Super-16mm…where to begin?

[Todd Terry]

Hey Trip, just a thought….

I’d completely forgotten that I have an unused K-3 kit sitting on a shelf somewhere. I bought it about 10 years ago as a B-cam on a whim, but moved pretty much exclusviely to 35mm before I ever even used it once. It was new then (well, new-old-stock, never used) and pretty complete (Krasnogorsk-3 body, zoom lens, lens hood, pistol grip, shoulder brace, carrying case, and a few non-descript mystery filters).

I never get rid of anything… but I’d probably let it go pretty reasonably, it’s just taking up space.

If you’re interested in it yell at me off list (don’t wanna turn this board into a swap meet)… click on one of my profile links and you can get contact info.

Film cameras were made to run film, and I’d rather see it in the hands of someone who would actually use it for that… rather than sitting unused.

All that being said, I’m not trying to push you to the K-3… I think you’d be better off and happier with a “real” camera… but if you don’t want to spend much and need something to learn with it might be an option.

T2

__________________________________
Todd Terry
Creative Director
Fantastic Plastic Entertainment, Inc.
fantasticplastic.com

[Todd Mcmullen]

All very good points here.
But why the need to purchase a camera? There are so many available for rent, for free to nothing, that you could put that money into film, processing and post and not have to worry about maintenance, accessories, etc…
As you may know as well there are many places that sell short ends and unused film around.
Keep us informed of your progress.

Todd McMullen
Flip Flop Films
Austin
http://www.toddmcmullen.com

[James clement Cook]

I too strongly disagree to the sentiment although JMHO’s advice was well-intentioned. The “why shoot film in the first place” question is stunning and it’s answer astonishingly personal.

I think that Trip already has the answer which is aesthetic. Video (HD- RAW- Otherwise) is very different from film in its process and look. It would not be very arguable wether video is constantly striving to achieve the resolution of film. or aesthetic ‘feel’ but electronic resolution is not the same art as photography with film, light and emulsion. Did you see the Winter Olympics? HDTV managed to make 16 year old kids look like crap.

Technically and economically JMHO’s answer was well considered, but sort of answering a different question, namely, whether or not to shoot on film. Seems that Trip had already decided.

James
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1964441/

[Dale Robertson]

Hi Mr. Wise, Your are a pro for-sure. Film rules. I personally want my masters to be in film stock…. eventually we all haft to go the digital domain, However if your master is film stock and you have a lab with a really good tellcine; A person is much better off doing it that way if they haft to put their work on cable TV….. Thanks Rick, I live in San Rafael just across the bay from you. I am an ARRI man, I own three ARRI 16sb/st one ARRI 2b/c and 12 other machines.
My Best: Dale Robertson DP

Dale Robertson DP

[Kirk Morrison]

“…but then the question is why shoot film in the first place.”—- REALLY? Shoot film because the latitude is better, color rendition is better, one can push or pull film, and get different looks from different stocks just for starters. Also, depending on the camera package one shoots it can be the same price as shooting HD if not cheaper. Varicams are by no means “cheap.” A Varicam package is gonna run you about $1000 a day, more or less, with some ENG lens, not a proper set of prime film lenses. Don’t believe the lies. HD is not necessarily cheaper than film. The cost depends on many factors. Many people prefer HD because they simply lack the skills and patience necessary to shoot film. Yes you do have to wait for it to be processed, and yes you do have to transfer it and digitize it to digitally edit, but if you don’t need quick dailies it’s worth the wait. Also, if your telecine op is any good you have little if any color correction to do after you have picture lock on your film. Don’t let HD fan boys talk you out of shooting film. Go for it and good luck!

Kirk D. Morrison, MFA