My mom got a Kodac brownie about 1940. She snapped so many pictures. She’s been gone now 10 years, but her pictures have documented our family’s history.
The 16QT is a brilliant camera for all the reasons you've outlined. The lever that sets the shutter speed is mechanically continuous; if you set it between 30 and 250 you'll get 1/125s etc. Edit: The QT also has a secret power if you attach the 80cm close-up lens... excellent arm-length selfies :)
A great camera indeed! Those tips make the camera even better then. I would definitely love to try that close-up adapter. My only complain about the camera is I can't get close enough to some subjects.
@@TheCinematographyLab There are accessory close-up lenses that fit the QT, but any positive diopter will do if you hold it in front of the main lens and adjust composition for parallax. There is a PC sync port on the camera for flash too - the shutter syncs at all speeds when using electronic flash.
@@rappler32 Makes sense. The focusing distance was the only thing I didn't like about the camera. Close ups are not possible, but as you mentioned a close up filter should fix the problem. I already tested the PC sync. It works just fine. I even used wireless speed lights to take some pics. Great camera, and to think it is a mechanical device that doesn't even require a battery if don't want to use the meter.
Very cool. I picked the qt up for 10$ cause it was cute. I knew it was a technically a paper weight in 2023. But good to know. I would also be interested in a video on how you loaded the movie film into the film roll.
Nah, that camera is too light to be a paper weight :) It's a great camera. It's my favorite camera now and that's because the pictures look very different than photos taken with SLRs. They look even more unique. Loading the film is easy. The cassette can be 3D printed The .stl file can be found for free on the internet. I'll make a video talking about those details.
@@TheCinematographyLabI’ve watched this video twice :) do you have a specific video where you show how you cut the film and load the cartridge in a dark room?
@@k.mcardlephotography Thanks for watching. I'm going to try to make a short video loading the cartridge in one continuous shot. The process I described on the video is how you load the cartridge in a darkroom. Obviously I can't film with no light. I recommend getting some film and using 2ft. of it as a dummy to practice loading the cartridge a few times. I remember when I started it seemed impossible for me to work with no lights, but with some practice it becomes second nature.
@@TheCinematographyLab Very cool!! Have you tried any ECN 2 films? I have a few different ones I’m looking to test, any chance I can send you some strips to try?
@@panavision241 Thanks for the offer! I have all kinds of Vision 3 film, so I can try it. I'm almost sure it will work fine. I didn't use ECN-2 film on this video because I don't have the stuff required to process color film and I couldn't find a lab that process 110 (ECN-2) I'm going to ask a friend if he can process a couple of rolls for me. If so I'm going to show the results in the next video.
Any luck finding ECN processing for this? I asked the stills lab near me and they have 16mm reels to do it. Or maybe at a motion picture lab they can run it like a strip test since it's so short...
@@panavision241 The labs I found only process 135 and 120 film. They do process 110 using C41 chemistry. I don't know the reason. I purchased an ECN-2 processing kit. The challenging part is going to be to keep the temperature of the chemicals at the right spot during the process. I paid $25 for the kit including shipping. I have some rolls of 135 Vision 3 (shown on the video) that I can use to shoot some tests and document the process. So in the end it may be a good thing. I save some money, learn something new, make some content and have fun.
My testing is done using the movie cameras, and developing only 3 feet of film at a time on a 110 reel in a steel can. The result is spliced end to end and projected and videoed. Sometimes single frames are shot, but that requires bothersome conversions and calculations.
That's great Michael! I have never processed reversal film, but sounds like a great method to see if the camera is working right. I test cameras with negative film and I scan a few frames. I can learn a lot about the status of a camera by analyzing those frames.
Great video as always and very informative! How does the grain structure change when you cross-process Tri-X as a negative? I shot a roll of Tri-X and I really like it, except for the coarse grain in the dark grays. The brighter areas look smooth and sharp and blacks are blacks, but there is a "zone" of dark gray that has very coarse grain. Does this change when processed as a negative?
Hi Christian, well that's a great question, but I have to say I don't have the answer. I have never gotten Tri-X developed as reversal. I always process it myself as negative when I use it on my tests and I love the grain structure. I guess the situation you describe has to do with under exposure more than the developing process. I always compensate by 2/3s of a stop or more depending on the camera I'm using. That means I could shoot Tri-X as ISO 100 or 125. I do it because I know negative film can handle it. People want to nail exposure and protect the highlights when they shoot reversal and that results in underexposure, which makes grain more apparent. My guess is the darkest areas reached the limit of the film and they hid the grain (detail). The same could happen with the highlights, so grain is going to be more noticeable in the visible gray area, especially in the dark shadows.
@@TheCinematographyLab that makes sense. I always noticed this with 16mm Tri-X reversal in other UA-cam videos. It's a fantastic looking stock and the brighter areas are gorgeous. Then there is nasty grain in dark gray.
