Shooting Kodak 250D on a super 16mm Bolex
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- Опубликовано: 7 мар 2020
- At the end of last year, I picked up an old Bolex H16 REX 5. I got it serviced, converted to super 16, and ran a roll of Kodak 250D through it while in the UK over the holidays. This video is for anyone looking to learn a little more about these old classic 16mm cameras.
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This may be controversial, but since bolex REX allows you to shoot one frame at a time, you have the option of using these cameras for still photography, and with over 3,000 frames per 100 foot roll, that means photography on this camera is cheaper than shooting on a 35mm still photo camera.
I mean this is like proper cinema quality what you've shoot. Flawlessly shot and expossed. Goes to show how a good camera, properly gone through, even on this smaller format, can produce just amazing results. Great resolution too.
Cheers, John. I appreciate that.
0:47 that's the best advertisement I've ever seen for 16mm. Look at that vibrant color. The tight, tasteful and NATURAL grain. I'm really excited to try 250D at some point, it seems like a real gem.
That footage is beautiful. It's like instant nostalgia. Thank you for this fascinating look at 16mm film and the Bolex.
Glad you enjoyed!
I used them in school in the early 90s. Back then actually shooting on film was a big deal, it felt like stepping into the big leagues after using VHS cameras growing up. I really miss that craftsmanship in a camera with the gears and the precision timing. It's good to know the Bolex factory is still going in Switzerland.
I grew up on Super8 and moved to 16mm into my days of film studies. The Bolex was our camera and I loved every minute of it. Memories.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed!
Film still delivers beautiful images and should always be an option. I'll never give up my Rex5!
Can't beat the beauty of grains and glowing sunshine.
Jaw-droppingly gorgeous footage.
You, good sir, are a master of aesthetics. Every angle and lighting choice you make, is a pleasure to the eye of the viewer.
I appreciate that. Thank you.
Really nice video! For most people though, the Bolex has just become way too expensive, largely because it’s become so popular in the past four years. For only a couple hundred you can get something like a Krasnagorsk 3 or a Bell & Howell camera or a Canon Scoopic; or for how much a Bolex costs now, you can get something like an Arri 16S, which has an electric motor. I’d also recommend most beginners to forgo the Super 16 conversion, as you still get great footage without it and it’s hard for me to justify spending between $500-$1000 for wider footage. But in this day and age, you can still get into 16mm filmmaking for around $300 if you want to
Hi, thanks for the useful info! I'm trying to get super 16mm Bolex, do you have any recommended places where I can get?
@@emilykim4473 ebay
this is so aesthetically pleasing and beautiful, love it!
🙏
Shooting on 16mm is addictive! I've used my dad's 1950's non-reflex Bolex and a RX1 Bolex. The benefit is the film look and having to put lots of thought into each take vs digital where you can just shoot and shoot again if you make a mistake. It's more fun to shoot a roll of 16mm film than digital although I've found the exposure is a bit tricky. My rolls of film have been under exposed for various reasons. I just shot a roll of 50D and over exposed the subjects by 2 stops. hopefully it worked. I won't know until the developer returns the digitized footage. That part is also fun, delayed gratification waiting for the film to process. Your footage looks really good!
beautiful, educational, and super tempting. It's also really nice to hear prices quoted in Canadian dollars, it helps better put things into perspective.
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed.
Chris Nolan shot his first feature film Following, on a Bolex 16mm
Another great video! So envious, wish I could get a Bolex. Hope there are more vids on your experiences with it, I would love to see more footage and hear more about shooting with it.
dude this is incredible!! also love the sonny cleveland in the background !!!!
Thanks, Sacha!
Mine’s an H8 REX 1962 model. Had it CLA’d & found the RX primes 4 it. Because it’s double-run .. gr8 film economy. Looking 4 a Titler & steam-punk-ish industrial-looking tripod.
Sooooo good. I started with super 8 a few months and absolutely love it. I need to step up to 16. the footage looks so nice!
Thanks, man. Super 8 is fun as well.
Well, I have one and need to sell an H16 because of the pandemic. gbvfx@mac.com if interested
This footage looks great. Thanks for sharing a great video.
Awesome video, really cleared up some questions I’ve had about 16mm. Picked up a super 8 camera at a thrift store recently and might start experimenting and see if I like motion film shooting
Awesome. Super 8 is great to start with. Have fun!
