Bell & Howell FILMO 70DL Review / Breakdown | Kodak 7201 Vision 2 50D 16mm Film | Filmboy24

Putting my newly acquired Bell & Howell Filmo 70DL Camera through the paces. It's a very heavy duty, well made, steel bodied 16mm, hand cranked movie camera.
Just my overview of this model and some scanned results of my first roll of film run through it.
Home processed in ECN-2 for 3.25 minutes @ 106° F & scanned in 2K on my MovieStuff RetroScan Universal Mark 1 scanner.
Equipment I used to make this KZbin Video:
Canon M50 (4K @ 24P): amzn.to/3DR7ujk
BOYA BY-M1 Microphone: amzn.to/3LWJEFb
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#Filmo70DL #BellHowell16mm #16mmFilm #16mmFilmmaking #16mmFilmmaker #CameraReview #KodakVision #Kodak50D #KodakVision2 #DIYFilm #HomeFilmProcessing #ECN2Processing #ProcessFilmAtHome #Filmboy24

[@DethronerX]

Very good episode! Previously, I had only seen a video by Andy "The Vintage Filmmaker". Always wanted to see more of the footage from it and since that guys film was black and white, it was good to see some color

[@Filmboy24]

Thanks so much!! I really dig Andy's vintage vibe, wish he'd do more videos :(

[@truefilm6991]

Great camera for a great price! I can see prices for film cameras going up a lot on Ebay and the likes. Please ask Piper to be the "main protagonist" of your next roll of 16mm film. Childhood is over before you know it. Thanks, as always, for sharing!

[@Filmboy24]

Thank you, Christian! You're absolutely right about how quickly their childhood is gone. Coincidentally, Piper loves being in front of the camera, so there'll be a lot more of her to come :)

[@truefilm6991]

@@Filmboy24 yes please! Unfortunately I don't have kids, but I know they deserve the world, protection, safety and preparation for the chaos out there. I know you are great patents!

[@Filmboy24]

@@truefilm6991 Thank you, Christian!!

[@remjet2512]

Thanks for the tour of the filmo. You've gotta do one of the Eyemo next!

[@Filmboy24]

Thanks Maxi!! I kick myself daily (well, maybe weekly) for selling my Eyemo last year. I never got a chance to run any film through it but I really wish I still had it :(

[@madskdz]

Wow, another great video Mike

[@Filmboy24]

Thank you, Lyle!!

[@cecildeville6950]

I have been looking for a general overview of a 70D camera for a while. Your video answered all of the broad questions I had about how these cameras operate. I have been teetering on buying a 70DR for quite a while now and I think that may become a reality this week. Having shot reg. 8 and super8 for SO long I think I am ready for the larger frame and added clarity of 16mm. I'm just not sure how I will scan 16mm at home and like you I like doing all or most of the work myself including the scan. Keep them coming !!!

[@Filmboy24]

Thank you, Cecil! I would love to see some 16mm footage from you but I totally understand the scanning issue. Before I got mine, I was preparing to build a 16mm projector scanner. There's a video where a guy built a pretty neat one and there really wasn't much to it. His results were surprisingly good too. Check this out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX64c61viLWXfdk

[@michaelb.5345]

Good one Miguel, I thought the footage was amazing , you did good on this camera.

[@Filmboy24]

Thanks, Pop!!

[@MichaelCarter]

Very solid images. Great camera. Collector me wanted one for a long time, but NOT. I have enough to use. Backwind with a lens cap on please or you get a tripple exposure. 100 feet of football continuous running hand cranking and get the entire play.

[@Filmboy24]

Thanks Michael!! You're absolutely right and I totally forgot to mention that important point, even though I had it written so I wouldn't forget 🤣. The lens must be covered when rewinding the film or you'll expose every frame as you said.

[@Mr20054]

I shot with B\W and used zoom Len with side view focus . Came out ok but over expose. I also got AC motor and 400' mag. Great for backup! Thanks for showing all the little things !

