Where to get a competent 16mm camera for cheap

[Gunier J. Kintgen]

Hiya folks!
So I'm a bit of an animator, not that good of one just yet but I enjoy making my own films. One thing I've always wanted to do is make my cartoons on film, from beginning to end! That includes shooting, editing, printing, even the soundtrack. I've got all the tools needed to make this a reality (more or less), all I'm missing is the camera.
Ideally, what I'd like is a good Bolex with a Reflex viewfinder, that's the dream. If not that, then maybe a Krasnogorsk-3; Really just something decently competent in terms of filmmaking, not a point-n-shoot. However, the prices for something like this on E-Bay or something are insane, even for a broken one!
You all seem like experts in this field; I figured I'd be a good idea to ask all of you for advice. Is there any camera similar to the ones I mentioned that I can possibly get for cheap? No matter what, it must have a Reflex viewfinder (or any other sort of mechanism that lets me look through the lens) & be able to take single exposures. I'm aiming for around the $100 - $150 range. Is it even possible to get a Reflex Bolex or Krasnogorsk-3 within that price range anymore? If so, where should I be looking for one? Maybe someone here has one for sale? I'm fine with light to moderate repair work, I've had to repair my Filmosound & typewriters many times.
Any & all help is apreceated; Thanks in advance!

-G.J.K.

[Alan Paterson]

Many animators used a Bolex H16 Reflex. I used them on film making courses back in the 1980's. They're great little cameras. I also used a Krasnogorsk-3. I wasn't so impressed by that one as if you turned the focus ring too far, the lens came apart. I'd stick with the Bolex. Locating a cheap RX model won't be easy. The RX5 was the best one. Maybe check with Colleges to see if they're throwing any out. Best of luck.

[Gunier J. Kintgen]

Many animators used a Bolex H16 Reflex. I used them on film making courses back in the 1980's. They're great little cameras. I also used a Krasnogorsk-3. I wasn't so impressed by that one as if you turned the focus ring too far, the lens came apart. I'd stick with the Bolex. Locating a cheap RX model won't be easy. The RX5 was the best one. Maybe check with Colleges to see if they're throwing any out. Best of luck.

I've sent out E-Mails to 5 major & community colleges in my state; One of them already replied with no luck.
Are there any other avenues worth persuing? Any other orginizations or groups I could ask?

[David M. Leugers]

Just a thought "outside the box" as they say, how about a non-reflex Bolex with a rack-over accessory? I have never done animation (I'm lucky if I can draw my signature...) but I do know it is a slow and time consuming process which kinda takes away the advantages of a reflex camera. With the rack-over one can accurately frame and focus, plus one gets to use all kinds of C mount lenses while saving lots of money on purchasing prices. Save the money to get a good quality animation motor to do motor-driven single frames. I think that would have the most impact on the quality of your films.

[Gunier J. Kintgen]

Just a thought "outside the box" as they say, how about a non-reflex Bolex with a rack-over accessory? I have never done animation (I'm lucky if I can draw my signature...) but I do know it is a slow and time consuming process which kinda takes away the advantages of a reflex camera. With the rack-over one can accurately frame and focus, plus one gets to use all kinds of C mount lenses while saving lots of money on purchasing prices. Save the money to get a good quality animation motor to do motor-driven single frames. I think that would have the most impact on the quality of your films.

Well, the main reason I want a Reflex Bolex in particuar is because not only can I accurately aim my shot, but I can nail the focus too. Keep in mind, I've never used a film camera before! I have a good collection of vintage film still cameras thanks to my Uncle Carl, none of them have reflex viewfinders. I try & focus them as best I can but can never figure it out, it makes my head spin!
Then again, I can't say I've ever heard of a "Rack-Over Accessory"; Can you tell me a bit more about them? They sound like they help line up your shots pretty well, but do they do anything for focusing?

[Joerg Polzfusz]

Hi!

In order to properly aim/focus with a non-Reflex camera, you could also use a CADRO or CADIL:
http://www.bolexcollector.com/accessories/view50.html
They are listed at the bottom of the page. They are put inside the camera - instead of the film = before loading the camera.

The rackover might be suited, too, as the camera will be mounted to a tripod (or stick or monopod or stand or whatever this part is called in English when using a „Tricktisch“):
http://www.bolexcollector.com/accessories/misc50.html


Personally, I would use a reflex camera as this would allow you to use zoom lenses and hence shooting close-ups of drawings by simply zooming. But that’s just me.