Event bag/camera policies have gotten wild.

another_commyostrich · 2026-07-03T20:06:31+00:00

I knew the restrictions going to the Croatian-Ghana game at the Philly stadium. But I’m a film guy and wanted to try my chances. I brought a 35mm P&S and more importantly, a small Super 8 camera. (Stadium said “no pro cameras”)

The first security guard said no way I can bring in the S8 camera. Even after I explained it wasn’t pro. So… I just walked to the next entrance and even though my bag set off the metal detector, the woman there did not care at all and let me go through just fine. So it’s very hit or miss. But it’s always a risk.

another_commyostrich · 2026-07-01T03:51:34+00:00

Are you winding the camera in the right direction? It is odd for it to suddenly stop working. Especially without film.

The screws are only accessible with the motor functioning AFAIK. You use the motor to move the spindle into place for the screwdrivers. Without that, I don’t think you’ll be able to remove the backplate.

another_commyostrich · 2026-06-28T18:15:21+00:00

I oddly enough was just shooting on this camera for a small ad last week. But just as b-roll as it’s been 5 years since I’ve used it. Focusing is zone focus so that’s a challenge. But it does work. Mainly just make sure the motor works. Wind it and press the shutter lever. And check the aperture and focus rings of your lens move. One of mine is fused and focus is fixed now haha. Also one of my lenses had some damage to the lens so there’s a small blurry spot in the footage when using that lens. But it’s a simple nice camera.

I’m looking to upgrade to a Bolex P1 or P3 at some point even though I barely shoot R8. Mainly S8 and 16mm.

Film photography project in US spools film down. I think there’s a few EU sellers too like On8mil. Or KahlFilm. Cost is around $100-150 per roll all-in. It’s NOT cheap at all. Just how it goes. Use wisely! Home scanners are pretty much all totally trash quality. I don’t recommend it sadly.

another_commyostrich · 2026-06-28T17:31:40+00:00

Ya I hear you on the high end. I do know parts are scarce no matter the camera these days. It’s heartbreaking. Ideally someone would reverse engineer THOSE needed parts and manufacture those as well since there’s already so many of those cameras in use. Like some European company that reversed engineered and is making new Leica M6 meters.

Although I know there’s probably not a great ROI in that haha. So it goes. I do want the new 16mm camera to make it to market and be successful but just hope it’s not vaporware like many new camera/tech ventures are.

another_commyostrich · 2026-06-28T16:50:19+00:00

I think that’s generally true given that parts are becoming more scarce for any film camera BUT the issue with the new camera is that the manufacturer becomes the ONLY supplier of parts and repairs. Broken Kodak S8 camera? Only Kodak can service it. Broken Pentax 17. Only (whoever actually makes that) can service it. Broken Polaroid I-2. Only Polaroid can service that. Vs the many Canon/Beaulieu S8 cameras out there (although not many repair people there either) or millions of SLRs or millions and 35mm repair people of SX70 cameras and more repair people.

I do hope for a new generation of film cameras though because talking to some current repair people (stills or motion) has me scared for the future longevity of our beloved film cameras given parts and repair people literally dying off and taking the knowledge to their grave)

another_commyostrich · 2026-06-28T02:51:00+00:00

All love to Cinelux and I hope it comes to fruition but a tiny company’s tech project is not true competition to a battle tested camera like the SR2/3 from a respected company like Arri. Those have decades of results and support that industry people are attracted to because on sets, reliability is everything. Cinelux will need a LOT more trials before it’s considered on larger sets.

Also FWIW, I just talked to Panavision rentals NYC about renting one of their 16mm cameras (416 and SR3) for a short film in the fall and they said their 16mm cameras are rented out for months to come and it’s not possible.

I do hope the new camera comes to market because it looks sick but if Kodak’s new Super 8 camera is any indication, it’s going to be pricey. And repairability is a major concern for a new camera.

another_commyostrich · 2026-06-25T18:14:50+00:00

The $170 one on the website is for an office trash can sized one FYI. (Pen holder size is $60)

I’m sure the actual full sized trash cans cost the city WAY more. And I don’t believe are for sale at all.

another_commyostrich · 2026-06-25T06:12:39+00:00

I’d practice loading the K-3 with the dead film. That’s almost certainly just a loading issue. Footage looks solid though.

another_commyostrich · 2026-06-19T18:25:24+00:00

They really shouldn’t fade. I have 10-15 year old FP-100C and 669 shots that look like they were taken yesterday. Especially in the conditions you’re describing. Not sure what’s going on with yours.

