Keystone A-7 16mm Camera - Overview and Film Loading
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 9 авг 2021
- Michael Raso loads and tests the Keystone A7 16mm movie camera. Originally introduced in the mid to late 1930s, many of these sturdy cameras are still in use today. Camera takes double perforated 16mm film which can be found at filmphotographystore.com/coll...
I just found one in my garage been sitting there fo 50 years. Opened up looks brand new..what a find
Great video. Thanks so much for sharing!
I just acquired one of these in a box of cameras from a friend’s father in law’s belongings. I hadn’t even looking for a movie camera, but now that I see this in operation it loooks like great fun. Hopefully I can get it working and order p some fil from you guys soon! Thanks for the great tutorial :-)
Always enjoyable content.
One caveat that I would pose to people buying these Keystone Cameras: Some of the A 7 cameras only have the speeds of the A 3. Even though the A 7 is advertised as having 64 fps maximum speed, not all A 7 cameras are created equal. I believe that around 1950, Keystone started getting sloppy and maybe the manufacturing guys, either intentionally or unintentionally, made some mistakes and set the governors of the A 7 the same as the A 3. I think that they are basically A-3's with an A-7 label on them.( You will also notice that around 1950, Keystone was advertising that the spring motor would run approximately 15 feet of film on a single wind, where previously they were advertising 20 feet of film.) , The A 7 cameras that truly have 64 fps, the marking is further around the circumference of the speed dial. But the A 7 cameras that have the 64 fps setting in the same position as the A 3 slow motion setting are getting the same maximum speed ( approximately 50 fps). Also, in this case, the 24 fps setting is where the letter "A" or "L" on the "Normal" speed setting. If you go to the 24 fps setting according to the manual it will be closer to 30 fps. If you absolutely have to have 64 fps, I would get one of the Criterion models to make sure that you get it. My theory is that around 1949 and 1950 when they were moving into the production of the "Criterion" models the older models played second fiddle and thus were less of a priority. There was also a significant drop in price of the older A 7 and A 3 models around 1950 and beyond. Having said all that, they are still great cameras!
Thank you! Just bought an A-3 at an estate sale, I'd have surely bought the wrong film. The interiors are almost the same. Watched the movie Sinister again last night, gave me some ideas.
Double Perf 16mm film - filmphotographystore.com/collections/movie-film/double-perf-16mm Enjoy shooting!
Excellent review. It is a fun camera. I luckily have an A-7 Criterion edition that shoot single perf.
Zoiks! Forgot that you can shoot single perf! - Mike
@@FilmPhotographyProject That is the only single perf 16mm I have. My A-12 and Filmo 75 are both double perf.
Thank you for the clear vid
1/30th is only for Normal or 16fps. If shot faster or slower the shutter speed changes.
Great video! You guys did a great job developing and scanning the 40 asa magazine I shot in my "Bell & Howell 200". Currently on the "hunt" (eBay, etsy, etc.) for a good standard 16mm camera like the one in this video!
I also recently acquired a new 8mm camera, a bell& Howell "two fifty two", shooting foma 100 in it at the moment, ill be sending it to you for processing!
Maybe I'll stick with Bell & Howell for the new 16mm, have a "B&H camera crew" lol!
Keep your eye open for a Keystone A12 Criterion Deluxe ( ruclips.net/video/5ZfLWrG_8zU/видео.html ) - they take single perf 16mm film and sometimes gets listed "dirt cheap".
@@FilmPhotographyProject I sure will be! One of my favorite cameras you’ve shown on the channel!
Thanks for the reply.
I really like that camera.
I’ve got a Keystone A-7 that uses single perf film
Found one of these at a local antique shop
🚂 Cool sound effects 👀
The easiest way to load the camera and do a good job of it is to thread the gate and form the loops before putting the spools in.
Great video!!
I'd love to shoot 16mm one day, but I don't have the money right now ;w;
I also have a small question if you don't mind:
Is it possible to shoot double perforated film in a single perforated camera? :0
Thanks for the very informative video :D
Hi. Yes, you can shoot double perf 16mm film in all 16mm cameras.
Is it normal for the springs in these camera when fully wound to have 1 big or medium sized jerky movement of the motor springs when starting the motor.
This is awesome! I just bought an A7, though mine has a single-perf sprocket in it. I'm thinking maybe it was modded in later years when single perf became the norm?
Some folks do "mod" out their Keystones to take single perf film. Enjoy shooting - Mike
Yes, mine is also single perf!
