paul roberts

Having once narrowed my choice from a K3 (which I decided against) to a Bolex H16 reflex (maybe the RX5) I have stumbled once more. I think I have around £450 ($850USD) to play around with - although play around isn't such a suitable choice given the pain of indecision I am in. To whit, who would choose what from the following... A BOLEX H16 RX in its original case for around £300 - three primes (switar 25mm edition)... A BOLEX H16 RX with a Som Berthiot Pan-Cinor Zoom (17.5-70mm) at around £300... A BEAULIEU R16 with a 17-68mm Zoom and some film for £545... OR FINALLY... AN ARRIFLEX 16S from 1967 recently checked (with NO LENSES) for £600... I was really tempted by the BOLEXs but now I have seen the R16 (with 200ft load - will it have to be hand loaded at 200ft?) and I am swingin towards that one. Ideally I would like to get maybe two of these cameras. It is my aim to become a DoP - currently I am working in the Digital realm as a cam assistant so need a camera that can introduce me gently but can grow with me. Thanks for reading this - Regards

Since this seems to be the newest thread on purchasing a 16mm camera I thought I'd add my questions to it. Hope you all don't mind. Currently I am working as a 2nd Camera Assistant on Digi, Vari and HD formats but I really want to get into making shorts using 16mm. Since I haven't got a great amount to work with in the purchase (£100-200) I've been looking at Bolex H16 and the Krasnogorsk K-3. I've settled for a Bolex but I would like to know which moels to go for of the H16 range. Do I want a non-reflex or a reflex view? Can I shoot tungsten film or does it only shoot daylight? Also, are they easier to spool than the K-3? Finally, I have a 35mm still background and I'm not affraid of developing my own film. How practical is this, and say using Kodac d86 dev fluid, what negs or reversal (b&w) can I use? Thank you so, so much. The one thing I really love about this site, is the patience and advice that is bestowed on newbies such as myself. With regards Paul