[@Filmboy24]

That's great! Keep filming!!

[@bootmenow]

Wow great video. Thank you or clarifying some of that I had no idea how to use the crank and I didn't know that the little knob thing was called a critical focus. There is a alignment base that is supposed to move that critical focus lens over to the left but I heard it's very rare.

[@Filmboy24]

Thank you!! After you mentioned it, I started digging around for that alignment guide, I'm quite intrigued now.

[@OskarFilms]

Another top-notch, A-1 video from Filmboy24. Excellent overview, Mike. I'm still undecided on which 16mm camera I should invest in for my work. The B&H 70 is certainly a consideration. However, a lot of the ones I've seen on eBay look pretty beat up. Your's looks like it's in very good condition, certainly worth the $60.

[@Filmboy24]

Thank you, Frank!! I would say that these are probably the most reliable 16mm crank cameras out there. So little to go wrong with them. Probably a good one for backup at minimum.

[@saldenaro2221]

A good run down of how to work this 16mm camera, thanks!

[@Filmboy24]

Thank you!!

[@VintageVantage79]

"STANDARD CINEMACHINERY" indeed! (was part of the Bell & Howell Co logo for a while). Greetings from Illinois (about 60 miles west of Chicago). Fantastic review and demonstration! Have watched a lot of your content - very interesting and well done! I share a lot of your humor, too, so you won over another subscriber. lol Anyway, yeah - you got for a great price, especially in today's market! I've had 3 of these Filmos over the last 22 years. Originally a DL like yours (my Dad helped me purchase that one back in 2000 during my film school phase). I sold it later on (when in college, after switching majors from film to education, and strapped for cash - a few hundred back in 2005, well, that paid for part of a vacation back then, so that's what I did). Always regretted that. A few years later, when I actually had discretionary income, picked up a near-mint 70-DR with the original B&H/Angenieux lens set and matching objectives off eBay for $180. That was a pretty good deal (understatement)... And then earlier this year I picked up an original Filmo (only films at 16 and 8 fps - so you know it's old when the standard was 16fps) at an antique shop for $12 lol You can tell it was left in a barn or attic - lots of superficial patina/corrosion. She's an OLD girl (same profile camera body/no turret, needed an external crank to wind), but after disassembly and a lot of q-tips and isopropyl alcohol, the 1" Taylor-Hobson Cooke Cinema lens is amazingly clear and the camera still runs smoothly! It's no wonder many war correspondents used these during WWII. You could document, use it as a bludgeon tool for self defense, and then get back to filming. They are so solid - overbuilt, I'd say! I've used Bolex, Arri (nice piece on that as well - don't have one of those! Envious... haha), B&H, and Beaulieu... there's something about these Filmos. Simple. Indestructible. Reliable... Keep up the great work!

[@Filmboy24]

Greetings Andrew! Thanks for the kind words and for sharing some of your 16mm experiences!! You're not kidding about the beastly, "heavy-dutiness" of these 70 series Filmos. I feel like they also probably saved a life or two during the war, as shields, lol. I also have one of those original Filmos like you picked up this year, great deal by the way! I got mine for around $30 (if I recall corectly) from Goodwill. I did a video a couple months ago, using it and was amazed at how the images turned out, using 70-80ish year old B&W film and the original 1" lens. Thanks again for tuning in to my goofiness, I really appreciate it!!

[@ghuck100]

Nice job…great camera..solid build

[@Filmboy24]

Thanks, ghuck!!

[@photomitch]

I used the B&H 70KRM version when I was in the military

[@Filmboy24]

I love the military color of the 70KRM. It was such an important piece of equipment (and now our history) for the military. Thanks, Mitch!!

[@philipknight7222]

The bottom strap is for putting your hand through when reaching for the viewfinder while filming. It acts as a brace for your hand to be used as a “spring” to latch your fingers. I love your work, I’m hoping to start a channel for this kind of art. :)

[@Filmboy24]

Thank you, Philip! I thought it might be for that but mine has been previously cut and re-attached. It's pretty short now and my had doesn't fit comfortably. Let me know if you start a channel, I'll be a subscriber for sure!!

