Alain LeTourneau

I've contacted Marty. He's going to send pics soon. Very curious to see it, though it's rather expensive compared to the one I usually see on eBay. What you have is one option I've considered - 9.5, 16, and 10-100 (to cover s16 30-100), as it seems like a smart set-up. As of right now I have mk1 Zeiss 9,5 - 16 - 25, and a Angenieux 12-120/2.1 HEC (covers s16 from 40-120). I'm on the hunt for a better zoom, but for now this set-up works fine. I love my XTR though it will need an overhaul within the next 12 months, it's a little noisy. I took it up to Charlie Pickle in Seattle for service to the mags and viewfinder, very happy with the results. --Alain

Thanks Tim. I believe these adapters ONLY work with Sony NP-1 batts, at least, this is what the maker of the adpater claims, but perhaps someone on this list has one of these adapters and has had success using them with other batts by IDX, Switronix, etc.? When I asked the question I was thinking of the Aaton NP-1 battery adapter made by Oppenheimer Camera. I'm waiting to see if they'll send me a pic since I have never seen one of their adapters. I have however seen adapters that did not have the bottom plate as in the picture you've attached. The positive side of the adapter is that batts can be found for $60-100 as NiCD or NiMH. And dual chargers for somewhere in the $250-350 range (even though you can pay up to $1000). Where I work we have a new batch of 10-15 MiMH IDX batt purchased new in June of this year, so with the proper adapter I'd have access to all the power I need. The reason I started considering the adapter has to do with the 4 pin connector on the camera itself. As I understand, the XTR has a special 4 pin connector, one which is not easy to replace as it is a specific part so switchcraft and neutrik connectors cannot be substituted. It's also hard to access the connector as it is buried in an electonics panel of the camera (so there's a high labor cost to replace). Being that my camera is from 1989, there's a good chance over time that the pins have been fatigued and one could break. If I used the NP-1 adapter I would no longer been connecting and re-connecting batteries via the 4 pin, since the adapter would stay mounted. -Alain BTW, how's your camera working out?

Does anyone know if the batteries fit snuggly enough in the NP-1 adapter so as NOT to fall out if the camera is at an extreme angle? The Aaton batts have the lock which prevents them from falling off, but with the NP-1 there's no secure lock that holds the battery to the camera, so I wondered how well this works in situations were the camera is at an angle were the batt could fall out? The NP-1 adapter seems nice in that it would in fact put less wear and tear on the 4 pin connector (which is very difficult and expensive to replace if a pin breaks), since the apater would stay on the camera and the batteries sliding in and out of the adapter's housing. -Alain

Steve, Steve.... Get over there right now.... NWFF screens the film tonight, and tomorrow (Sun, Dec 3). Get over there man! -Alain Giles, Probably best not to quibble over such small peanuts... but I watch films at home like anyone else. I do so for a number of reasons, but theatrical viewing is.... well the best of all worlds. I have to ask were you watch films? I rarely sit in theaters where people are chatting away, and if they are then walk over and tell the to shut up, and it they don't, then walk over to the manager and ask him to tell them to shut up. Bad manners do not have to be tolerated. Bad projection is unfortunate, but this can be addressed as well if you talk to the right folks. Esp, at the smaller art/museum style venues. -Alain

The first screening of Satantango had about 60-75 people. Damnation, which screened on Thanksgiving night, had about 35 people. It's 26 reels. I would image it is one of the most difficult shows any projectionist will do. The prints were not in the best of shape. The prints projected at the PFA shows I attended (years ago) I think were from MoMA and in immaculate condition. As for home viewing v. theatrical there is no comparison, scale is one thing, but really it's the principle of the matter, as the cinema is a public space and all too often the private is exalted and the public sacrificed. -Alain

Satantango, Bela Tarr's 7.5 hour film from 1996, screened for the first time in Portland, Oregon this past weekend. I'd seen the film a number of times in SF and Berkeley, but was excited to see it again. I recommend the film to anyone who cares about cinema or perhaps the state of the world. -Alain

I've owned a number of Bolex(es) (RX4,5,SBM) with 10x and 13x finders.. You'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference. Who's doing your conversion? Jakko? -Alain

Paul Tomasko may have one in the city or one he'd be willing to deliver... -Alain

No advice really. The NPR is a nice camera for the money... steady images. Is that serial number correct - #10162? If so, that's the highest number I've seen (previously had only seen numbers up to 98XX). The lenses you list are not so hot, but the package seems to have a number of nice items. Do you happen to know what's included in the spare parts kit? Does that mean the camera's internal parts? -Alain

Thanks Tim. Think I posted my request too soon as I'm still undecided on which zoom to purchase... and have recently discovered some other options. -Alain