Kyle is back! I've been getting into super 8 a bit, just gotta have the budget for develop and scan lol.
Yeah man, it's definitely not cheap!!
I've seen some people point out that when you compare the cost of shooting on 16 mm to shooting digitally, the cost of shooting digitally can actually very quickly catch up and surpass it, due to crazy rental prices for most digital cinema cameras, as well as lenses and everything else. It takes a lot more to make digital footage look beautiful, and look filmic.
Always excited to see a new video from you Kyle. No matter the topic!!
Thanks for watching, Sarah!
Dude your vids are great and so informative I am filming my first film with a Bolex
I bought a 1950 H-16 Deluxe 'bout 6 years ago. I found out the hard way that it was a non-reflex when my test roll came out cooked lol. I previously shot with one in film school, but it was a reflex, so uneducated me thought the Deluxe functioned the same.
That being said, I have since successfully shot some footage with it. I would prefer an EBM or EL in the future.
kyle I've been watching for a few months now. You're crushing it. KEEP GOING!!!
Thank you Vince. I appreciate that!
6:55 You blew my mind! W0W!
you can get a External 400 ft. magazine. That will give you more time.
16mm is another level of 8mm 😍🤤🥺
Wow i love film.digital is hd but film have glorious picture.every frame is art
can’t wait to buy mine. amazing dude.
Yeah man, you'll love it. Looking forward to seeing what you pick up!
These shots are beautiful
Thank you!
Trop Trop Beau !!!!
I have a bolex double 8mm i bought on a whim something like 20 years ago on ebay thing still works. they stopped making film for it a little after I bought it. I have noticed people making film for it again. Bolex p2 zoom reflex
subscribed, belled, liked! All the info I need, none of the 'influencer' BS. We didn't watch you make coffee and drive to your friend's place first - thank you. Keep killing it bro.
Thanks, Alex!
“Drive to your friend’s place first.” Brilliant.
Amazing, I just went to a 16mm workshop yesterday and we used the bolex, non reflex version though, and it was a pain to frame
Awesome. Yeah, the non-reflex can be a bit of a pain.
this is so cool man, as ever the videography is insane
Thanks so much. 🙏
This is beautiful film
Thank you.
I love the look of film - especially 16mm - but the process seems daunting. Not only cost wise but technically.
Excellent stuff!
The quality of this vid is astounding! SUBBED
Thank you.
I would love to start shooting super 8 film again. Did a lot of it during the 80s but right now the price of movie film is way out of budget for me right now
Very cool! I wish I had taken some film with me to London last year! I had planned to, but I decided to try and get it while I was there, only to be unable to get to anywhere to get some...
Beautifully done, thank you. I didn't didn't get a reply from the one who probably converted it for you in Canada. I want my REX-5 also converted!
I think he retired, unfortunately!
It's important to note that the H16 Reflex version camera has to be used with an RX type lens marked on the front of the lens beside the serial number. It is engraved in red on these lenses with H16 RX. I recently got a Kern Paillard 25mm f1.4 lens and it is really nice. I recently read that with some other lenses that there can be a spherical aberration.The reflex model has a piece of glass in behind the lens of a certain thickness and that's the reason why an RX type lens is needed as it let's light travel past the thick lens piece to finally hit the film for proper exposure.
So out of curiosity can you shoot say 50D at iso 50 with RX lens or do you still have to open up 2/3 of a stop? 🤔
once again inspired. great video, friend!
Thanks man!
The footage is stunning. I'd love to make the leap to 16mm someday. Once you have the gear you can try and finance the cost of the films by crowd funding or finding a budget for a production. It can actually work ok doing it that way, but it needs to be for the right project.
Definitely. Also because of the weight, I think it's better for larger productions projects than for something personal. Would love to make the leap one day too
I've been shooting analog photography my whole life and the price doesn't bother me. I have a bunch of old motion cameras around - but I have to honest - as cool as your movies looked - that is just too much cash for the film and development(for me.) I'm glad others are doing it and posting it though!
So good
You really can't touch the look of super 16. Great video, gorgeous shots.
Thank you. 🙏
Your film shots in this were beautiful!
🙏
The price for 2 minutes of film WOW ..... and I thought my 1$ per shot for medium format film were expensive, it's a bargain
Yep, makes shooting still images seem cheap!
lol $1 per shot, medium format for me is like 20 cents a shot. Where the hell are you buying your film if its that crazy overpriced lol.
