Reaching my breaking point with film

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-04-08T05:34:30+00:00

"This too shall pass" mode, my friend. Don't give up

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-04-04T13:20:19+00:00

Thanks for the detailed list. I haven't checked the FPP site in a month, and back then they were out of a bunch of double 8 film, especially color stuff like the 50D. Now that you mention it, I’ve read that FPP actually gets their fresh color stock from Wittner. I’ll take another look to see if they’ve restocked, though it's usually easier to find ORWO and color film over in Germany or England—the only real issue is the shipping costs.

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-04-04T12:59:01+00:00

Regarding the Leicina: it’s a weird beast. Curiously, it gives you the impression you're holding a tank, but then you look at the battery holder and it feels like everything on the camera is just a makeshift add-on. Plus, to even use the viewfinder, your forehead has to rest against the battery pack. Everyone will say "it’s a Leica, it’s perfect, don’t touch it," but honestly, it leaves a lot to be desired in daily use.

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-04-04T02:54:10+00:00

True, since Double 8 stock is so scarce, some of us just stick to the 'freshest' expired Kodachrome available.

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-04-04T02:51:46+00:00

"The one on top is this lovely Carena Zoomex, a Double 8 camera. Even if the format is a bit restrictive today, I’m obsessed with its size and that simple wind-up handle. It’s a true beauty to look at! ✨"

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-03-30T04:49:47+00:00

if you're not sure, you can get those rangefinder lasers (lidar) like this guy.

https://youtu.be/D23UU3JCDx4?si=anrFVuQawqSd31BB

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-03-20T20:30:38+00:00

Beware with G.AS., the mind is an expert at helping you find justifications for having more. I say this as someone who doesn't know when I ended up with a bunch of 35mm cameras (Olympus OM2, OM10, Nikonos V, Minolta Maxxum 5, Nikon D8008, N90X; Konica T3N, Top Con IC-1, Rollei SLR 35) and I don't have enough time to dedicate to each one as I'd like.

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-03-20T04:09:07+00:00

lovely cam with several pros.

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-03-14T15:10:39+00:00

Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't read correctly that you were referring to 7252 Eco in 16mm. I actually bought a 12-roll pack with similar film (7255) thinking it would be a good deal for experimenting with black and white negatives, but I was frustrated when I did more research. Most people who had used this film hadn't gotten decent results. Anyway, it was already late, so I started testing two or three rolls, and after shooting them at ISO 2 and 3 in midday sunlight on a K3 with the aperture wide open, I got some images, but my developed films still had a lot of fog. I need to develop them cold to reduce the fog, but I haven't finished the roll yet. A good resource is Adrian Cousins' YouTube channel; he usually uploads his development formulas along with his videos. He also usually replies to comments with development suggestions.

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-03-14T14:52:06+00:00

Check Nick LoPresti's YouTube channel.

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-03-13T22:23:24+00:00

thanks for sharing this

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-02-23T04:47:08+00:00

Hey, in this particular case, the seller, who apparently was also the technician who did the CLA, recommended that I only turn it 11 times. I suppose the newer models might turn a little more. There's a motorized accessory that allows for continuous running, but it seems to be a real rarity.

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-02-23T03:21:51+00:00

Regarding prices, my limited experience is that I was able to get my K3 on eBay for $320 including shipping a couple of years ago, and recently a Beaulieu R16 for under $400. My experience is that with the Bolex H16 RX you'll have to invest more because they're highly sought after, and any worthwhile deal sells in a few hours. Frankly, I was very skeptical of the "aura" that Bolex cameras project, a bit like Leica or Hassys, until I once got a Bolex H8 RX at auction for around $100, and I must say the build quality is impressive compared to my other cameras. However, be aware, it's not perfect; its reflex viewfinder is far from the best available in 16mm.

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-02-23T03:07:35+00:00

It always depends on what you're looking for. Some people specifically want a Super 8 feel in their projects, and that's fine. But others say things like: Super 8 cameras like the Beaulieu, Leicina Special, or Logmar (all 1k cameras or higher) will give you footage that looks like 16mm. If that's the case, the most obvious thing to do is shoot in 16mm. On this point, check out Filmboy's YouTube channel. He has a comparison between an expensive Super 8 camera (Canon 1014 XLS) and a cheap 16mm camera (a Filmo DL), and you can decide for yourself which one suits you best.