[@NasserAlhameli]

You had me love this camera more then the Bolex.. Very informative vid! Thank you❤

[@Filmboy24]

My pleasure, Nasser!!

[@bootmenow]

Mine came only with a canon 25mm TV lens, I'd like to get more lens sets... Also I've been wondering if you could put an anamorphic of some kind on it to get a wider shot with desqueeze. I haven't had much luck figuring out the canon 25mm lens cap size... Also I was thinking about trying to build a raspberry pi framing monitor with the new raspberry pi HD camera....

[@sadisynn9836]

I bought one in '84, still use it.

[@Filmboy24]

That's Awesome! The cameras are fantastic!!

[@lroussarie]

Hello Mike, This video really helped me a lot. I was watching the video and forgot I owned a Bell and Howell 70DL 16mm camera. So I started going through boxes and found the camera. I know, it’s sad that this gem was just sitting in a box. It “seems” to run great, but I need to run a dummy roll through the camera to be sure. Also, I need to oil the camera. I’m sure it has not been oiled in over 20 years and I have had the camera for about 18 years… yes it’s sad. Also, what type of oil did you use? However, the part about the hand-crank/rewind part has me intrigued. I love old silent films and you always see those old still pictures of the photographer's hand cranking the camera. I have read that silent film from the early days was shot at 16-18 FPS and projected at 18 FPS (?). My 16mm projectors only have 24 FPS for sound film and I would not shoot to project the film. So, if you hand cranked a roll of 16mm film (or shot at different speeds -16-24 - on the same roll) what frame rate would you have the film scanned at? Again, I really enjoyed the video and will no doubt watch it again. I think it would be fun to be Billy Bitzer for one day. Larry

[@Filmboy24]

Thanks so much, Lawrence!! So awesome that you dug out your trusty ole' 70DL and glad to hear it runs!! You'll want your film scanned at your "base" frame rate. By that, I mean whatever frame rate you shoot for "normal" movement. So, if you film someone walking at 16 FPS, then want to slo-mo them, you film at 32 FPS, then want to "Keystone Cop" speed them up, you film them at 8 FPS, then scan the whole film at 16 FPS. This will give you everything I described. Hope that helps!

[@kelleebolden7936]

Awesome work Mike! I'm hoping you'll run some fresh stock through your 70A, soon! 👍🏾

[@Filmboy24]

Thank you, Kellee!!

[@kelleebolden7936]

@@Filmboy24 You're welcome, Mike!

[@s.w.2779]

No plastic with a Filmo. Both the speed and the counter dial are made from aluminum. The 70-DL appeared in 1951. And you are right, the mechanism is steel. The main frame or housing is a die-cast aluminum alloy. By the way, I like to load the camera with the lens(es) pointing straight away from me. In doing so I see best whether the film sits correctly at the gate, under the lateral guide and on the claw.

[@Filmboy24]

Thanks S.W.!

[@NasserAlhameli]

Clear and simple right to point! Thank you! ❤

[@Filmboy24]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching :)

[@thissidetowardscreen4553]

Fantastic video and amazing camera! Thanks for sharing!

[@Filmboy24]

Thanks so much!!!

[@michaelmiller641]

Very interesting and informative thankyou for that video

[@Filmboy24]

My pleasure! Thank you for watching, Michael!!

[@alexinnewwest1860]

Another great video!! When running the camera backwards. Do you have to close the lens or put a cap on?

[@Filmboy24]

Thanks Alex!! Yes, I totally forgot to mention that you must cap the lens when rewinding. I even had that written down, lol. I'm always afraid I'll forget something and...I always do 😆

[@alexinnewwest1860]

Ah ok great ! I was really curious about that sine I also found one of these cameras a while a go (with no lenses) and it also came with a two lens turret Bell and Howell 240 16mm camera

[@knoptop]

Such high quality cameras from back then! Question, how do you store your wind-up cameras, with a little wind or none at all?