Thanks! Unfortunately you can not use 110 cartridges with this camera. The camera takes a Minolta proprietary cartridge that can be 3D printed easily. Loading the cartridges is not difficult at all, but it requires some time and understanding of the photo chemical process. I have a video on my channel were I explain how to load the cartridges. You can use 16mm motion picture film or you can cut or trim film from 35mm rolls.
The Pentax Auto110 is a pretty cool camera, but it is a fully automatic camera. The Minolta 16QT is a fully manual camera. That allows me to put exposure exactly where I want it and the renders artistic results. It's a great little camera. Recommended!
The Kyiv-30 looks like a nice camera. The Minoltas are not expensive. You can get one for $20, but the one you have should do the same. They are just cameras.
Idea: what if we use a 16mm motion picture camera for still photography? Some 16mm cinema cameras allow you to take 1 frame per shot, right? You will get 3600 frames for 100ft of 16mm film.
That is absolutely possible. Resolution wouldn't be ideal for prints, but alright for a screen. Some cameras like the Bolex and the Canon Scoopic would be ideal for the job. Those cameras can shoot single frame and have a shutter that covers the film completely after the exposure. Cameras that have a mirror shutter are not ideal for that kind of job. I recently made a video about time lapses. That's basically the same.
The camera works without battery, yes. The battery is for the light meter only and it takes a special type of battery that is not manufactured anymore. There are adapters you can use. In my case I rather use my external meter.
Yet another 110 to seek out and add to the collection... "I've got a fever, and the only prescription is... more 110 cameras!" How desperately I wish 110 film was affordable, available, and inexpensive purchase and develop - I should probably invest in reloading 3d printed canisters and developing at home before I buy _another_ camera though...
Haha, well, the cure is not prohibitively expensive, at least. I agree, I wish there were more options for 110 users, but that's a niche market inside a niche market. The good thing about the Minolta 16QT and other 16 cameras is that you can use readily available 16mm film. Developing is another story, easier for black and white, a bit more complicated for color.
My mom got a Kodac brownie about 1940. She snapped so many pictures. She’s been gone now 10 years, but her pictures have documented our family’s history.
Holy shit! I forgot about that Mickey camera! Lol I used to play with it all the time and always wondered why it was so weird even as a kid.
The 16QT is a brilliant camera for all the reasons you've outlined. The lever that sets the shutter speed is mechanically continuous; if you set it between 30 and 250 you'll get 1/125s etc. Edit: The QT also has a secret power if you attach the 80cm close-up lens... excellent arm-length selfies :)
A great camera indeed! Those tips make the camera even better then. I would definitely love to try that close-up adapter. My only complain about the camera is I can't get close enough to some subjects.
@@TheCinematographyLab There are accessory close-up lenses that fit the QT, but any positive diopter will do if you hold it in front of the main lens and adjust composition for parallax. There is a PC sync port on the camera for flash too - the shutter syncs at all speeds when using electronic flash.
@@rappler32 Makes sense. The focusing distance was the only thing I didn't like about the camera. Close ups are not possible, but as you mentioned a close up filter should fix the problem.
I already tested the PC sync. It works just fine. I even used wireless speed lights to take some pics. Great camera, and to think it is a mechanical device that doesn't even require a battery if don't want to use the meter.
Used to have one of these. I had a film cutter that cut 35mm down to 16mm for spooling in the cassette. Fun camera, Surprisingly good.
Surprisingly good! I agree.
Very cool. I picked the qt up for 10$ cause it was cute. I knew it was a technically a paper weight in 2023. But good to know. I would also be interested in a video on how you loaded the movie film into the film roll.
Nah, that camera is too light to be a paper weight :) It's a great camera. It's my favorite camera now and that's because the pictures look very different than photos taken with SLRs. They look even more unique.
Loading the film is easy. The cassette can be 3D printed The .stl file can be found for free on the internet. I'll make a video talking about those details.
Yes! Would love a video on this!
@@katrinamcardle3124 Here is the video where I talk about loading the camera and other details.
@@TheCinematographyLabI’ve watched this video twice :) do you have a specific video where you show how you cut the film and load the cartridge in a dark room?
@@k.mcardlephotography Thanks for watching. I'm going to try to make a short video loading the cartridge in one continuous shot. The process I described on the video is how you load the cartridge in a darkroom. Obviously I can't film with no light. I recommend getting some film and using 2ft. of it as a dummy to practice loading the cartridge a few times. I remember when I started it seemed impossible for me to work with no lights, but with some practice it becomes second nature.
When I was a kid I loved shooting 16 out of the little rectangle cameras
I know, it was exciting.
Excellent and most informative! Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Ruben! Thanks for the fun video! When will you show us how to load the cartridge and where to get them?
Well, it seems to be interest in a video about those details. I'm going to get to work on it. It should be up on the channel in a about two of weeks.
@@TheCinematographyLab Very cool!! Have you tried any ECN 2 films? I have a few different ones I’m looking to test, any chance I can send you some strips to try?
@@panavision241 Thanks for the offer! I have all kinds of Vision 3 film, so I can try it. I'm almost sure it will work fine. I didn't use ECN-2 film on this video because I don't have the stuff required to process color film and I couldn't find a lab that process 110 (ECN-2) I'm going to ask a friend if he can process a couple of rolls for me. If so I'm going to show the results in the next video.
