k-2, k-3 setup ideas/questions

connor denning · April 3, 2016

What I'd like to know is can the k-2 be used with modern western film (the same as the k-3 uses). The reason I want the k-2 rather then the k-3 is that it has remove able cartridges witch would make loading film quicker. Is the governor accurate in the camera? I'd like to shoot with sound if I have to re-dubb I can, but I have at least some idea of how long that takes. If someone could explain how to do re-dubbing that be grate, though I could figure that out with enough time. I'd like to know to know if using the k-2 is as usable as the k-3.

The rig I'm planing on using is a blimp with a non-reflex viewfinder (maybe bolex) mounted on it with some form of parlex corrector (though I'm not sure how the latter works). Depending on weather or not or I can get usable results with sound out of the unmodified camera, I would like to ether use a sync motor replacing the spring motor and drive shaft, or if the sound out of it works fine I would like to just have a motor wind the spring as it unwinds. (Any thoughts on all of this).

Mark Dunn · April 3, 2016

You still have to load the cartridges.

Loading a K-3 only takes about a minute.

Edited April 3, 2016 by Mark Dunn

Aapo Lettinen · April 3, 2016

I use the K2 quite a lot with current films without problems. the perforations and film dimensions are the same so why not.

the cassette system is useful if you have lots of different stocks on same shoot and have to be able to switch them every 20 ft. or so. otherwise it is pain in the *** and causes dust/gate hair very easily especially if you handle it the wrong way.

it is also more difficult to load the cartridges in darkroom than it ever is with the daylight spools. so, if you are using the camera for film stock testing then it is useful system but otherwise I would just use the K3

connor denning · April 3, 2016

I use the K2 quite a lot with current films without problems. the perforations and film dimensions are the same so why not.

the cassette system is useful if you have lots of different stocks on same shoot and have to be able to switch them every 20 ft. or so. otherwise it is pain in the *** and causes dust/gate hair very easily especially if you handle it the wrong way.

it is also more difficult to load the cartridges in darkroom than it ever is with the daylight spools. so, if you are using the camera for film stock testing then it is useful system but otherwise I would just use the K3

Why do you have to change it every 20ft? And can't it do daylight?

Aapo Lettinen · April 3, 2016

I think it's practical only if you have to constantly change film mid-roll. otherwise you will be much happier with the K3.

the magazine can be changed in daylight but it has to be loaded in total darkness

connor denning · April 3, 2016

I think it's practical only if you have to constantly change film mid-roll. otherwise you will be much happier with the K3.

the magazine can be changed in daylight but it has to be loaded in total darkness

I'd buy about 5 or 6 of them, so i could shoot more takes in a day.

Aapo Lettinen · April 3, 2016

I'd buy about 5 or 6 of them, so i could shoot more takes in a day.

with lenses? then of course take the K3

connor denning · April 4, 2016

with lenses? then of course take the K3

What?

I ment 5 or 6 mags for th k2.

connor denning · April 4, 2016

Also can it take any old m42 lens, I'm asking this because on the rear element of the lens protrudes from the body., hence lessening the flange distance.

connor denning · April 6, 2016

Also can it take any old m42 lens, I'm asking this because on the rear element of the lens protrudes from the body., hence lessening the flange distance.

Anyone ever put a regular m42 (not cinema lens) on a k-3?

connor denning · April 7, 2016

anyone know if it can't them (regular m42's)?

Aapo Lettinen · April 7, 2016

Yeah it works but the photo lenses have so long focal lenghts for a 16mm format that you need to have normal and wide lenses from smaller format

connor denning · April 10, 2016

Yeah it works but the photo lenses have so long focal lenghts for a 16mm format that you need to have normal and wide lenses from smaller format

could you rephrase that?

Mark Dunn · April 10, 2016

M42 lenses were meant for 35mm cameras so they rarely come in focal lengths shorter than about a 24mm. Normal for 16mm. is about 15mm. so most M42 lenses will be rather long, that is, have a small angle of view. Of course the rear element has to clear the mirror, which may rule out very short lenses such as the Peleng 8mm and the Zenitar 16mm. You might be able to adapt some C-mount lenses.

Incidentally the flange focal distance of the camera is fixed.

Edited April 10, 2016 by Mark Dunn

Chris Burke · April 10, 2016

the Peleng 8mm is your only readily available choice. There are other fishyeye lenses out there, but a Peleng 8mm or equivalent is the way to go.

Chris Burke · April 10, 2016

Also, the cost of a K3 compared to the headache of loading those mags.?? I was on a shoot with those mags before, never again. Get a K3, get it overhauled and converted to Ultra 16. You will be a much happier shooter.