@@pilsplease7561 7.50 $ for the film + 7.50 $ for development for 15 shots
@@nelsonm.5044 $7.50 is a lot for medium format, where I live i can get it for about $3.50 a roll and honestly if its color i get it sent off and pay maybe $4.50 a roll for development I do my black and white
film myself at a cost of like 50 cents a roll.
@@pilsplease7561 In Switzerland, I pay more than 10 $ per roll of Provia or Ektachrome. Another 6$ for development, makes over 1.6$ per 6x7 shot. BW and home development is cheaper but slides are just gorgeous.
187 thumbs up to 0 thumbs down , Kyle knows how to interest his viewers.
Well done, nice video, good info and beautiful edits !
Thanks for sharing
Thanks so much! Appreciate you watching!
My bank account didn't need to see this video haha! I've been wanting to get a Bolex for quite some time now. Great video and great footage!
Thanks, Brae!
there are many cheaper 16mm cameras, like Krasnogorsk-3
@@inactiveytchannel you awsome dude
I’m so tempted, but, ..........wow the price: When I win the lottery: Thank you for sharing though
Yep, not the cheapest. Fun though!
maybe get a K3 or try super 8!
christopher I have Pentax K3 and K1 and gave a couple of super 8’s but again pice of film and developing is too much
Just keep an eye out at local flea markets or photo sales! you might luck out, people don't always know what these are worth
Can be around $100 if you look locally
Camden Town!! Where we at!
I love it, thanks brother!!
You're welcome. Cheers.
@@KyleMcDougall Cheers, my friend! 🥂
super helpful thank you!
I see by your DDC font choice that you too are a man of culture
Good eye.
Nice shirt, great video as always.
Thank you!
Interesting peek into the world of 16mm. And, I’ll never again complain about the cost of shooting 35mm stills.
Hah, yeah, it's not cheap!!
Wow,what a beautiful camera, I use super 8 at the moment.i’d love to upgrade to 16mm and use a camera like that.
I shot a lot of standard and super 8 in years gone by , and currently shoot video , but I was just given two Bolexes ( a REX and a REX4 ) so I will start out with a reel of black & white to try out the REX 4 first , before I go spending on colour . S16 conversion sounds good , but I’d also need to convert my projector , or get a second one . Projectors are still cheap though
Some of Bell & Howell last 16mm cameras can more than compete with these Bolex models, so thought Orson Welles and I agree.
It's so beautiful 🥺😭
Thank you. :)
Beautiful images. I have to sell my H16 and it hurts. I still do not think that Arri or Red and the others have reached the level of well-exposed film. But as you stated correctly, for producers especially, the cost SEEMS to outweigh the result.
You can process ecn-2 in Lomo tanks in your bathroom. Just takes some time and knowledge. Individual chemicals are cheap and in USA and China are really cheap and easy to measure and mix. You can scan them with some 3d printed parts, microcontroller and a smartphone. But I really hope one day the film will be more affordable.
Always makes me wonder why Kodak doesn't try to create the entire chain, if they can supply the options for cheaper development and scanning people will also buy more film. Same for making new cameras, all ways to make money on multiple parts of its lifecycle.
Smiba The demise of Kodak was not only a lack of vision but the environmentalists wanted to end chemical processing. Photo labs were being harassed for dumping silver into the sewer systems.
@@rancosteel Which is not enviromentally toxic at all.
Kodak is now taking over total film production at kodaks factory. Ilford is my favorite producer of black and white film for a reason, they have the best films except for tmax. And they have impeccable customer service. Cannot fault them for anything
PilsPlease your wrong. Silver in any form is a toxic heavy metal. In the state I live in (RI), labs were fined out of business by the local DEM (Department of Environmental Management) from street sewer testing. Even large labs with silver collection centrifuges still have to absorb the costs. Also, silver is not cheap.
@@rancosteel California is more stringent than even your state and has certified them to be safe to the enviroment. If california accepts them then they are safe cause california puts cancer warnings on everything.
You're describing the situation that actually pertained from the 50s right through to the 70s. You could buy cine film at any pharmacy and take it back to them or send it to Kodak to be developed.
