Tim Carroll

Most of the lubricants used on the Arri 16S camera are very difficult to find now. You might try a light oil like 3-in-1 oil, that might free up the switch somewhat, but it probably has years of dirt and grime built up in it so it really should be taken apart, ultrasonically cleaned, lubricated and re-assembled. Best, -Tim

It's been years, but I remember we used to take the rechargeable batteries from RC cars (7.2 volt) and use them to run the Arriflex 16S variable speed and constant speed motors. Worked really well. Best, -Tim

You could try lubricating the on-off switch. It could also be missing the spring that makes it pop back out when it turns off. When you press the on switch, is it stiff? If so, I think it needs to be taken apart and cleaned thoroughly, lubricated, then put back together. If the on switch presses in nice and easy, I would suspect the return spring is missing. Hope that helps. Best, -Tim

I agree with Tyler, just shoot in standard 16 and crop in post. Have shot a number of projects this way. I usually tape off the fibre optics screen or lightly mark it with pencil to guide framing. Axel Broda used to do a really nice Super 16 conversion on Arriflex 16SR and 16SRII cameras, but it ran about $8000. He no longer does this work, and the cameras are no longer worth the investment.

Just to throw in a different perspective. Always been a big fan of the Arriflex 16S/B. Have owned the Bolex, and Aaton LTR. The Arriflex is really nice and simple, and I found it easier to hand hold compared to the Bolex, and a lot more compact and maneuverable compared to the Aaton. And with one of the periscope finders attached, you can shoot the Arriflex from many different angles. If I were doing what you're talking about doing, I'd find a good Arriflex 16S/B (which should not cost you $2K) and a Zeiss 8mm T* lens, and just have at it. Had this combination a decade ago and although I still have the 16S/B, I stupidly sold the Zeiss lens. Because it is 8mm (and make sure you get one with the T* coating) camera movement is not an issue. And you can get in really close and make some really wonderful footage with it. Just my 2¢ worth. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Haven't serviced a 16S, S/B, M or BL in over eight years. For a thorough CLA, back in the 2000's, it was near $1000. And as Dom mentioned, we stripped the movement down completely (his image shows some bearings still installed, all of those came out and went into the ultrasonic cleaner). Then we would rebuild them exactly as they had at the factory. The thing with those cameras is that each one was hand made, so each camera was rebuilt "hand made" with multiple adjustment points along the way. Very time consuming. But when the camera was completely rebuilt, it would "sing". For about four years, then you had to redo everything again. That's one of the drawbacks of "wet" cameras. Best, -Tim

Sorry not to get back to you. Definitely 16BL port cover, and you are right, 16BL and 16M mags are different and not interchangeable but the port covers are. Best, -Tim

I believe it is also compatible with the Arriflex 16BL. Definitely not the Arriflex 16S or 16S/B. Best, -Tim

OK, Thanks. There is supposed to be a plastic cover over those, and that means the camera is set up for European 25fps, as opposed to American 24fps. Best, -Tim

What gear set is in the camera? If you open the door on the camera body, there a two gears under a clear plastic cover in the center of the film chamber (behind the door) that should each be numbered. One will probably say 25 or 24 on it. Can you post what those numbers are? Thanks. Best, -Tim

The Arriflex SR2 is a much more refined camera when compared to the Arriflex 16BL. If choosing between the two, I'd go with the SR2. It's very difficult to tell, from your description, what is the issue with the 16BL. Visual Products in Ohio might be able to service it for you. Best, -Tim

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Nh9BTMWj9M I'm a bit confused, when I look at the Logmar footage that is posted on YouTube, it looks great. But then when I really study it, and notice the sprocket holes that are projected on the left side of the image, the sprocket hole is moving around all over the place. If that is actually a projection of the sprocket hole in the film (and not some artifact from the telecine or some other process), that image is not registered well at all. The whole point of a registration pin (and the side rail and pressure plate) in a motion picture camera is to place the captured image in the exact same location, frame after frame, relative to the edges of the film and the sprocket hole. The fact that the sprocket holes on that test footage, seem to be moving all over the place, tells me that the registration is off. You can lay one frame on top of the next, frame by frame, in a very tedious, time consuming process, after the film is scanned, and you will get what looks like perfect registration. That is what it looks like was done with that test footage. Having proper registration, proper tension of the side rail, and proper tension on the pressure plate all adds up to having each frame on the film landing in the exact same spot, in relation to the sprocket hole/film edge, thereby negating the need for tedious, time consuming frame alignment. If that truly is a projected image of the sprocket holes on that piece of Super 8 footage, that film is not registered properly at all. Best, -Tim

I must apologize, little screw up on my part. Had an issue with the web site address, it is supposed to be: http://www.analogcams.com/Arri16S.htm The number one after the "S" was not supposed to be in there. Best, -Tim

Sweet package. GLWS

If your script has much dialog, an Aaton LTR or XTR of ARRIFLEX 16SR or SRII might be the way to go. That or plan on doing some creative ADR in post. If you don't mind using an MOS camera, or your film has little dialog, you might go with a Bolex, but again, the 400ft mags make a tripod almost a necessity. Another good choice would be an ARRIFLEX 16S or 16S/B, not too unwieldy even with the 400ft mags, or even an ARRIFLEX 16M or M/B, which is primarily a 400ft mag camera. Lots of options out there. Might also be dependent on what glass you can find. Best, -Tim