Eclair NPR S16 package and support w/ superspeed primes

andrewbuchanan · April 21, 2006

As usual, before I go elsewhere to sell my equipment, I thought I would put a posting up here to see if anyone here was interested.

I'm selling my S16 package soon. The package consist of a S16 Eclair NPR in "A" or collector condition. It has a full Les Bosher S16 modification and with PL mount in the turret and custom anodized rods in Arri LW spacing. It has a flawless adjustable shutter (5 - 180 degrees) - why the NPR is the best camera to own this side of an SR3, in my opinion. It has a latest Beala III motor with 6-40fps (crystal at 24 and 25). Finder is the rare Angenieux, which is the best. 3 Mags come with the package. Everything has been maintained to the highest standards, is in perfect condition, and functions as it should.

Also, I'll be selling my primes and would like to do a complete sale. They are Arvic 7mm t1.3 (this is same lens as the Elite 7mm t1.3, and one of the best super-wide lenses made for S16 cinematography) in PL, Zeiss MK1 12mm t1.3 in Arri B with PL adapter w/gear and 80mm front, Optar Illumina 16mm t1.3 in PL, Zeiss MK1 25mm t1.3 in Arri B with PL adapter w/gear and 80mm front, Optar Illumina 50mm t1.3 in PL. All lenses (except the Arvic 7mm) were cleaned and serviced this fall by Jorge at Cinematechnic (he also applied the PL adapters and cemented them in place) - so you know they are in perfect condition and the back focus is properly set. The Arvic is just back from Focus Optics where it was cleaned and the rear-focus serviced.

Also included...

pelican lens case

Arri LX 3x3 mattebox

7 Tiffen filters

3 newish Bescor batteries

Nikon-C adapter (I hang Nikkor telephotos on it)

mag throat covers

camera plate cover

custom handgrip mount and grip (like the wooden Aaton grip, needs rewiring)

morestuff that I can't remember at the moment

Please PM me if you are interested. Also, please don't expect ebay prices. I've spent around $2,000 this year keeping this stuff serviced properly. Until a few months ago, I was freelance and depended on this gear to pay the bills. I'm selling because I took a full-time position and don't need it any more. This stuff got me where I needed to go professionally, and has shot plenty of broadcast material. My prices will be fair and I am open to reasonable offers. If you are in the North Carolina area, or happen to be passing down the I-95 corridor, I invite you to stop by and take a look. Thanks for any interest.

Alain LeTourneau · April 26, 2006

Andrew,

Did you recenter the C mount as well? BTW, why are you selling this package? Looks like you put a

great deal of energy into putting a nice package together.

Alain

Alain LeTourneau · April 26, 2006

BTW, you are on my list of NPR owners on the forum...

Alain

andrewbuchanan · May 2, 2006

Hi Alain,

Yes, the c-mount was recentered by Les. I like to hang a 180mm or a 300mm Nikkor in the c-Nikon F adapter when I need some really long glass. It makes a superb image that mixes well with my primes (at least no one has noticed they are not cine lenses yet). I really think the Eclair is best "owner" super 16 out there. It does everything most of the others do and so much more - and that is coming from someone who has bought and sold quite a few different super 16 packages. Sure there are a few that are better, but the cost prevents me from ever wanting to own one of them. The NPR is the perfect camera to own, because I does so much and the overhead is about 1/5 of an SR2 or an LTR 54. You can spend the savings on film and lenses.

I'm selling this stuff because I just took a full time production job and I have access to cameras at work, also I have reached a point where I need to show up with a brand new camera or some sort (for the client - I'd work with the NPR all the time if I could). I usually work on an SR3 and use this as a B-camera or second unit package. This is a great package and I hate to see it sitting in my closet. It's quite a steal too - someone can get a Super 16 AND a prime lens package (of real lenses) for less than the price of an SR1 or LTR 7 from somewhere like Visual Products or Du-all (which are both great stores).

Anyway, if you ever have any questions about the NPR, please feel free to ask me. I have spent a lot of time with it and feel like I know the camera very well.

Alain LeTourneau · May 2, 2006

Hi Alain,

Yes, the c-mount was recentered by Les. I like to hang a 180mm or a 300mm Nikkor in the c-Nikon F adapter when I need some really long glass. It makes a superb image that mixes well with my primes (at least no one has noticed they are not cine lenses yet). I really think the Eclair is best "owner" super 16 out there. It does everything most of the others do and so much more - and that is coming from someone who has bought and sold quite a few different super 16 packages. Sure there are a few that are better, but the cost prevents me from ever wanting to own one of them. The NPR is the perfect camera to own, because I does so much and the overhead is about 1/5 of an SR2 or an LTR 54. You can spend the savings on film and lenses.

Andrew,

I couldn't agree more...the NPR is indeed a fine camera. I own two of them.

IMO, the NPR is better than the ACL which I find a finicky and oddball'd machine. But that's a personal thing, I know many folks who own ACLs and think its a dream. I looked at Aaton's for awhile before realizing there was no reason to break the bank and kill myself paying the thing off. Sure it looks sexy, but with good glass (and your package definitely has good glass), the NPR will record an image that is equal to the SR and 54LTR/XTR cameras.

I'm curious, what's the serial number of your camera body?

Alain

andrewbuchanan · May 3, 2006

[quote name='Alain LeTourneau' date='May 2 2006, 10:14 AM' post='103228'

I couldn't agree more...the NPR is indeed a fine camera. I own two of them.

I'm curious, what's the serial number of your camera body?

Alain

IMO, the NPR is better than the ACL which I find a finicky and oddball'd machine.

I'm curious, what's the serial number of your camera body?

Alain

I agree with your thoughts on the ACL. I think it is a great specialty camera. With a c mount prime and a 200' mag, it's a-minima sized and a whole lot cheaper. Take the handle off and it's even smaller. I'd like to have one for a crash cam. And, I do wish that the NPR could hit 75fps, but that is the only spot where the ACL beats it. I've never been able to see any camera that didn't have an adjustable shutter as a serious camera. It's like taking all the screwdrivers out of your toolbox. You can still work on things - but you can do everything you should be able to do. (Sorry ACL owners - no disrespect meant).

My camera is a lower number. I don't have it in front on me, but I think it is 15XX. I got it from a porno director who was the original owner. Apparently, it had some wild times back in the 70's. It came with an Angenieux 5.9mm in the turret. All I can think is... "surrealist porno" or the guy was looking at something way, way too close.

I've never seen any of the previous owner's ...er work.