But it couldn't have continued like that. The cost of silver nitrate went up and up. If digital photography had not come along the photographic art would have been in serious trouble by the 1990s.
backround music made me feel like transit map loading screen when playing cod zombies
very great
Good info. I am also in Canada and going to shoot on R16 to start, then have it converted to either S16 or Ultra 16 which is a good alternative too. Thanks, good info.
I had recently the chance to see one of that during a shooting but unfortunately after few seconds it got jammed. Super video like always :)
Thank you!
Зачем платить такие деньги, когда можно приобрести шикарную кинокамеру Красногорск-3 (К3)? Мне повезло приобрести её год назад за 90$! И да, когда мы смотрим в видоискатель камеры Красногорск-3, мы смотрим прямо через объектив и это то, что нужно! Она даёт возможность снимать до 60 кадров в секунду и там точно также можно переделать окошко в формат Супер-16 и даже в Ультра-16. В связке с объективом "Метеор", эта камера даёт потрясающие возможности за свои деньги. Эту камеру по прежнему можно найти на E-bay! Всем удачи!
Whata load of ol bolex! 😂😂
Talk about great timing. I’ve acquired an Aaton A-minima in as-new condition and I’m about to start researching what’s involved in using it.
Awesome. Aaton's are great!
Rory on a Bike special 200 ft spools for that A are no longer made sadly
craig chartier Yes, but I’m told that they can be loaded. Do you know?
@@roryonabike5863 You might try contacting Kodak directly about buying emulsion-in spools directly from them. Not surprised they're not sold at retailers like B&H considering the rarity of A-Minimas, but direct from manufacturer you might have better luck. Their PDF catalogue online seems a bit more extensive than what you see on B&H and others.
Sam Howells Thanks, I’ll follow up.
Kyle thank you bro.
🍻
Really glad to see you bringing that review. I didn’t get it was a REX-5 that you got. Have you looked into the Lomo UPB-1A tanks for home development? I would also keep an eye on the Kinograph 2.0 project that might bring a good home scanning solution.
Thanks! I'll have to check out the Kinograph. Home scanning would be nice!
Kyle McDougall it’s work in progress but it’s a cool open source project
Mmmmmmm, preserved hiiiiighliiights… 🤤
I shoot a lot of 8, Super 8 and 16 and I really love and enjoy it. Some videos appear in my channel.
With today's stocks, there's next to no difference between today's 16mm and how 35mm used to look up until at least the 1980s.
Personally id prefer digital for video, in saying that, it would be great fun to experiment with, that is a sexy bit of gear. I could play with something like that for hours, very cool.
Thanks. Yep, with the cost of shooting motion picture film, it's certainly not an everyday thing, but it could be fun for the right projet.
those prices are maaad. Respect, Kyle, for shelling out for our entertainment. When do you move over here to the UK?
Thank you! Currently in the UK right now for a few weeks, then back to Canada and hoping to be here full time by May 1.
I just priced out film and processing and scanning to 2K for 16mm here in the states, in USD. We're talking about $1USD a foot if you're filming above the lab minimums. At 40 feet per minute we're looking at $40 per minute of run time. 4K is a bit more expensive but in my view, that's a waste of money if you're filming with old optics. I've shot lots of 16mm and 35mm back in the day, including with a Bolex. It was fun, and if you want a trip and have money to blow, it can be fun to try. But I'll be very honest, I just went out with a Nikon D3300 and filmed with old Nikon glass, then played with it in Final Cut Pro to add grain and dust. If you tweak it right (not do the Instagram 'film filter' bs with the excessive nonsense) I swear most people would never tell the difference. We've come a long way from the "Film Look" AE filters of the 00's.
I had a bolex in the 90's the camera was the expensive bit, now it's the other way around, good C mounts are ridiculous money. I bought a canon scoopic instead, cuts out deciding which lens to use. Super 8 is almost as expensive so there's no contest really. Gone are the days of a kodachrome cassette for £15 all in. 16mm is about £30 a roll and similar to process.
I had a Bolex Pro 8mm and sold it. It was a great camera, but the cost of film and processing is very expensive, and editing and splicing is even more.
Hey Kyle, very inspiring video, especially for people like me that plan to enter into film cinematography!
I wanted to ask you whether you have outsourced the scanning of your film to a special service? Have you investigated scanning 16mm at home for a reasonable price by a budget scanner or DIY solution?
