Hi there-
I am starting production of a ultra low budget feature film, and have a budget of $1000 to $1500 to buy a Super 16mm camera. I have seen a few Russian models on ebay, at $400, but they do not seem great. I am not tempted to rent a camera either because of the high costs, and risks. I have good experience with both 8mm and 16mm.
Thanks,
Callum

Welcome!

The Krasnogorsk K-3 is a solid, well built 16mm camera than can be converted
to super16. It takes 100’ daylight spools - about two and a half minutes. Its
motor is loud so that makes it difficult when recording sound and that 100'
spool makes for short takes and lots of reloading.

But it's a great camera. I put mine in a car we drove off a 45' cliff. The lens
broke, but I still use the camera.

That's a hell of a testament for that little Russian wonder. I've always wanted to get a K3, but have never gotten around to it. As I recall Spike Lee used one for some of the footage for his "Get on the Bus"

But it's a great camera. I put mine in a car we drove off a 45' cliff. The lens
broke, but I still use the camera.


You really should quit making those serials for Republic!
I can't wait to read this thread next week to find out if you lived!!! :lol:

Hi and thanks for your replies...I have had a think about the K3, and decided that I am not going to go for it as it requires to be wound up, is reasonably loud, and can only take a 100' spool.
Does anyone have any other cameras they can recommend?
Thanks,
Callum

Bolex - the great workhorse of 16mm. Many different models to choose from.
The "H-16" is the first 16mm camera I bought and I still use it. You can usually
find them for not much money.

Beaulieu - the "R16" is one of my favorites. This is great cameras with beautiful
a lens. This was the second camera I bought and it still runs perfectly. I see them on
sale often and they are very inexpensive. It's a little loud, but can be quieted with a barney.

Eclair - the NPR is the camera many film schools use. Rugged, solid and quiet.

Canon - the Scoopic was the standard in TV news cameras in the 1970's. Easy
to use. Another film school staple. Before video, every film student used the reliable
Scoopic before moving up to the Eclair.

With the Aaton and Arriflex we're getting pricey. These are high end,
pro cameras worth knowing about. These are usually rentals - even used they can
run above $10,000 - but it's worth knowing about them.

I hope I'm not too late to provide my advice. Not wanting to contradict directorik but the most common camera for news filming was the CP-16. This is a quiet 16mm camera that shot single system sound on magnetic striped film. So much of the on scene sound footage seen on television news was made with the CP-16. Silent footage could have been shot with any 16mm camera including the Bolex and Bell & Howell.

The CP-16R has a 400 foot capacity magazine, reflex viewing, crystal sync drive and many have been converted to Super 16. They have been priced anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. I got mine for $1,200. Besides the Eclair it is a popular model for low budget feature films.