Kung Fu Joe on Facebook

1st 16mm camera

Buying Rawstock
I was looking for a good source for 16mm raw stock. I found your site but am not sure as to whether you sell raw stock or just have general information. Ordering information was mentioned on the production page, but I didn't see any additional information on how to order. Do you sell raw stock and if you do how do I order it?
>> Read the KB

Film Camera for Shorts
My questions for you are...
A). What is a good, user friendly 16mm camera to start on for independant[sic] short films? I am interested in something flexible... variable speeds, attachment options, ect...
B). Is it worth while to purchace editing equip. or should I just use rental suites?
C). Is 16mm still a good format to use or is it going to become the dinosaur that 8mm has become?
I hope you can help me out with my novice questions, I am anxious to get started on using film cameras rather than video. From what little I know your prices look pretty good and maybe you have something I could use.
>> Read the KB

Eclair ACL 16mm
I'm seriously interested in an Eclair ACL crystal sync camera. It seems to be a decent camera from what little info I can find about it. I really like the fact that I can upgrade it to super 16. It's also shoulder mount and in my price range.

Any input on this subject?
>> Read the KB

C-mount focus
It dawned on me recently that if a C-mount lens is screwed in too far or not far enough, even by a hair, the focus will probably be off. How can I optimize focus in a non-reflex 16mm camera?
>> Read the KB

Contributed by Glen Berry

I will be purchasing my first 16mm camera, and I had some questions. I have a budget of $15,000 through American Express Equipment Financing, and I am interested in getting the best package I can for the purpose of making 16 mm (or Super 16mm) indie films. I own a recording studio, so I knowledge about recording sound just not in terms of cameras (sync etc.) I know Arriflex, but I have little experience with the 16S, 16BL, and SR3. I have even less knowledge about Bolex. So ultimately my question is this ... can you suggest the best set up with these budget requirements?

Regarding the best camera you can get for $15,000, we would recommend an Arriflex BL or SR I if you can find one. The bolexes are excellent cameras but are manual wind (30 second shot duration on one hand crank) and are not crystal sync, making them unsuitable for sync sound work. They have become the symbol of indie film makers for their durability, simplicity and low operating costs but are not useful outside of shooting wild sound short films, stock footage or documentaries.

The Arri S is an good camera but unfortunately does not have a crystal sync motor for doing sync sound. Arriflex BLs can be found starting at around $4500 for an older package in fair condition. The only BL that we have at this time is a late model with a new motor and Tobin crystal sync system in excellent condition for $8700. The only other camera that we carry that would be suitable for sync sound feature films would be the Arri SR III but it may be a little out of your price range at $24,000. You may be able to find a used 35mm camera package for under $15,000 dollars, we recommend that you do a little research into different cameras.

Berry is the founder of the Northwest Film School and the creator of Film Underground, a popular and successful network of Moviemaking web sites that includes Cyber Film School.

A former member of the Whatcom Film Association Board of Directors, he also has twice served as the director of the Northwest Projections Film Festival. An award-winning filmmaker, Berry specializes in post production and is currently employed as an editor and post production supervisor on professional independent productions. Berry has written for “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Filmmaking,” “MovieMaker Magazine,” Cyberfilmschool.com and Filmfestivals.com. He also has served as an expert source for international newspaper and radio media outlets.

Return to KB Index