Search the Community

Hi, Please can you help me answer a bit of a conundrum in my head. I have been using my Bolex H16 super 16mm camera more and more confidently and getting reasonable results. I have been mostly using the Switar RX lenses. As you know, shooting on film and scanning at 2k is not a cheap hobby. I know that the lens is the biggest contributor to image quality (assuming good scans), and that the camera is only ever a box that transmits the light onto a film. However, I have always wondered if the likes of Arri and Aaton super 16 cameras will inherently produce a sharper (not more stable) image. This has just come from what I have seen on Vimeo etc. Please imagine this scenario. * 2 cameras - one Arri SR3, one Bolex H16 * Both have the same lens - say a Zeiss Masterprime 75mm and shooting is at f8. * Its PL mount, and is attached to the Bolex via a good adapter. * Kodak Vision 3 50D is used and the same subject is shot * Tip top 2k Scan onto DPX * Assume that the prism issue with the Bolex is no longer an issue at 75mm and f8. I know that being pin registered the Arri's image will be more stable, but would there be a difference in image quality and sharpness between the two? Would the Bolex produce a softer image, or be just as sharp? I know that the RX lenses correct for it's prism, but I have read that Bolex themselves suggest its effect is absolutely minimal when a) the lens has a focal length of 50mm+, and the lens is stopped down to f5.6 and beyond. What do you think guys? Cheers Julian