Philip Nasadowski

I don't have the coin for a BMCC (I'm a hobbyist), and anyway, I like film. For my Bolex, which has the external motor, I used a pair of lead acid security cells, and a cord long enough to allow me to put the pack on the floor and move a bit. I got a little camera bag that they fit PERFECT into, along with the moto and a roll or two of film. Heavy? Yes. But, the long cord makes it less of a headache, and it's PLENTY of capacity - it's not going to die suddenly on you.

I was at Kodak's office in NYC (it seems like it moves everytime I buy film...), the guy says they have no more, but that B&H might get some (not much!) in the near future. In 16mm presumeably. He didn't say much about negative stock, though given how Kodak's office is now crammed into a corner of Panavision in NYC... A shame. Every time I grab film for the Bolex I wonder if it's gonna be the last time...

I've used Spectra and liked the results. They're nice to deal with, too.

Anything's possible, though supposedly their MP division makes money, therefore it'll likely be spun off. Kodak just sold their gelatin division though, even though it seems to have been doing quite well. I'm starting to think Kodak has a deathwish at this point :/ Oh yeah, you can order film online right from Kodak, and that's about as easy as it gets: http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/list/Film/Motion_Picture_Film/categoryID.55766100 Enjoy!

It all depends on if you need single or double perf film. Double perf has holes on both sides of the film (like 35mm still camera film). Single perf has them down one side only. Look at the camera's sprockets - you'll see if they're designed for double or single. Either way, Kodak Tri-X (7266?) is a great way to start. It's a reversal, so what you shoot is what you'll project, and it's cheap and easy to find (ok, admittingly, I'm near NY City. It's easy to find here...) I like to project reversal - maybe you can find a projector at school to borrow for a period to see your results (if you're in high school or college you'll likely be able to)? It's also cheaper / less headache / faster than getting a telecine of the film. You'll need an exposure meter, and you'll have to set the F stop on the camera. Test with a roll or two first and you'll get the feel of it fast. And remember to HAVE FUN! :)

I learned how to make a changing bag out of a Carhartt sweatjacket: 1) Zip it up fully 2) Put camera and film box in, with the zipper (front) of the jacket down 3) fold bottom over few times 4) Fold hoodie over. 5) Insert arms through sleaves and do your unloading. Learned it from an old Time/Life book on photography... Oh, Bolex tips? Always rewind the camera before loading. It's not obvious until it dies 1/2way through loading :( Also, be sure you know if your footage counter is in meters or feet. Guess how I found out mine's in meters? :(

This should be a basic starting point. As always, refer to the motor's manual if you have it! 1) Make sure the spring is fully unwound on the Bolex (this is just good practice). 2) Set the Bolex's spring from 'M' to 'O'. This 'turns off' the spring motor. You need to do this to prevent spring damage (!) 3) There's two shutter release buttons on a Bolex - the front button, and the slider on the side. Slide the slider all the way to the left - it'll click into that position. This disengages the mechanism that ensures the shutter is closed when you stop filming. You need to do this to prevent things from jamming up. 4) Set the speed on the Bolex to maximum (64fps usually). This prevents the Bolex from fighting the motor, and reduces wear. 5) Attach the motor. Make sure it engages the shaft properly. 6) To use the motor, you should just be able to turn it on and wait for speed. 7) Turn off the motor to stop filming. 8) Be aware you might get white flashes between uses of the motor. This is because the motor shuts off generally in any position, and sometimes that's with the shutter fully open. Fix it in post :) or call it an artistic touch...

I got a motor recently for my reflex and, well, the motor rocks! That said, I still use the spring a lot. I ended up stealing two security type 12 volt batteries from work (we have plenty laying around) and made up a little pack with a free 'camera' bag I got with my tripod. It got enough space to store the motor, 15 feet of cord and the batteries in it, and it looks cool :) The bolt on motor for the earlier models is a nice piece, though mine need to be opened and relubed (was DRY). Big deal. I was surprised how quiet it is. Too bad it's not a sync motor, with a little barney over the camera it might be quiet enough for some of what I'd want sound with. (Or is my Bolex unusually quiet, it just doesn't seem to make much noise)

Ok, I've been dabbing on/off with film for a few years, and I've noticed a few things: 1) My Bolex is a great camera, but the spring thing sucks. More to the point, it let me down this weekend on a longish shot. 2) Bolex motors all seem to attach with that cool 1:1 shaft which my H16 doesn't have :( 3) There's a lot of attractively priced Arri S's on a certain auction site. You know the one ;) Which brings me to my question: Can you still get these things overhauled/repaired? Any particular serial # range to watch out for (I've read to get over serial 15,000)? Anything else? They seem to pop up all the time, but I'd hate to want to drop a few hundred and end up with a paperweight... Thanks!

I was the proverbial A/V geek in school too. I don't remember many films, just watching the film go through the Singer projector we always got. Middle school, we had B&H autojams. I always had a thing for shooting film, and my aunt gave me one of thm old Kodak super 8mms. As some of you know, those cameras basically self destruct. Anyway, 2 years ago I was buying an antique TV up in CT and the guy had a box of 16mm stuff - an old Keystone. Ended up with that, too. Shot a few rolls, got a Bolex. The Bolex was an antique, had lousy registration, and I ended up getting a (newer) reflex one, that I now use. Most of my shooting's been home movie and such, but it's fun and supposedly keeps me out of trouble :)