[@Filmboy24]

They really are!! You know, I just store mine fully unwound but I really don't know if it's necessary. I feel like it puts less strain on the spring.

[@magnusvideos8430]

The movie "Peeping Tom" from 1960 brought me here, as the view finder turret on 70DR intrigued me. I wonder if Bell & Howell sold more or less cameras after that movie came out??? 🙂

[@Filmboy24]

That's a great question. I'm sure you've heard the old adage "any press is good press", just not sure a particular camera that kills people would fall within those guidelines 😜

[@magnusvideos8430]

@@Filmboy24 I agree, I can't see Bell & Howell rushing out a a literal "bayonet attachment" for their tripod legs to cash in on the movie.

[@Filmboy24]

@@magnusvideos8430 🤣🤣🤣

[@kikelozanotriana7763]

amazing camera. I understand one thing that to place the film in this type of camera you have to do it in the dark, right? I like the result!

[@Filmboy24]

Thank you, Kike!! You can load all of these 100' daylight load cameras in subdued light. The film is pretty well protected by the metal daylight spools.

[@fillipelezo]

🔥🔥🔥

[@timelesstruths]

Great post

[@Filmboy24]

Thank you!!

[@daveifornia]

I just hit a 70 DR and thankfully everything works but it may need oil to run smoothly. What kind of oil do you use for this camera? Is it easy to find?

[@Filmboy24]

That's awesome!! You can use any lightweight machine oil, like sewing machine oil, etc. I personally use 'Prolong Multi Purpose Precision Oil'. It looks like a pen with a needle type tip.

[@theundefinedphotographer]

Hi Mike! I've been interested in trying out 16mm, and so I've been learning a lot from your videos. I want to find a compact option, and Bell & Howell's 70 series seems to have a small form factor, but it also looks really hefty. I was wondering how the weight compares to a Bolex or a K3? Alternatively, I've been considering getting a Keystone camera or a Bell & Howell 240, but the 240 has loop formers unlike the 70, so I'm worried about it potentially scratching the film. Thanks again for these informative videos!

[@Filmboy24]

Thank you for the kind words 😀 The Bell & Howell 70 series cameras are by far the heaviest and most awkward to handle, compared to the H16 and K3. The Bolex would be the lightest by a little bit. Overall, they’re all going to be a little awkward to hold and film with, so it’s really a matter of personal preference. If I were interested in just starting out in 16mm, knowing what I know now, I’d probably look for a non reflex H16. They’re much cheaper thank the reflex models and produce the exact same quality image. Moving forward, it would always be a great backup camera as well.

[@theundefinedphotographer]

@@Filmboy24 Thank you Mike for such an in-depth and detailed breakdown!! This was really helpful, I appreciate it. The Bolex's really are beautiful as well. I'll do some digging :)

[@andrewwatts970]

How did you find the lenses you used worked in it? I want to use my Bolex Switar 10mm on a 70 DR but I’ve heard some say those lenses won’t work and other say they will? Also curious about the TV lens because I’ve heard some say they aren’t great for 16mm film cameras but they are so cheap I really want to try one.

[@Filmboy24]

I was honestly pretty happy with them overall. TV lenses aren't always best glass but I have a lot of fun using them on these old cameras. I think it's always a good idea to have a couple to play with, as they're really inexpensive and usually in pretty good shape.

[@davidmatney5033]

Thank you for the awesome video! (I just bought a "DE" model and waiting for it to arrive). Can you possibly tell me the difference between the "DL" % "DE" - or any info at all? (It looks very similar to yours). I'm moving on to your next video, Thanks again!

[@Filmboy24]

Thanks so much, Dave!! That's a really unique model and I've never seen one in person. In all honesty, I have no idea what the differences are between the DE and DL. I would love to know now myself though. Is yours coming with a manual?

