What 2 perf 16mm stocks still exist?

[Nicholas Kovats]

Hi.

 

I was just wondering as to the general availability of 2 perf or double perf 16mm stock? Do the standard 16mm frame dimensions still apply, i.e.

 

width: 10.26 mm

height: 7.49 mm

 

Regards,

 

Nick K.

Toronto, Canada

[Dominic Case]

Kodak list what is available in single or double perf in their catalogue here

 

Can't immediately find Fuji's equivalent. If there is one.

 

width: 10.26 mm

height: 7.49 mm

Yes that is the standard 16mm camera aperture. Projector gate is a little smaller.

[Nicholas Kovats]

Thanks for the link Dominic.

 

What I mean to say is the following, i.e. taking into account the space taken up by 2 perf 16mm stock by the perfs themeselves ....can one still shoot the standard 16 frame dimensions = width: 10.26 mm

x height: 7.49 mm?

 

Regards,

 

NK

 

Kodak list what is available in single or double perf in their catalogue here

 

Can't immediately find Fuji's equivalent. If there is one.

 

Yes that is the standard 16mm camera aperture. Projector gate is a little smaller.

[Freya Black]

Thanks for the link Dominic.

 

What I mean to say is the following, i.e. taking into account the space taken up by 2 perf 16mm stock by the perfs themeselves ....can one still shoot the standard 16 frame dimensions = width: 10.26 mm

x height: 7.49 mm?

 

Regards,

 

NK

 

Hiya Nick!

Double perf (the phrase 2perf usually refers to something completely different so is probably best avoided) was the original way that 16mm film was made. It has holes on both sides of the filmstock. Later on the other set of perfs was removed creating single perf, i.e. perforations down one edge of the film. This allowed space to fit a soundtrack where the other set of perfs used to be. Then someone had the great idea to use the extra space where the soundtrack goes to put more image information, creating Super16 for making widescreen films.

 

Double perf can only be used to make films in standard16, i.e. an image area that is kind of squarish like 4:3 TV. Super16 can only be shot on single perf. It creates a widescreen image a bit like the 16:9 on modern widescreen TV's.

 

Most 16mm cameras can use both single or double perf to record a standard 16mm 4:3 kinda image. If you use single perf film on a standard 16mm camera it will usually just ignore the extra space. Some really old 16mm cameras and specialised high speed cameras need the extra sprocket holes that are on double perf and will get very upset if they are fed single perf however.

 

Hope that helps!

 

love

 

Freya

[Nicholas Kovats]

Thanks for the response Freya.

 

I am aware of the stability offered by double perf stock as per high speed cameras.

 

I am leading to an idea in a round about way with these initial questions.

 

What is the definitive resource for double perf 16mm frame dimensions? i.e.

 

1. What is the maximum shooting height available the 16mm frame? 7.49 mm?

2. What is the maximum shooting width available in the 16mm frame? 10.26 mm?

 

What 16mm cameras exist with machined interchangable gates/aspect ratios? If not what 16mm cameras are the best and/or easiest to modify? Bolex?

 

Regards,

 

Nicholas

Canada

[Dominic Case]

What is the definitive resource for double perf 16mm frame dimensions? i.e.

The dimensions you quote are the definitive dimensions.

SMPTE standard 7.

Also shown in the American Cinematographer Manual (but in inches: .404" x .295")

These dimensions were set up specifically for double-perf 16mm stock which is specified in SMPTE 109.

 

So yes, as Freya says, you can fit the standard 16mm frame dimensions onto double perf 16mm stock. In fact that is what it is made for :blink: