When 16mm film was invented in 1923 it was introduced with film that had 2 perforations. Often referred to as 2R or just plain old 16mm. Double Perf film and more importantly Double perf camera designs were the standard until the mid 1950’s when sound film was introduced. The second set of perforations was removed to accommodate a sound track in two forms (Optical Sound and Magnetic Sound.) Later the sound film idea was replaced with using this area of the film for image to create a wider aspect ratio what is commonly called Super 16. In the modern film world almost all film is Single perf (1R) Super 16 stock. Although some camera transport designs only used the single perf, many cameras made for the first 30 years of 16mm history will simply not work without modification with modern 16mm single perf film. Because of the lack of film choices for these camera they remain relatively inexpensive. No film choices equals not value since you can’t easily use them. With the Re-Introduction of Double perf 16mm film this will no doubt change so if you interested in this, its a good idea to start looking into cameras! By reintroducing Double Perf Pro8mm opening up the possibilities for using these cameras.
The Belll and Howell DR70 is a classic 16mm camera but you can only use many of these models if you have 2R (Double Perf 16mm film). Recently purchased fully functional with lens for under $75.00
Single tooth sprockets were adopted as standard on Bolex H16 cameras in 1952. [2] H16 cameras below this number had two rows of teeth on the sprockets and can only accept 2R (double perforated) film stock; these older cameras can still be modified, however any H16 with a S/N greater than 76471 can accept both 1R and 2R film. This gorgeous cameras was made in 1951 so it only take 2R and therefore it will only sell with lens for around $200.00
There are also a variety of specialty 16mm cameras design for special application like High Speed which also rely on the Double Perf film. Without this film these very clever and amazing pieces of technology became nothing more than showpieces and have little application With the Re-introducion of new Double perf 16mm film they become viable once more as potential creative tools for modern filmmaking.
This is Wollensak Fastax World War II vintage high speed 16 mm motion picture camera Model W163269. It takes pictures at 4000-5000 frames per second and was used for special mission aerial photography by the U.S. Army. It does have an optical viewfinder. Although it is 75 years old it is in perfect condition and operational. The 2 motors run on 120 volts 60 Hz and there is one toggle switch.
Photosonics Action Master. Has dual pull down and dual pin registration for speeds up to 500 FPS. But needs 2R film to function.
There is another category of 16mm cameras that has completely lost its value due to the lack of film availability is the 16mm Magazine Cameras. These camera are incredible inexpensive because there is not longer any support for the reloadable 16mm magazine that must be use to shot with these cameras. Pro8mm is researching the availability of these magazines and the idea of making 16mm available once more for this forgotten format.
Pro8mm is working to bring back more 16mm film options by introducing the new modern film stock in 16mm double perf. One of our goals is to eventually bring back Color Reversal into the market place. This new product not only support older camera design but as a Reversal Color it will support the growing interest in film projection. Pro8mm is also introducing for the first time smaller roll of 16mm film. The new 33’ roll is perfect for the experimental market and make testing out a 16mm easy and more cost effective. Along with these new 33’ rolls we are introducing 16mm into our extremely popular Film Kit program. Soon you will be able to order 16mm Film Kits that work in any 16mm or Super 16mm cameras, with a complete workflow of Film , Processing & Scan with internet delivery and projectable film.
Get your 16mm camera ready, so many exciting new possibilities coming soon.
(c) Pro8mm 2020.
There is another category of 16mm cameras that has completely lost its value due to the lack of film availability is the 16mm Magazine Cameras. These camera are incredible inexpensive because there is not longer any support for the reloadable 16mm magazine that must be use to shot with these cameras. Pro8mm is researching the availability of these magazines and the idea of making 16mm available once more for this forgotten format.
Pro8mm is working to bring back 16mm film by introducing the new modern film stock in 16mm double perf . One of our goals is to eventually bring back Color Reversal into the market place . This new product not only support older camera design but as a Reversal Color it will support the growing interest in film projection. Pro8mm is also introducing for the first time smaller roll os 16mm film . The new 33’ roll is perfect for the experimental market and make testing out a 16mm easy and more cost effective. Along with these new 33’ rolls we are introducing 16mm into our extremely popular Film Kit program . Soon you will be able to order 16mm Film Kits that work in any 16mm or Super 16mm cameras , with a complete workflow of Film , Processing & Scan with internet delivery and projectable film . The New Projection 16mm Film kit has it all for under $100.00.
This is Wollensak Fastax World War II vintage high speed 16 mm motion picture camera Model W163269. It takes pictures at 4000-5000 frames per second and was used for special mission aerial photography by the U.S. Army. It does have an optical viewfinder. Although it is 75 years old it is in perfect condition and operational. The 2 motors run on 120 volts 60 Hz and there is one toggle switch.
The Revere has to be one of the Coolest looking 16mm cameras ever made. Just amazing design style. This kind of 16mm camera uses a magazine sort of like a Super 8 cartridge although the cartridge is made of metal . Pro8mm is looking into loading these once more with a program for recycling these loads for customer use.
This is a Bell & Howell 70 DR a legend in 16mm cameras .
By reintroducing Double Perf Pro8mm opening up the possibilities for using these cameras.
Which camera use Double Perf stock
#1) All Bolex 16nm cameras made before 1952 with serial number less than 76471
#2) Most Kodak Cine Special Cameras
#3) Most High Speed 16mm Cameras’
#4) Most 16mm camera made before 1950.
Its easy to check if your camera needs 16mm film by looking at the sprocket drives to see if they are single or double sprocketed. Remember all 16mm cameras can use 16mm film but only single sprocket camera can use Super16 film