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The
a-cam
SP-16
It's definitely stylish and easy to hold, I really like the fact that it is so small and that it can shoot sync dialogue with its 'microprocessor-synchronized' speed control. It was originally sold with a very good 'c' mount Kinoptik 9mm lens, while this is a Swedish copy it's a very good lens, typically professional Super 16 cameras are sold without a lens. In some ways it's similar to the amateur 16mm cameras of the 1950's as it's non reflex and takes 100ft of 16mm film, for me the small 100ft run times isn't an issue and I don't think it should for many others either. I know a lot of professionals are used to their 400ft rolls and many do prefer the longer run times, especially when filming dialogue. The main adavantages of the camera is that it's natively Super 16, it's tiny and much lighter new design, with modern mechanics and electronics, most crucially its 'microprocessor-synchronized' makes it ideal for music videos, it also has a range of filming speeds single frame, 6, 10, 12.5, 18, 20, 24, 25, 30, 36, fps, making this a pretty impressive camera.
In the current market these cameras can be bought for around £1000 to £2000 when sold with the original accessories, especially the very sort after 9mm Kinoptik lens, the value also depends on the model and history. Without the original lens the camera is worth a lot less anywhere between £400-£700 again depending on condition and history. If you do buy one then I would suggest you get a reflex viewfinder upgrade for it, look at the technology page on this site to see how I added a refex viewfinder to my a-cam. 16mm film stock is readily available in a wide range of emulsions and types. Kodak is now the main supplier in the UK of colour and black & white film, but you can also try the black & white products from Orwo and Foma, Ferrania is an Italian company who a starting production of a new colour reversal film. Fujifilm has phased out 16mm film, you may be able to get Fujifilm but you will need to be careful and have to over expose it by one stop. Film suppliers, processing and scanning facilitities for 16mm film can be easily tracked down by doing a quick internet search, film can be processed and scanned at home too look at the technology page and do an internet search.
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