Any luck finding ECN processing for this? I asked the stills lab near me and they have 16mm reels to do it. Or maybe at a motion picture lab they can run it like a strip test since it's so short...
@@panavision241 The labs I found only process 135 and 120 film. They do process 110 using C41 chemistry. I don't know the reason. I purchased an ECN-2 processing kit. The challenging part is going to be to keep the temperature of the chemicals at the right spot during the process.
I paid $25 for the kit including shipping. I have some rolls of 135 Vision 3 (shown on the video) that I can use to shoot some tests and document the process. So in the end it may be a good thing. I save some money, learn something new, make some content and have fun.
My testing is done using the movie cameras, and developing only 3 feet of film at a time on a 110 reel in a steel can. The result is spliced end to end and projected and videoed. Sometimes single frames are shot, but that requires bothersome conversions and calculations.
That's great Michael! I have never processed reversal film, but sounds like a great method to see if the camera is working right. I test cameras with negative film and I scan a few frames. I can learn a lot about the status of a camera by analyzing those frames.
Great video as always and very informative! How does the grain structure change when you cross-process Tri-X as a negative? I shot a roll of Tri-X and I really like it, except for the coarse grain in the dark grays. The brighter areas look smooth and sharp and blacks are blacks, but there is a "zone" of dark gray that has very coarse grain. Does this change when processed as a negative?
Hi Christian, well that's a great question, but I have to say I don't have the answer. I have never gotten Tri-X developed as reversal. I always process it myself as negative when I use it on my tests and I love the grain structure.
I guess the situation you describe has to do with under exposure more than the developing process. I always compensate by 2/3s of a stop or more depending on the camera I'm using. That means I could shoot Tri-X as ISO 100 or 125. I do it because I know negative film can handle it. People want to nail exposure and protect the highlights when they shoot reversal and that results in underexposure, which makes grain more apparent. My guess is the darkest areas reached the limit of the film and they hid the grain (detail). The same could happen with the highlights, so grain is going to be more noticeable in the visible gray area, especially in the dark shadows.
@@TheCinematographyLab that makes sense. I always noticed this with 16mm Tri-X reversal in other UA-cam videos. It's a fantastic looking stock and the brighter areas are gorgeous. Then there is nasty grain in dark gray.
ONLY
FROM THE MINDS
OF MINOLTA
Great camera makers.
Thanks for the video, its amazing! Question: Can I use a 110 plastic reel for this camera? I mean the 110 reel from lomography.
Thanks! Unfortunately you can not use 110 cartridges with this camera. The camera takes a Minolta proprietary cartridge that can be 3D printed easily.
Loading the cartridges is not difficult at all, but it requires some time and understanding of the photo chemical process. I have a video on my channel were I explain how to load the cartridges. You can use 16mm motion picture film or you can cut or trim film from 35mm rolls.
WOW! a cute camera the only 110 i ever saw was the Pentax with lenses the Minolta i wish id known about
the quality of your results is impresive
The Pentax Auto110 is a pretty cool camera, but it is a fully automatic camera. The Minolta 16QT is a fully manual camera. That allows me to put exposure exactly where I want it and the renders artistic results. It's a great little camera. Recommended!
Thanks a lot!
It’s a pity that I don’t have such a Minolta, but I use Kyiv-30 for such tests
The Kyiv-30 looks like a nice camera. The Minoltas are not expensive. You can get one for $20, but the one you have should do the same. They are just cameras.
Idea: what if we use a 16mm motion picture camera for still photography? Some 16mm cinema cameras allow you to take 1 frame per shot, right? You will get 3600 frames for 100ft of 16mm film.
That is absolutely possible. Resolution wouldn't be ideal for prints, but alright for a screen. Some cameras like the Bolex and the Canon Scoopic would be ideal for the job. Those cameras can shoot single frame and have a shutter that covers the film completely after the exposure. Cameras that have a mirror shutter are not ideal for that kind of job. I recently made a video about time lapses. That's basically the same.
Does the camera work without battery?thx
The camera works without battery, yes. The battery is for the light meter only and it takes a special type of battery that is not manufactured anymore. There are adapters you can use. In my case I rather use my external meter.
LOL... 11:05... I get some pretty weird things happening while out on a shoot...
LOL it happens.
Yet another 110 to seek out and add to the collection... "I've got a fever, and the only prescription is... more 110 cameras!"
How desperately I wish 110 film was affordable, available, and inexpensive purchase and develop - I should probably invest in reloading 3d printed canisters and developing at home before I buy _another_ camera though...
Haha, well, the cure is not prohibitively expensive, at least.
I agree, I wish there were more options for 110 users, but that's a niche market inside a niche market. The good thing about the Minolta 16QT and other 16 cameras is that you can use readily available 16mm film. Developing is another story, easier for black and white, a bit more complicated for color.
The cheap way to get 110 film lol nice camera
You gotta do what you gotta do :) Thanks.