Tom Fitzsimmons

anybody's opinion on C-mount vs CA? The CA is reportedly a stronger mount but what's the availability of lenses, etc?

Thanks Andrew! That's a lot good info. I like my NPR too, it's quiet and smooth. With the modern stocks S16 can look really good, not like 35, but I'm not spending that type of money or doing a blow up. I'll most likely do the PL and C mount combo. I think it's time to call Les. Tom

Hello all, I'm thinking about popping my old Eclair NPR out to Super 16, and while I get that done I could convert my C mount to a PL mount, or have the CA1 mount converted. (NPRs have C and CA1 (Cameflex) natively), I have some small CA1 primes and a C Angeneux Zoom I use now, but I want to run good lenses like Zeiss Super Speeds and don't know enough about Arri-B vs PL mount. Can I get these lenses in either mount, or does it make a difference functionally? I hear PL mount is best, but maybe Arri-B is just as good??? I could use a ARRI-B to C adapter and not convert any of my mounts at all, but is there a down side to this? I figure if I get my NPR converted and invest in some good lenses then when/if I get a good Aaton/Arri I still have the lense set. Optical-Electro in Culver City or Les Bosher in the UK seem to be two options for this. Thanks - sorry it's so techy.

Thanks for info! Interesting on the underexposure for better color saturation. Yes, I could and will use the internal camera light meter to a degree, but I'm working on the lighting procedure using external meters that will be used on other formats - it's a learning procedure - even though there is not a direct translation between 8 and 16mm. That's the factor I'm trying figure out. I suppose I could compare the intenal 8mm meter and external meters with a evenly lit broad area and see what difference the readings give. I've checked out Pro8 with their cut up film stocks and thats a good option, except for a bit pricey. I get 7274 for $15 minus processing compared to $35 with processing from Pro8. What's a typical processing cost? Wow, yes I haven't sent one in yet!! :huh: Tom

After doing a few projects - shorts and documentaries in MiniDV with DVX-100, from shooting all the way to authoring the DVD, I'm embarking on a Super 8mm Short. This is my first real attempt at S8 or film of any kind - goal is to understand the film process more and then do a short 16mm with my old Eclair which I haven't used yet - just got a short time ago. Main concern is accurate lighting with my Sekonic 358 and Minolta F spotmaster and 8mm. I've heard a number of issues that exposure settings for S8 are different than 16 or 35. Is this due to the small size or the stocks available in S8? I'll be shooting the 7274 equivalent - 200T in S8- also some reversal BW stocks 7276 and 7278 (perhaps). I'll shoot S8, telecine to miniDV(??), and edit with my NLE, etc etc and output to DVD. I've got decent set of gear - lights, sound, post, etc, but any advice on lighting and exposure settings for S8 would be helpful. Camera is a Nikon R-10 and I'll probably be using the max 160 degree shutter angle. Also, in using the Sekonic 358 in cinimatography mode, the manual states to set the FPS and that the meter is based on 180 degree shutter. So for 160 shutter on the camera you would compensate by a -1/3 ISO - so for 200 ISO rating I would set the meter for 160 - is this correct? And the setting is solely based on fps and 180 degree shutter? So for example on my Eclair 16 with 180 shutter I would simply put in 24 fps - not 48 for the 1/48th of a second exposure time? Right? Thanks a lot Tom Fitzsimmons

Thanks Guys, I appreciate the input. Turns I'm getting an Eclair NPR. Cheap and in good condition. Not quite an Arri SR, but not the relatively high price either. It will be good bang for the buck for my learning curve. I'll shoot regular 16 for a while and I'm checking out conversion prices to S16 with a local shop Optical-Electro (thanks to Mitch Gross in another post) in Culver City, CA. So the journey begins, I'll let you what I find out. Tom

Greetings, I'm interested in purchasing a 16/S16 camera, and have been trying to make a decision based on comparisons from my novice point of view. What experienced advice can someone give me on making a good decision? Requirements - synch sound, relatively easy to convert to S16, relatively low cost ($2K to $5K), and most important - great images (lens capability). I've been looking at Arri SR1, Eclair NPR, Bolex (for MOS), Arri BL, Arri S, Beaulieu, etc. I'm considering renting a couple first but , but eventually want my own to use extensively, if I find it's sensible to do so. I've only shot film on regular 8 (eons ago), and currently use DVX-100 DV for certain applications - workshops, mini-documentaries, etc., but want to get into shooting 16 and/or S16 for image quality and experience. I have an R&D company and am using animation, video, and hopefully film, more and more in our research coverage, but I'm inexperienced in 16mm. Thanks - Tom (new guy) :blink: