Derrek Sullivan

Hey Dom -- Let me start by saying thank you for your insight. If you could, define "not cheap" when referring to repair and service? I feel like that can be a bit subjective based on income and lifestyle. What's expensive to one person, may just be the cost of doing business to another. I don't think I'd classify myself as a hobbyist. Maybe "starter" was the wrong term to use in the Topic heading. I make a full time living in photography and cinematography. The 35mm camera I decide to go with will undoubtedly bring me revenue. While I do consider myself a professional, I don't consider myself familiar yet with 35mm film making. I'm currently spending about 800-1000 dollars a month on Super-8 film, development, and processing. As I've said previously, I feel soon I'll have taken the Super-8 format about as far as it can go and am just looking toward the next logical step forward to continue to learn my craft and grow as an artist. Again, I'm loving all of the different perspectives. Much appreciated, gents!

Gregg, thanks for pointing that out. Are those viewfinders hard to find? Is there an Arriflex model that would be better suited for the shoulder or potentially hand held from time to time? Not saying that I have to work off of a tripod, but it would be nice to not be constrained to one.

Kenny, thanks for all of the info so far. My only thought with that lens is the sheer size of it. I've become accustom to using mostly prime lenses, so this would take some getting used to. I don't think I'd be able to use the camera with that lens off a tripod. What are your thoughts on primes over something like this? Obviously the upside to that lens would stop me from buying multiple primes, but I'm unsure about the maneuverability of the camera with that lens.

Mark, ya it seems like the Super-8 market has gone up in pricing over the last few years. I'm not sure if its due to it becoming more popular, or the complete opposite. Kenny, that 35-3 is tempting. Seems the only thing that would be missing is a power supply? And lens, of course. If it was Buy it Now, I'd probably have jumped on it. Chris, I was on the fence about 16mm. I'd love to see what you come up with using the 16; For me, I just feel like if I'm going to step up, 35mm is the way to go. I remember experiencing the switch from shooting 35mm still photography to medium format so I think that is weighing in on my decision making. No doubt was 35 beautiful, but medium format was on another level. Kinda what I'm seeing with the Super-8/16mm/35mm.

Hey Mark, Thanks for the insight. I was aware that the kit was only the body and mag. From the little bit of research I've done, it doesn't seem that 35mm would be THAT much more expensive for me. There was actually a post I was reading on here not too long ago saying it was on par, if not cheaper in some cases than Super-8 to process. I'm paying about $800.00 right now to send off 8-10 Super-Cartridges for development and scanning. Thats not counting the cost of the film itself. I see a HUGE difference in quality between the Super 8 and 35mm, so for me it'd be worth it. Just feeling like soon I'll have taken Super-8 about as far as I can go with it and am looking for the next step. Currently shooting an Beaulieu 4008 with Angenieux 8-64mm with "MAX-8" modification. Any insight is appreciated!

Thoughts? http://www.visualproducts.com/storeProductDetail02.asp?productID=170&Cat=2&Cat2=13#bigPic

Hey Everyone. First post here, so bare with me ;) I've recently gotten into shooting quite a bit of Super-8 on a refurbished Beaulieu, which I'm absolutely loving. This has obviously drawn me closer to wanting to shoot 35mm. Any suggestions on a solid starter 35mm camera? My budget is between 2-5k, USD. Audio sync/camera noise isn't a concern for me. Just looking for something reliable that won't necessarily be a huge money pit just to get going. Are they any companies out there refurbishing older 35mm Arri's? Thanks in advance.