Brian Rose

All, I have a Sankyo Super CM 600, and I was wondering if anyone might know offhand what its shutter angle is? Thanks! BR

I forget, so perhaps someone could help me out: how much time can one get out of a single 50 ft Super 8 cartridge, at 18 fps? 24 fps? Also, what seems to be the opinion so far about the new ektachrome 64T? Best, BR

Well, the title says it all. I currently have a gateway with a Pentium 4 HT 2.4 ghz processor, 1.24 gig RAM, and an 80 gig HD. Right now, it's able to run Adobe Premiere Pro, but not very well, so I'm looking at something new. I know enough about PCs not to get the BestBuy compaq with a Celeron, but I'm just not familiar enough with CPUs, mem, and vid cards (and their relationship). I want to get the best I can, so it'll last me a decent while. My budget is approx $1200, and I already have the external accessories (monitor, 80 gig external harddrive, speakers, etc), and a dual layer dvd burner. So, what would you guys recommend I look into? Should I go with a company, or should I take the plunge and build my own? Best, BR

I apologize for not mentioning the model. It is a Spectra P-251 From the look of it, my meter only does fc, not lux. Best BR

I apologize if this is not the appropriate place for this topic, but I had a question about a new light/exposure meter I bought recently. Admittedly, I am inexperienced with light meters, so I've been doing a lot of reading on them. The new one I purhcased is a Spectra professional. Along with the unit and a case, I received inserts for different ASAa, a rounded white disk is for incident light measurement and the flat disk insert for reflected light. My question is this: I also received an insert that is flat like the reflected disk, but it is clear, and the surface is comprised of many small round prisms. Basically, it looks like an insect eye. Does anyone know what this attachment is for? I'd love any help! Best, BR

"Don't forget to shoot with the magazine lids closed this time. (jokin)" You're supposed to? Dang, maybe that's why my film was coming back white! BR

Mr. Koukas, Thank you very much for all your help. Yes, I took your advice and it was because of it that I got finally got the loops right. I have the manual and I simply misunderstood how to load the camera first time around. I do the 12 image thing, divide with finger, and push both ends back in to make the loops. The camera runs beautifully (and I thought it was quiet before!). But, I'm still just a little concerned with registration, since even after I do the 12 image push back thing to make the loops, I'm not sure how loose or tight the film should be against the pressure plate. As of now, when I load test film, it has perhaps 1-2 mm of space between the anhalation backing and the plate itself. What do you think? Best, BR

Okay, I initially had some trouble with film I loaded in my new NPR, so I practiced some more, and finally got the internal loops right. However, it seems now that teh film outside, going around the pressure plate, is a little loose. Basically, how much space should be between teh film and the pressure plate? Should is be a little loose, or more firm against it? Best, BR

Dimitrios I apologize for not mentionig it. I have an Eclair NPR, with a Haflexx ultra compact motor. I inspected my film when I first loaded it, and there was not any noticeable defect or scratching, and when I ran the camera, it whirred along quite nicely and softly. When I load, I've been following the etched line for the formation of the loop, then I pull it over the pressure plate, and through the other side so that it is nice and firm in all places. I hope i'm loading it right. I've pretty much been going off practice, adn teh manual... BR

Just got some test film back that I shot in my new Eclair. It was basically incomprehesible, with a blurred image that pulsed vertically. I was planning on sending it in to get serviced anyways, but I thought i might ask if anyone has enountered this problem before, and what it may hint at (i.e. improper loading of the magazine, shutter problem...) I'd love any tips! Best, BR

Hello All, I am currently an undergrad majoring in History at Truman State University. I enjoy documentary filmmaking (hense history) and now that I will be out soon, I am looking to focus in on filmmaking. I've gotten a lot of experience with video, super 8 and 16mm with equipement that I have bought, and I've read everything I can get my hands on about film and cinematography. Obviously, the thought of film school comes to mind, but the more and more I read about film school, the more I hear that it is expensive, and when you are done, you are left without a job, and lots of student loans to payback. So, I'm thinking it may be better to use my money to actually make films. But, I still really want to learn the ins and outs of cinematography and editing (my two favs). What do you all recommend? Internships? Workshops? Classes? Should I take the plunge and go to film school? Basically, any suggestions would be inifintely appreciated! Best, BR

