16mm Suggestions
Hi,
Looking to buy my first 16mm camera. I don't intend for this to be something I'm going to shoot big projects on or anything - I'm better off just renting for that. This is more for experimentation, fun, and experience shooting film (cinema, anyway, I have a lot of experience with stills film).
If the camera is MOS, that's totally fine.
My ideal features, if they are even possible (which I'm sure varies from model to model).
- Convertible to Super 16
- Arri S or B mount (not critical - I can use PL/S/B adapters to C mount)
- Battery availability to run for longer than the typical 20-30 seconds for handcranking (this is a big one)
- Convertible to single perf if it's double perf - I'm assuming this is necessary? I know it's necessary for Super 16, but all 16mm film nowadays is single perf.
- 200 ft mag (like Beaulieu) or 400ft mag availability
Some of those (e.g. battery for motor) are more important than others (e.g., 200/400 ft mag).
Options I'm considering. Please weigh in on your opinions and also which of these may not fit those ideal qualifications very well.
- Bolex H16 Standard
- Beaulieu R16
- Cinema Products CP-16
- K3 (kind of a last option imo, but maybe I'm wrong)
I know the R16 can use a battery, and has 200 ft mags available. The CP-16 can actually record sound, it's surprisingly quiet. The Bolex is the cheapest of the bunch and probably has the most accessories/parts available, but I'm not sure if it would be better to go with a newer model.
Thanks!!