Hi everyone. This is my first post here, I have been lurking around these forums for a couple days, and finally decided to post. I'm producing and directing a surf movie project in super 16mm this summer, and I had a bunch of questions.
1. The camera I want to get is either the Bolex SBM, Bolex REX5, or Arri 16 S. Right now, I'm leaning more towards the SBM because I like the bayonet mount (for PL mount lenses, with a converter), and I feel that overall it's a better camera (I'm not 100% set on this, though, if you have suggestions to another camera, I would love to hear them). Also, I need suggestions on where to get this camera converted to Super 16, and the cost I should expect to pay.
Noob question: Is bayonet mount the same size as C mount? Can you put a C mount lens on a bayonet mount camera and vice versa? If not, can C mount accept PL mount lenses with a converter?
Also, what do you all think of a Bayonet-to-PL converter, is there any quality control to look out for? Obviously it can't effect lens quality, but if you don't get the right one, couldn't there possibly be focus issues?
OK, so if I do go with the REX5, with C mount lenses, what kind of quality can I expect from such lenses as the Switar 10mm and the POE 16-100? Is the quality anywhere near what I could expect from a PL mount Cooke/Century prime? If someone could fill me in about any reviews on either of these two lenses, that would be great. (Or just give me your own personal review, haha) For the SBM, I am aware that Super 16mm cameras are not compatible with many regular16mm lenses. I have heard good things about the Kinoptic 5.7mm, Zeiss 16mm, and many other PL mount lenses, but I'm not sure if a $3000+ lens is in my budget. Any other suggestions for good super-16 PL, bayonet, or C-mount Lenses? thank you.
ELECTRIC MOTORS: OK, I really don't know anything about these, so what is the most reliable, best quality Bolex motor? I've been looking at the ESM and MST, but I've heard things about reliability issues. I would hate to be far away from civilization and have a motor just die on me. Are there any non-Bolex brand motors that I could look into? Is it correct that, in order to use the 400ft magazines, you must have a motor on the camera, plus a motor on the magazine?
Underwater housings for a Bolex 16mm camera....Suggestions, prices, etc. are helpful
Thank you, I know we have some bolex experts on board, hopefully you guys can help me out!!
Michael Mitchell