This was scanned by a lab. Unfortunately, there aren't a ton of options when it comes to scanning motion picture film at home.
Hi all, new to this group. Wondering about Super8 or 16 dynamic range: How many stops from metered middle grey can handle, let's say, KODAK VISION3 250D Color Negative ?
How do you normally meter if you want to preserve highlights / shadows ? Thanks !
I would absolutely love to give super 16mm a go. However, I'm also thinking about getting into burning money as a heat source. I just can't decide which I want to do more.
Should probably focus on the heat first.
This is an app. It's called SUPER 16 it's amazing.
Wich are the differences about bolex h16 (1950s) and bolex h16 (1960's) and REX series? I mean, both cameras are reflex, right? I can appreciate a big difference of price in these cameras, and i don't know if it's really worth it to pay more.
My father had a photographic business that he started when he was demobbed from WW2. But the advent of colour film put him out of business. Not only did every different brand require different chemicals, but Kodak had a monopoly on their processing. In Britain they only sold Kodachrome process-paid, which meant that you had already paid Kodak for the processing when you bought the film. Ektachrome and Ferraniacolor were about the only available choices for anyone wanting to develop his own film.
Fortunately, for me that meant that, as a kid, I had an infinite supply of film from him, and access to professional cameras, so I was spoilt.
Hey, thanks for the video. Makes me wonder what frame rate did you shoot in london? The picture looks a bit jittery and same as the movement in the shots?
Incredible！Where did you buy the super16mm negative film？
Have you used any other lenses on your Super 16 Bolex? Just had my rex 4 converted and looking for solid info on lenses that cover the format. Thanks!
Way out of my league. But love your work. So I'm commenting to tell RUclips to give your channel some attention! Happy filming! 🎥🎥🎥🎥
Thanks so much, Jenn!
Hello. U think I can use a cartridge of vision 3 500T in a Bolex reflex 16mm without super 16 modification?. Ive been told I would experience problems even though its one perf in the machine and in the film stock. Much appreciate the answer. Thankx
Hey Kyle. I am thinking about upgrading my Rex 4 bolex to super 16 for a future project. Where would you recommend as well as a cleaning and fll service to the REX 4? Thanks!! Love your work.
Thanks Mike. I sent mine to ‘Bolexpert’ in Montreal. Great service and good prices.
Great footage. What were your f stop and shutter when shooting this? I just got a roll of 250D for my Bolex and will be shooting that soon.
F stop varied throughout the day with the changing light. Shutter was set to 180 the entire time.
@@KyleMcDougall Thanks!
Hi! Your footage looks great...!! You always shoot 250D film at 160D for the light lose at pentaprims 1/3 f stop..or just shoot at 250D? Thanks!!
I believe this was shot at 160. With colour negative I always give it a bit more light.
Nice video. Back in film school we used the CP16 which were workhorses then still being used for TV News. I have a great ELMO Super 8 with a solid gate, and a nice Bolex Reflex, even has the original velvet lined case. And came with some really nice C-mount lenses, which I use on a Blackmagic Pocket camera. I should convert the Bolex to Super 16, which company in Montreal did you use for the conversion?
I used a place called 'Bolexpert'.
@@KyleMcDougall Thanks, I'll check them out.
While most film camera's are simply mechanisms for exposing your film and don't offer a change in look like digital camera's difference in each sensor. The Bolex and a couple other older cameras do have a unique look to them.
I own an SR3 and my 1st own an Xtera as about half my jobs are on film. I do agree with Kyle that a Bolex is the way to go if you're just starting out.
Sr3s are going for 12K and Xteras are going for 15-20k while Arri 416 is selling for over 30K now. While these higher end cameras have much more technical advantages than a Bolex. (Frame rates, building options, power options for accessories and take 400' rolls among other things) Although you can overcrank pretty well on a lot of Bolex's too. But Bolex's unique look they're totally worth it regardless if you're beginner or not. You can do so much with film and while I shoot digital a bunch too, no one ever says can we shoot film but make it look more like digital. It's always the other way around. Even though, you can.
Very well said, Quinn. I'd agree with you for sure. 16mm film cameras are not getting cheaper, and while a Bolex doesn't have the same potential for professional use like an SR2/3 or a 416, it's still a really great that is somewhat affordable. I just wish I picked up an SR2 a few years back when they were a bit cheaper.