All, I decided to try some Vision2 500T (for a film I am doing) outdoors, without the 85 warmer, to see how it would look. Is this something that, if I decide it does not look right for what I want, I can correct in post, (I have premiere Pro, and I can do all sorts of corrections) Thanks. BR

This may be a silly question, but, even though a film like 50D is balanced for daylight, is it true that I should still use the 85 filter, to ensure warmer, more saturated colors? Best BR

I'm going to be shooting some color film at Magic hour (well, specifically, at sunset, and the hour before) Ideally, I would like to shoot on 50D to achieve the greatest color saturation, and finest grain structure, but would I be taking a risk by using such a slow speed film at that time of day? Would it be better to use faster stock? Best BR

All, I just received a new order of 16mm film, and I now have an honesty question. I had ordered 4 rolls of bw, and 2 rolls color neg for a projec, and then 5 super 8 trix just for fun/practice. Instead, they send me five rolls of 16mm tri x. I paid for super 8 prices, and the invoice says super 8, but the film they gave is 16. Now, I'm pleased as punch by this, but do you think I have an obligation to point out the error, and return it, or should I consider a gift from the cinematic gods? Best, BR

I have the opportunity to buy several 400ft rolls of 16mm film. It is Vision 2 500T. THe seller is asking half price for the rolls, but the caveat is the film is approx. 1 year old (although it has been kept frozen for that time). Is this a good deal? Best, BR

Hey Phil, You made a very good point about lubrication and maintanance. The camera when I received it is in excellent working order, but your message got me thinking, and perhaps you can help me with this: how do I go about lubricating my camera? That is, I realize some things are best left to the professional, but are there some basic things I can do to maintain the longevity of my camera, and keep it out of the repair shop, and money in my wallet? I would greatly appreciate any help! Best, BR

I'm looking at a 12v batter that yields 7 amp hours. Is this adequate for running the motor of a 16mm camera (I have an Eclair). Should I go higher? Best, BR

So, how many mags could I get out of a 12 v, 7 amp hour? What size battery would you recommend (In terms of amp hours) Best, BR

Hello All, I'm shopping at bh photo.com for a battery for my Eclair NPR. I'm not too familiar with the types of batteries and power, but there was a battery belt made by Bescor that was 12v with 7 amp hours. Could someone explain what amp hours means? How many mags do you estimate I could shoot with a battery of this strength. If this battery is not a good choice, what would you all recommend? Best, BR

All, I am look for a rechargeable battery for the Hafflexx motor that came with my NPR. I found such a battery, with recharger and 4-pin xlr cables on Ebay, and I thought I might see what you all thought about the auction, http://cgi.ebay.com/PRO-VIDEO-18-AMP-12V-B...1QQcmdZViewItem since I myself am not very knowledgeable about these things, yet. Thank you very much. Best, BR

All, Just got my Eclair NPR in the mail, but I need to get a new battery for it. I am admittedly ignorant about motorized cameras, since all my experience until now has been with my Bolex wind up. I do know that the motor is a Hafflexx ultra compact. Basically, I would like a good battery, with a charger. Also, is there available an AC/DC plug, so when I'm filming on a set or inside, so I can simply plug in my camera to an outlet? Could anyone recommend a good online retailer or business that might carry all that I need? I would appreciate any help! Best, BR

Check your PM for an important message!!

I was wondering if anyone has done business with Mike Sutton through ebay? He deals in Bolexes, and I recently paid for an Eclair NPR from him (credit, so I'm safe), but its been difficult getting in touch with him. Anyone had similar experiences? Best, BR

I fnally upgraded from my Bolex RX. I am now the proud owner (once it arrives anyways) of an Eclair NPR, with a 12-120 Angenieux, 2 400 ft mags, two close focus diopters, Hafflexx compact crystal motor and a matte box! Can't wait to fire that baby up! Anyone else out there have the NPR? BR