Mike, how do you like shoot with the A-7 compared with your A-12? Nice video btw.
Hi Kellee,
My A12 is super fancy - it's the A-12 Criterion Deluxe (Oooh-La-La!)
The Deluxe has a viewing option that allows me to attach a 16mm wide angle lens + the camera can take single perf film. It was made decades after the A7. They both handle similarly and both deliver an excellent picture (providing I focus properly - queue the laugh track!). There's ALOT more single perf film out there so that's a + for the A12 Deluxe.
@@FilmPhotographyProject Intresting! Thank you for the information, Mike. I've certainly had my hiccup with focusing! 🤣🤣🤣
Hi, guys! I have a question: Can I nail down critical focus with this A7 Kingston model? I want to make experimental movies as well as fiction short films and I'm worried about the focus. If I use fresh black and white film, will the image look sharp on the screen?
I wish I could afford an Aaton XTR ProD, or an Arri... 😢
Love the work you do!!
Hi Al, Use a tape measure from the film gate to your subject. - Mike
Hi, I recently purchased a keystone A7 16 mm camera just like the one you showcase in the video. I am wondering what type of light meter I need. Is there a specific model that you recommend? Thanks.
Hi John, If you wish to use your Smart Phone I recommend the Light Meter App created by David Quiles for both Android and iOS Video: ruclips.net/video/V9bfqfxS-v0/видео.html
If you want an old-fashioned hand-held, I've been using the Gossen Luna Pro F for 30+ years (I own two of them!) Video: ruclips.net/video/zKhVlMwZhDM/видео.html
Good luck! - Mike
@@FilmPhotographyProject Thanks Mike. I am going to look into both options. I really appreciate the help.
I would venture to guess that this particular camera was made in the 1930's not the 1950's. Based on the serial number and winding key.
That’s correct!
Are there any replacement sprocket wheels that you can replace in the camera to make it single perforated?
I have never tried but some folks have "filed down" one side of the camera "teeth" so that the camera can accept single perf film. - Mike
@@FilmPhotographyProject That sounds like a good idea. I am guessing the teeth near the top of the sprocket wheel are the ones that need to be filed down. Andy advice on the best way to do this?
My Keystone A-7 film window reader did not go over 80.. I opend in the dark to check the film it was fully rolled in take-up spool! May be the take-up spool axel is thin?
Maybe the film stock is thin?
@@FilmPhotographyProject Yes may be.. Some film are thin same 220 medium format
@@FilmPhotographyProject I would do this... When I buy new film, I would first place it where take up spool would set, then I will read the footage register to know my end of film location
Are there any issues with filming at 24 fps? When you say shutter is 1/30th, you’re referring to when it’s set at 16 fps correct?
No problem shooting at 24fps. At 24fps shutter is 1/48th sec. I usually shoot 16fps because you get a longer reel. Yes, 16fps = approx 1/30th sec. Best wishes - Mike
MIchael, did you have to lube your camera or has it worked as is since you got it?
Hi. Apply 1 drop of sewing machine oil HERE (at arrow pictured at link) - flic.kr/p/2gxTBEb
Mike -- so in your daily life are you accompanied by these amazing sound effects? :-)
Everyday.
@@FilmPhotographyProject LOL But definitely appreciate the info on the camera (do not have one of those... *YET*!) -- and it is cool that the recent footage you posted was shot on that very vintage camera!
Hi, my family got one of these after my grandpa passed away. What’s the best way to get the used film out without actually touching the film? (Over two years late😅)
Run the camera so that all the film is on the take-up reel. As shown in the video, remove the film. The remaining empty reel is your take-up reel should you decide to shoot a roll of fresh film. - Mike
What is the quality of the Wallensak lenses?
Wollensack lenses are excellent. However, most of these lenses are on cameras that have been stored in closets, attics and garages for up half a century sometimes resulting in fogged glass.
@@FilmPhotographyProject I noticed that on the A7 models, the gates are hard to clean and it looks like you will have to unscrew the bolted down gate to get better access to it. Also, Do these motors maintain their speed throughout the motor run? The way that I usually use wind up cameras is that I only wind it enough for the length of the scene. With Bell and Howell and Bolex this works because of the way the camera is engineered to maintain constant speed. I am wondering if this is possible with the Keystone?
How does this camera compare to the Kodak model B?
The Keystone is newer and a more streamlined. (Not sure about lens comparison)
That's the same camera that's used last video. Btw, first here
Try 1/36th of a second.
Looks like a camera I have. Got to dig it out of the closet to be sure tho.