Bolex for S16 conversion as B camera

Jason Banker · July 25, 2005

Hi,

I would like to do some single frame timelapse stuff for a feature that I am working on. The Aaton LTR 54 is a great sync camera but I don't think it is able to do that type of work.

So I was thinking of purchasing a Bolex for S16 conversion. The problem is I would like to know if this whole prism/shutter issue substantially degrades the image quality to a level that it wouldn't make a good B camera for this purpose?

Are there any other solutions?

As a side question, if I did get a B camera that was just Regular 16 and cropped the frame for Super, could I intercut the footage if I shot the R16 with a stock that was half the speed of the S16 footage? or would it still look very different?

Thanks

Steven Budden · July 26, 2005

Jason,

I know you can get fine images with a bolex... they were used on a number of professional quality films. (FYI... I just listed my super 16 SBM on ebay so it's there now).

I also know that if you do single frame shooting with a bolex, the exposure will change towards the end of the wind when the spring begins to run down, unless you use an external tobin (or other) time lapse motor. I've read that anyway. I haven't done time lapse first hand yet.

Tou should also check out the Revolution time lapse intervelometer because it looks pretty cool too and can do just about anything (so they say).

Steven

Sam Wells · July 26, 2005

I think there is a motor controller that will let you do single frame with an LTR. Made in England ? Not sure, ask Nathan.

Bolex can be a workhorse for this. The Norris motor would be the best, I haven't used the Tobin (cheaper).

You can do it with the spring motor but it winds down. If you have to rewind it and you're not done with the sequence you should really have your camera tied town, and proceed gently !

Put the motor speed at 48 or higher for spring wound single frame - least mechanical governor resistance then. If the camera is in good shape the exposure "shouldn't" change then. But a precise motor is safer.

-Sam

Herb Montes · July 27, 2005

Bolexes are widely used for animation especially stop motion. This is my Rex5 with an older animation motor that was inexpensive. A Stevens model that functions well though I plan on replacing it with a more modern unit later.

Bolex images are rock steady and sharp especially if you use Switar primes on it. Mine came with Schneider lenses that are considered just as good as Switars though in these pictures I have a Sopelem compact zoom on the camera.

Steven Budden · July 27, 2005

One more question... wouldn't keeping the spring wound for long periods an an animation set wear it out eventually?

Steven

Herb Montes · July 27, 2005

One more question... wouldn't keeping the spring wound for long periods an an animation set wear it out eventually?

Steven

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It has been recommended not to store a clockwork camera with the spring wound up. I always keep my cameras unwound when I'm not using them. And animation, especially stop motion, takes a long time. One can shoot short sequences and backwind the film to remove from the camera when not shooting for a long period (one of the advantages of having a Bolex). Just remember to mark where the last frame was taken.