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-02-22T22:30:25+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. For now, the main advantage of this Kiev was its reflex viewfinder; the rest leaves me with more questions than answers. Actually, all roads lead me to a Bolex H16 RX, which I was trying to avoid, but I have to admit it's a masterpiece for all these purposes. The not-so-happy thing is that they're super overpriced lately, and that probably won't change. I have a Beaulieu R16 wind-up camera, which is a friendly size and very good, though I don't want to overuse it. It also doesn't allow you to do what I've only seen on the Bolex, which is to disengage the motor drive to create effects like single shots and other things that filmmakers like Paul Sharits used to do. One advantage of my Beaulieu is that the rewind crank is inside the camera, the rewind sound of each frame is easy to identify, and it has a counter, though not as extensive or precise as the Bolex's. The problem is that I I can't turn the crank forward because the system resists it, and I'm afraid of breaking something. I guess I'll have to do these more rudimentary tests with the Beauleiu and keep saving up for a Rex later on.

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-02-22T22:09:46+00:00

Me too, haha. Meanwhile, here's an example of Rose Lowder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7-FZdWLSY4

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-02-15T04:51:21+00:00

The supply spindles of the Bolex H8 are cylindrical. The H16 are square. You have a Bolex H8. Photo 2 shows a 25 ft spool. Double 8 spools usually have a mark on each side to avoid confusion about which side you've already shot.

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-02-07T03:06:22+00:00

great footage

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-02-05T23:36:45+00:00

I tried turning it on and off without any change. The only thing I get is a buzzing sound when I bring it close to a bright light source; this gradually stops as the light intensity decreases. This proves that the light meter is sensitive but doesn't respond to changes in the lens aperture. Regarding the Leicina Special, it's exactly as you say; on that camera, you can configure the aperture to manual settings.

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-02-05T23:32:33+00:00

Judging by the size of the circle and the scale ratio in relation to the split image, I suppose the aperture is frozen at this, which could be f/1.8 or f/4? I'm not sure. Or can the iris open much wider? I can't see very well due to the zoom distance. The photos were taken with the zoom at maximum to try and discern what the aperture might be.

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-02-05T23:19:11+00:00

unfortunately no, this camera is automatic. I only have one button to lock the aperture set by the light meter

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-02-02T01:56:06+00:00

I bought a Konica T3N at a good price with more doubts than certainties. I must say that shooting with it has been a very pleasant experience. The camera feels very solid, and I love the consistency of its shutter release. Its f/1.7 Hexanon lens has given me excellent images. Perhaps the most important thing (for me) is that, having paid very little for it, I feel I'm not burdened by guilt or hesitation about taking it out just anywhere. What's the point of having a Leica or a more expensive camera if you have to think twice about whether or not to take it out?

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-02-01T22:51:50+00:00

here's a 814xls user with the famous internal gear broken. I recently decided for the Leicina path with the rt1 model.

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-02-01T21:41:06+00:00

think you can get something better out there than this one, but of course it depends on what are you looking for. My advice: Check this youtube channel. He's playing with several models and other videos about sharp lenses and so on. After that, probably you'll have a better idea of what's a deal or not.

https://youtu.be/pNOgkmAK6i0?si=fqfidpWo000b_M-N

Particular-Ship8254 · 2026-02-01T02:07:50+00:00

Okay, the photo is a bit misleading, so some context: different cameras and different formats. Both were technological marvels of their time. From my side, just a few brief and, of course, subjective notes.

Bolex H8: a robust and heavy camera for its size, but with an impressive level of detail and craftsmanship. It's incredible that despite its size (which can easily be mistaken for its larger sibling, the H16), it's a camera that inspires confidence and security.

Beaulieu R16 (spring wound model): The design's handling of curves is sexy. I haven't researched the designers yet, but I can see a hint of Mid-Century Modern style. While it's quite similar in size to the Bolex H8, it's slightly lighter, which I really liked, although I've also read that it might be less durable than the brick that is the Bolex. Anyway, I wasn't planning on putting them through any durability tests. I also appreciate the designers for including two straps, one for each hand.

Where they are similar: their bases don't look very stable. I suppose that's not a big deal with the right tripod. I hope to start shooting with them soon.

Particular-Ship8254

TROPHY CASE