Re: Bolex vs Elmo

[P3D Jones <72657.3276@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> <Marvin>]

>   Has anyone attempted, or has been successful at making a 
> 3D movie with either the Bolex 3D outfit for 16mm, or the 
> Elmo 3D setup for Super-8 ?

I have not used either in many years, but I did at one time use each. Each
system has certain advantages over the other, although neither is what I would
characterize as "ideal." The Bolex has the advantage of 16mm film and Bolex
quality, and the disadvantage of that weird framing. Basically, it splits the
16mm frame right down the middle, with left and right views on either side. The
result is what they call a "door frame" picture, higher than it is wide, which
is very foreign to our expectations of a movie image.

The Elmo system is bulky and awkward to handle, but at least it solves the
aspect ratio problem of the Bolex. It also splits the Super-8 frame down the
middle, but through a series of mirrors, it twists each image 90 degrees and
stores them "foot to foot" in the frame. Thus, when projected, you get a
pleasingly wide image that comes close to approximating today's movie screens.

As for picture quality, the Bolex is the clear winner, simply because the 16mm
image is something like 2/3 larger than the Super-8 image, and the resolution is
much superior. Plus, if you want to start getting into professional features
like editing and sound, 16mm is more versatile than Super-8 (although if you
don't want to get fancy, Super-8 at least has sound built in, where the Bolex
requires professional double-system sound recording with all of its attendant
difficulties).

Each also has limitations in terms of the equipment you must use. The Bolex lens
can only be used on a Bolex camera, and the projection lens is of the small
circumference that is getting more and more rare, making your choice of
projectors very limited. The Elmo lens, too, is geared strictly for certain
models of Elmo camera and projector, although I imagine a good hobbyist could
probably fiddle around and make it work with a greater variety of equipment--it
is basically just an auxiliary attachment to the camera and the projector and in
theory could probably be forced work with several different set-ups.

If only Bolex had dealt more with the problem of aspect ratio (by storing the
two images in the over/under configuration of Spacevision, for instance) I think
the system would be much sought after today.

Incidentally, the Movie Division of the Stereo Club of Southern California is
sponsoring a competition for 3D movies (film, video, whatever) early next year.
I will post full information on entering in the near future.


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