Reflex viewing
Guillotine Shutter – 1/60th sec @24 fps
Electric drive, forward and reverse flange/focal distance: 17.5mm
fps range: 2-64
small/lightweight for hand holding
power: 7.2 volts
lens mount: 3 port turret accepts C mount lenses
matte box: none
loading options: 100′ internal daylight load, 200′ external magazine.
The Beaulieu R16 is a lightweight camera with a pistol grip that is great to hand-hold. It has a 3 port C mount turret that allows for interchangeable lenses. The viewing system is a mirror shutter type that eliminates the need to compensate for flange/focal distance. It has a wide fps range, from 2 to 64. It can run in reverse, but only with internal 100′ loads. It is worth noting that the lightweight design has one drawback, which is that Beaulieu R16 should be handled gently or problems will occur, wepecially when using long heavy zoom lenses.
The Krasnogorsk-3 (K-3) is a 16-mm windup camera that takes both 1R and 2R film. Its low price target, durable construction and advanced optics have made it very popular with both amateur and professional filmmakers. The K-3 has even been adopted by some film schools, namely the University of Southern California’s School of Cinema and Television. The Krasnogorsk-3 16mm cameras are considered rather inexpensive in the realm of professional cameras. Produced throughout the 1980′s, they are often sold as “brand new” or “unopened” packages and may include leather cases, lenses, and any assortment of accessories. Keep in mind that the term “brand new” may not be entirely correct. Krasnogorsk cameras were made while the Soviet Union was still an entity, and many of the cameras were put in storage and packaged well, so that when opened they appear brand new. This is great, but do not expect to buy one of these Krasnogorsk cameras and immediately begin filming. Nearly all of the Krasnogorsk-3 16mm cameras would need to be serviced before use.
All of the most basic features of the original Bolex H16, produced beginning in the 1930s, were so well selected and designed that they have withstood the test of time. These features are still present on the most modern Bolex spring driven cameras of today, without significant change. The outstanding quality of materials and fine Swiss craftsmanship speak for themselves, as indicated by the continued use of the original Bolex cameras, which are now over 50 years old. The 16mm spring-wound Bolex has also been a very popular introductory camera in film schools.
The functionality of the Bolex H16 has been its most lasting impression. It is a very popular choice and one that makes sense to both the most amateur and serious camera operator. One basic thing that can seem a little confusing at first is the focal length of the lens. The lens may not reflect the actual size of the lens. For example the 10mm lens is physically longer than the 16mm, and the 16mm and 25mm lenses are the same size.
On the technical side:
- Nominal capacity: all 16mm films on 100 feet spools.
- Possibility of mounting an accessory 400 feet magazine.
- Synchro-flash socket.
- Built-in release switch controlling all functions: forward and reverse motion, singleframe operation.
- Safety lock: prevents the accidental operation of the camera. Also makes it possible to lock the release in the “release” position (for continuous operation).
- Frame counter up to 1000 frames.
- Counter in feet or in meters.
The Bolex H16 is a versatile, compact, high-quality camera that outsold all other 16mm cameras ever made in its time.
Useful information can be found based off which specific model you’ve obtained from the serial number which can be found on the Bolex H 16 in several places: inside the film chamber, near the top spindle, or behind the turret plate near the bottom lens position. A matching number can also be found inside the film chamber door.
There are many models of the Bolex H16, the H16 Standard, Deluxe, H16 Leader, Supreme, H16 M, and the Bolex H-16 Reflex, to name a few.