> The problem is that there aren't many people who can service the things any > longer…
This has been a huge issue in the 16mm world for decades now. Since there does seem to be continuing interest in the medium among ongoing generations of artists, I wonder what we can do to keep the technology alive? Or maybe the question is what kind of organization exists or would have to be formed to keep 16mm going? Assuming, that is, that some sort of film stock will continue to be available, the next question become what happens when the remaining folks like Dieter and Jean-Louis who can fix Bolexes finally retire? If 16mm camera repair/maintenance is no longer a viable business, do we not need some sort of non-profit to collect resources like service manuals and specialized tools and train and employ young people as camera techs, as a subsidy to cinematic arts? Imagining such an arrangement, I would like to put in a word for some of the "less feature-rich MOS camera alternatives to the Bolex” as potential tools for extending the life of the medium, for the very reason that they MUCH easier to service than a Bolex or (FSM forbid) a Beaulieu. I refer specifically to Filmos and Kodak K100s, both of which I personally have taken apart, fiddled with, revived and put back together successfully with just some basic mechanical skills and no specialized training. I mean, when was the last time, if ever, you heard about someone shooting with a K100 or servicing a K100? It’s all Bolex, Bolex, Bolex. Every camera has it’s drawbacks that accelerate as the years go by, with K100s it’s a pain to acquire finder objectives that match the prime lenses you might want to use. But I’m just observing that if we want the medium of personal photochemical motion picture productiion to endure, we ought to value simplicity and ease of service in choosing an limited arsenal of tech we aim to keep in operation. E.g. Filmos forever, but trying to keep Krasno K3s going strikes me as a waste of effort... _______________________________________________ FrameWorks mailing list [email protected] https://mailman-mail5.webfaction.com/listinfo/frameworks