Looking to purchase a Zeiss 10-100/2 mkI zoom. -Alain

Martin, If you want an NPR I'm getting ready to sell my package within a matter of weeks... 2x NPR camera bodies - #1154 and #1555 3x Alcan motors - 2x 24/25 and 1x variable speed Angenieux finder 3x mags Angenieux 12-120 T2.5 - 1x in CA-1 mt and 1x in B mt many extras Contact me at alain@40frames.org if you have any interest. -Alain LeTourneau

Try Adam Liberman at Liberman Sound... Google it. If you need a manual or have questions. I would recommend a Steenbeck or KEM before a Moviola of any kind. -Alain

You can try Gerard Galle in France, but I doubt he has one. http://www.eclair-cameras.net/ BTW, thanks for the scans of the NPR service manual. Did you say they were scans from the original document or from a photocopy of the original document? -Alain

I'm waiting for my Eclair NPR to return from a CLA. I will be selling a package consisting of 2x NPR camera bodies, 2x Aaton Alcan motors, 3x mags, plus accessories. If you are considering a camera purchase, please contact me at the emaill address below if you'd like me to notify you when the camera is ready for purchase. Alain alainletourneau2002@yahoo.com

Yes, it's true Bolex Torque motors cannot be serviced. Eventually the MM's sealed bearings dry up, make noise, and then cease up. Think of it this way, a new WM Torque motor from Bolex is a little over $500 directly from Bolex SA or a authorized Bolex dealer. If you buy a couple MM motors on eBay for say $60-75 each. You figure 1 out of 2 should work ok, or one out of three. The MM can make a little noise too and it still works fine. Another way to think of it is that a new Aaton XTRprod magazine would cost you $3600! Sometimes it helps to put thinks in perspective. Alain

Nope, but MM motors can be found on eBay for $50-100. The mags in great shape and has spare core adapters, camera rollers and throat cover. Alain

Revised Sept 13 ================================ - FOR SALE - BOLEX SBM, standard 16mm. Bought new from Bolex in Feb 2005. Have original box and receipts. Includes the following items: motor crank arm, rewind arm, 2x filter holders, 2x C mount adapters, 1x C mount port cap, chamois eye cushion, and Pelican 1520 case. $2750 TCS TXM-20B 12V motor (crystal 24fps, vs 12,15,30,48), powers both Bolex MM and WM torque motors. $400 BOLEX 400' mag, throat cover, 4x core adapters, 2x camera rollers. $125 SWITAR 10/1.6, late model mk III (all black), front/rear caps. $450 SWITAR 26/1.1, silver/black, rear cap, protective filter, case. $450 Will sell as complete package for $3750 + shipping

Maybe. ; -) Alain

No, actually they don't. When I downloaded the PDF (multiple times, from multiple locations, on multiple comuters) it was everything up to page 28, not inlcuding pages 29-36 (the exploded views of the camera). Alain

I'm looking for pages 29-36 of the XTR manual from February 1985. Does anyone have a copy, preferrably an original, which they could scan and email me? Thanks, Alain LeTourneau

Gone. Alain

Aaton has a February 1985 version of the XTR manual on their website, but the final pages 29-36, which includeds exploded views of the camera, is not part of the PDF download. Does anyone have this '85 version of the manual (as original) that they would sell or make high quality scans or photocopies in exchange for a small fee and covering postage (if not a scan)??? Appreciate any assistance, Alain

Another revision: note change to SBM listing, includes additional items. ========================== Bolex SBM, standard 16mm. Bought new from Bolex in Feb 2005. Have original box and receipts. Includes the following items: motor crank arm, rewind arm, 2x filter holders, 2x C mount adapters, 2x C mount port caps, chamois eye cushion, Pelican 1520 case, and 10x daylight spools of 7231. $2750 Tobin Cinema Systems TXM-20B 12V motor (crystal 24fps, variable speeds 12, 15, 30, 48). Powers both Bolex MM and WM torque motors. Like new. $400 Bolex 400' magazine, throat cover, 4x core adapters, 2x camera rollers. Ex Condition. $125 Switar 10/1.6, late model mk III (all black), front and rear caps. Ex condition. $450 Switar 26/1.1, silver/black, front and rear caps, case. Ex condition. $450 Minolta VF ambient lightmeter, like new with original box and manual. $130 Alain LeTourneau +1 503 231 6548

I'd agree with Bernie that std 16 is going nowhere in market terms. I've been watching NPRs sell on eBay for less than $1500 and many for less than $1000. That's rock bottom compared to the price for a std 16 NPR in the early to mid-1990s when they were selling for $5000-7000. Unless you have an outstanding camera package I doubt you'd get $3000 for your NPR. You'd probably get that price with the conversion though. Alain