends up cheap, dear'.
Still can't work out how to post pictures with my iPad. I was hoping the forum was getting an upgrade to make it easier.

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Terry Sills
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1423
From: Weymouth,Dorset,England
Registered: Oct 2012

posted January 11, 2018 03:52 AM

Jake
I also have a Bell&Howell 603T 16mm camera with a 1" lens. Fabulous condition for the age and it is complete with the original leather case and instruction booklet. If you are interested I can send a picture by email.
Terry

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Robert Crewdson
Phenomenal Film Handler

Posts: 1031
From: UK
Registered: Jun 2013

posted January 11, 2018 07:32 AM

The Krasnogorsk-3 is popular because it's modern, semi-automatic, and comes with a range of accessories, and filters. I think the only thing it won't do is rewind. I bought mine, new but old stock, from a dealer in Moscow. I've not had any trouble with it and the lens is impressive. Also got a Bolex H16 in like new condition, and 4 B&H Filmos of various ages. Unfortunately, it's too expensive to film now. A 4 minute film costs more than many feature films.

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Maurice Leakey
Film God

Posts: 5895
From: Bristol. United Kingdom
Registered: Oct 2007

posted January 11, 2018 08:50 AM

The Bell & Howell 603 models require the special 50ft magazine. I believe that most owners used to load their own.

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Maurice

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Rob Koeling
Master Film Handler

Posts: 399
From: Brighton, UK
Registered: Jun 2003

posted January 12, 2018 08:30 AM

Hi Jake,

I have an Eiki-NT1 that I don't need anymore. I would be happy to sell it if you are looking for a reliable projector. The machine is too nice to sit there unused. I sent you a PM.

- Rob

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