Johnny Liu

Thanks for the thorough and honest advice - it gives me a point of reference in evaluating the value in that Visual Products package - and also in evaluating CP16s as a viable choice, in general.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, maybe it would make sense for me to rent at the moment. Still thinking about my choices here...

Yeah, I've been eyeing that one. Do you have a CP-16? And even if you don't, do you think that's a good deal/price for what they are offering in that package? Also, do you know where I might be able to find used CP-16s? Like for example make friends with anyone who's uncle or father used to be a news cameraman in the '60s or '70s, etc. Haha

Thanks for your detailed opinion. Yeah, I might have to just save up more money and get something more modern ($$$). Either that or re-think my goals...

Thanks for the advice. I might have to aim more for an older SR2 or Aaton, yeah

Thanks for the insight into this. In practical use, does a DP actually use the video assist to check focus a lot or that is just too time consuming?

If it was today or a couple months from now, I would say my budget for a camera (no lenses) would be up to $4000. My thought is that I would like to make some kind of production (still figuring it out) that would have enough picture quality to be able to appear on streaming services - and (big dream) - perhaps even theatrical release. I know I probably can't get more vague than that, but thanks.

One other feature I am interested in (sorry, am no longer able to edit my original post) is: Video assist tap - or there exists some kind of add-on or modification to add one But - and please educate me - how useful is a video assist tap? My main interest in having one is to check that the focus is good/sharp. If, in a real situation, that would be hard to see on a video screen on set, let me know because I don't have experience with this feature.

I am interested in buying a 16mm camera that is either already Super 16 - or convertible to Super 16 - and has these features: Has crystal sync for 24fps or there exists some kind of add-on for this Quiet - or can be made fairly quiet via barney blimp or some other add-on or modification Very steady image Not too expensive (but may just have to face reality that all these features don't exist on a camera that can be bought for not too much money) I could save my money for something more expensive, but that would take 1-2 years at least. I would be open to something less expensive in the short run and be willing to accept some annoyances. I am good with fixing things and good with basic electronics troubleshooting and repair (e.g. circuit boards), so would also like to add this one other request: I might be able to conceivably repair/service my camera myself Any ideas? I guess I am looking for a Super 16 camera that has crystal sync, quiet, and like an old VW where one can repair it. My initial thought was a CP-16R. What do you think?