[@davidmatney5033]

@@Filmboy24 A Manual was not noted in the description for my "DE" model so I doubt it will be included. Can you please point me in the right direction for 16mm film? Everything I see on Amazon, eBay and B&H has indicates single perforated? I trying to learn "quickly", but right now I'm in over my head! Digital is SO much easier - but I know this is going to be rewarding, once I figure it out. Thank you!

[@Filmboy24]

@@davidmatney5033 You should be able to use single perf film in that camera. Mine will accept single perf. The easiest way to tell is to look at the drive rollers (2 round spindles inside film compartment, near the gate). They will have "teeth" or points around the bottom. If they also have them around the top of each roller, then it will only take double perf. If they're only around the bottom, it will accept single and double perf film. The best and cheapest (usually) place to buy 16mm film is direct from Kodak. You can do that if you're in the US or Canada. You have to order via calling them. Another good option for single and double perf 16mm film is the FPP (Film Photography Project). They also offer processing and scanning. I hope that helps :)

[@misasis]

You mentioned shutter speed but there are no shutter speed control on the camera. So how do you adjust shutter speed on the 70 series filmo?

[@Filmboy24]

You cannot adjust the shutter speed manually on these cameras. The shutter speed will vary a little, automatically, depending on your shooting speed (FPS).

[@lolo-be7wr]

What is kind of oil did you use? I have a cine kodak special II and i cant find a oil from kodak and forums are all different. Any advice?

[@Filmboy24]

I personally use an oil called ProLong Multi-Purpose Precision Oil. I don't believe this particular one is made anymore but if I had to get another, I pick up a little bottle of "Liquid Bearings" (it's on Amazon). Great little synthetic oil designed for watches and has a needle spout, which is great for cameras.

[@lolo-be7wr]

@@Filmboy24 wonderful thanks so much!

[@blackbelt4488]

Great video. My Filmo makes a screeching sound when I run it. Thoughts on what this might mean? Thanks

[@Filmboy24]

Sounds like it is crying out for oil. There are some oil spots on these, including right in front. I'm almost certain that's your issue.

[@blackbelt4488]

@@Filmboy24 thanks, I noticed you showed where to apply it so that will be my next step. Thanks so much

[@chumleyk]

You fried a couple of those frames there. Any idea why?

[@Filmboy24]

Hmmm, not sure exactly what you mean.

[@oldradiosnphonographs]

What would be considered “good lenses” for my filmo? Cus I’m working with B&H comat and Wollensak ones

[@Filmboy24]

I'd say the B&H lenses would be a good match for these old Filmo cameras. They're kind of like using Paillard lenses on a Bolex.

[@oldradiosnphonographs]

@@Filmboy24 I still need a set of Pallards. But I need a new computer more than anything first. This weekend I’m gonna film with my Canon 814 and Ektachrome 100D, and I’m finish up that FPP 3 ASA spool too.

[@faultyinterface]

Do you know anything about the 70 SR model? I just found one for $100, but I can't find any information about it.

[@Filmboy24]

I can honestly say, I’ve never even heard of it before. I’d love to see it though if you get it, feel free to email me a photo or two 😃

[@faultyinterface]

@Filmboy24 Took a bit of digging, but I managed to find two websites in English that had mentions of the 70 SR. From what I understand, the S is for Super Speed, and it can record at 128 FPS. Due to the high speed at which it could film, it was often used as a slow motion camera for analysis. Once I have it in hand, I'll definitely send pictures. I feel like they are fairly uncommon, if not rare, because I couldn't find a single one for sale online or even a video.

[@Filmboy24]

@@faultyinterface Thanks for the update, yes, please let me know when you get it!!

[@bibhuranjandutta470]

Are lenses are interchangeable

[@Filmboy24]

Yes, they are standard C-Mount lenses.

[@bibhuranjandutta470]

@@Filmboy24 thank you sir for replying

[@antoniobunt]

No Takis today?

[@Filmboy24]

You're making me hungry!! 🤣

[@history0793]

why would you want to add scratches and dirt to a film that you are trying to show its virtues (?)

[@Filmboy24]

🤷‍♂