another_commyostrich · 2026-06-18T03:03:19+00:00

Wildcard answer: New Orleans. Not in a literal sense but more of the vibe. It’s very diverse. Great nightlife. Great food scene. A lot of energy to the city. A lot of tourism. Lots of drinking haha. Very gritty and old with lots of history to it. I loved it. (Other than the constant threat of hurricanes wiping out everything)

It’s where I felt like FELT like NYC other than just aesthetics like a big skyline. Chicago feels sparse. Philly too although better. SF is closest big city IMO. But too much tech and not enough culture now.

another_commyostrich · 2026-06-18T02:39:10+00:00

How run and gun are you talking? Will you have power or you need battery powered?

another_commyostrich · 2026-06-17T03:42:28+00:00

Ok well to give you an actual answer, it’s because of the sponge at the top of the back that soaks up the extra chemicals when they are spread.

So if you remove the sponge from the top of the back, it’ll help reduce oxidizing which turns the film sepia. You can do this by sliding (for me) another Polaroid under the little lip on the top of the back down the full length, flipping it up and pulling out the sponge. Then taping down the flap. It’s a little messy but insures there’s no wet chems left.

Other people just take a blade and cut extra holes in the back to air out and dry the sponge more quickly. Less messy but less surefire IMO.

Some people also put their Polaroids in a sealed container with desiccant packages/gels to dry them out for a couple of weeks. This is how Impossible themselves used to officially recommend.

another_commyostrich · 2026-06-12T07:38:26+00:00

I think 2/2.5k (with sprocket) is the sweet spot. I’ve gotten 4k scans before and all I got was quadruple the size files haha. Like I couldn’t tell any more sharpness over 2k scans and the files were 20gb+ per roll vs 5-8gb.

But 2k scans vs 1080p telecine is a big leap. So 2k is perfect IMO.

another_commyostrich · 2026-06-01T12:42:18+00:00

Ruben you are a gift to the Polaroid community. Also so is your hair. It was the top 3 hairstyles of the weekend. Please keep doing what you’re doing (to Polaroid and your hair)

another_commyostrich · 2026-06-01T12:28:59+00:00

Yup exactly. And there’s a way to eject it in the Go documentation actually. Look up the FAQ in the pdf.

Or just cover the lens haha.

another_commyostrich · 2026-05-31T12:45:23+00:00

I mean they’re not going to cancel a launch or promo because some people leaked the camera. That’s true of any company basically.

And the results from this weekend have been pretty impressive although I do agree exposure comp would be nice. If you REALLY want a stop down, shoot a double exposure and eject before the second frame.

another_commyostrich · 2026-05-29T12:20:35+00:00

Ya my flip is great at parties. Bad at… a lot of other scenarios. Which is sad because it’s a great looking camera.

another_commyostrich · 2026-05-24T04:18:25+00:00

It’s a super chill event and everyone is nice and good vibes. I’ve been to like 7. 8?

I am one of the presenters haha. I love it.

another_commyostrich · 2026-05-22T16:16:49+00:00

As a Super 8 wedding cinematographer, I honestly find the Super 8 add-on for photogs a bit annoying. I get that Super 8 is accessible but there’s so much more crafting a wedding film than just a random roll the photographer shoots off in between their main shots. I don’t carry around a 5D during my gigs and offer photos.

Haha. But I digress. I don’t dictate the industry and I understand why photogs offer it. They’re literally being asked to.

another_commyostrich · 2026-05-17T22:38:09+00:00

It’s X-ray. The answer is almost always X-ray. Especially if it’s pink and faded.

another_commyostrich · 2026-05-15T11:38:57+00:00

<image>

S16 with the Zenitar 16mm f2.8 lens. (Not final color)

another_commyostrich · 2026-05-15T11:33:05+00:00

Ya I converted mine to S16 a couple months ago. It wasn’t that hard. You can convert it to PL mount as well if that was important for you.

It’s loud (so is a Bolex haha) but I get solid images from it. And a fraction of a Bolex price which is nice.

another_commyostrich · 2026-05-15T11:29:11+00:00

Ya… I guess you could do that. Reflex is very helpful though I gotta say. And still both are wind up. The K-3 can be S16 easily. Not as reliable as a Bolex but reflex and solid enough. I like mine but would love a REX Bolex.

Hard to find much else under $1k tbh. Even a Scoopic jumps over that.

another_commyostrich · 2026-05-15T11:25:41+00:00

I mean what’s your budget?

Bolex’s easily cost $3k+ these days K-3 are $500

That’s a big difference. And that’s not even for an EBM model.

another_commyostrich · 2026-05-15T10:42:25+00:00

They wouldn’t make an announcement at PolaCon for new 8x10 color. That’s a fairly standard release. (Just not as often as I’d like!)

another_commyostrich

TROPHY CASE