How Not to Shoot 16mm | Using a Bolex

In today's episode, I tell the tragic story of how I completely screwed up 3 rolls of 16mm film. Due to a loose pressure plate (I think) the film came back super distorted. This is a little different than my usual videos but I had to close the door on this video and be done with it. I hope you enjoy my suffering! If you're interested in learning how to shoot 16mm, check out these videos below!
How to Load a Bolex - bit.ly/3m3pVIf
Kodaks 16mm Film | Getting Started - bit.ly/3B9xVvE
How to Shoot 16mm Film in 2021 - bit.ly/3C7LPzU
Intro to Shooting on 16mm Film - bit.ly/3jnmuuk
How Vintage 16mm Cameras Work - bit.ly/3m4rjuk
Here's where I find all of the music for my videos! - bit.ly/31Q58k3
Follow along on Substack - loganguybaker....
Follow me on Instagram - bit.ly/3akGrOJ
Favorite Film Photography Gear:
My all-time favorite film camera - ebay.us/h3uKP6
My current medium format camera - ebay.us/t8cCp2
My light meter - ebay.us/Y6xcyt
My 35mm camera - ebay.us/d4vbtM
My 16mm film camera - ebay.us/ytckDo
Recommended film stock for portraits - amzn.to/3sLCJEs
Recommended film stock for landscapes - amzn.to/3qAbdrR
*Some of the links above are affiliate links, these help support the channel in small ways!

[@BraeHunziker]

30 seconds in and this is the greatest thing I’ve ever seen in my life

[@orestes1984]

It's telling the story of how the first movie was created.

[@BryanBirks]

This is a beautiful video in many ways. But 5:55 has me absolutely howling.

[@spickett10]

wait, wait, wait WHAT... WHAT is this intro montage? I need a full film on what's going on there

[@flipnap2112]

honestly bro, these are the important things. You cant appreciate the beauty of a diamond without that black felt background. Ill never forget in '86 I shot the best roll of 35mm stills ever.. that day was magic and I just knew almost every shot was a gift from God. I could feel it talking to me through the viewfinder. was this amazing energy. I was so excited and I went back to the darkroom that afternoon with a rush of excitement in my heart. after the entire roll got damaged I cried for a few hours. To this day im still not sure, bad chemical bath or maybe I accidentally exposed it.. I don't know. I just know the entire roll was gone. it taught me patience, humility and that analog always involves a cost.. and its payment can feed forward OR backward, if you catch my drift. Thanks for sharing. We all have one thing in common, we all make mistakes.. but they're more important than the successes. And if we pay close attention, theyre usually trying to teach us something about ourselves in general.

[@austinecrow]

Ok for real though the messed up footage is pretty awesome in its own way

[@BadFlashes]

LIKE DUDE! Those shots with the messed up pressure plate look amazing! Such a cool vibe

[@loganguybaker]

Thanks budddddyy - if it happens again I probably won't be too upset :)

[@toddblankenship7610]

Man these just keep getting better. This channel is a gift.

[@Mountainmovingstudios]

Thank you so much for sharing this experience. Take heart that you've probably saved dozens of future Bolex shooters from making the same mistake. Subbed.

[@FilmshooterOH]

Having shot tons and tons of filmstock, it's always painful to lose footage to camera issues but you learn from each roll, good or bad.

[@AmIAFilmmaker]

Incredible. This is the kind of thing youtube needs more of.

[@flyingo]

So sorry you had that experience. I see so many people who are eager to shoot film, but for one reason or another don’t thoroughly research every aspect of filming with whatever camera they choose, shoot a few feet, and then roughly develop it at home as a test. I wish us old people (I’m 63) could just impart our experience, and lessons learned to those new to cinematography through osmosis or telekinesis.. especially with the high cost of film these days. I know it doesn’t help, but we’ve all been there/done that. Next time it will be fantastic.. I promise.

[@paullondon445]

I think everyone who has shot and worked creatively in film can relate to this. Thanks for sharing. I know those moments you thought you had captured are gone ...but there are equally as magical moments still waiting for you to capture (with the pressure plate firmly in place). Onward!

[@YeagerFilm]

That is just that "astigmatism" lens filter man! 💯

[@AntonDoiron]

Shooting with a Bolex can be expensive. It sucks that you had that issue! I've had mixed results with my dad's old Bolex from under exposure to the film moving from side to side in the gate to the spring winding down causing the footage frame rate to look like a really old movie. It's trial and error and unfortunately expensive to purchase and process the film. The results can be lots of fun and exciting to actually be using film instead of digital. I've managed to make a couple of shorts that turned out mostly okay. I really like your lens adapter.

[@bacnic]

In Italy we have a saying: sbagliando si impara. Translated: you learn by making mistakes. Anyway spectacular work, the scenery you captured was amazing. As you did in the video, the rotten clips have a lofi vibe to them, maybe do a compilation with lofi music under the clips. About music what's that marvelous tune with the sliding guitar?

[@DowngoesFraser]

What was this video filmed on?

[@adventureStaley]

Its the journy. Bravo. - AND... I actually kinda love the fucked up look. Theres a story in that.... Lots of people use a huge combo of digital filters to achieve a look like that. Think about it....

[@3rdsecret]

Yep! Test roll. Sorry to hear your loss. Also, is your Rolex Super 16? I notice the aspect ratio.

[@corbinbros.2520]

Make a psychological horror film with the “bad” footage!

[@pellegrinipellegrini]

Its actually the best tutorial I’ve seen so far on youtube. it explains to me that no matter how many informations you’ll have about 16mm, experience is experience & you can’t learn like a mathematical formula or sum - this is art & it require time & fails, so your tutorial is actually well done : fail & learn from it until you are closer to your vision, whatever it takes because yes you’ll lose time & money to you, but to the art’s perspective, you won something that nobody can afford.

[@jaycielinh]

the cinematography of your videos are absolutely insane! would love to see how you colour grade your videos :)

[@MichaelCarter]

Clean the gate and the film chamber. Tighten the pressure plate screw. Send the test reel out for processing right away. Got it! Thanks. One of mine is: shoot on a full wind, not near the end.

[@francescomussida]

Hi Logan, this 30 sec. Intro is insane 🙏👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. I've saw every 16mm you tube videos and 95% of these was (for me) just little better than super 8mm... (but 16mm should be a great format isn'it). How do you reach this incredible qualiy in this amazing intro? Thanks a lot for help. P.s. I'm a film photographer and I'm wondering ti buy a Bolex h16 camera, your video is growing me this dream. Thank you.

[@alexjcorona2605]

Just stumbled across this. I think the "ruined" shots actually look cool. You could very easily use them as textural elements and cuts in another project, if you were to lean into it. Or heck, send them to me, I'd love to play around with them!

[@fralemieux]

That's some pretty cool experiental film footage. ;-) Just change your perspective on it perhaps... and edit it anyways and send it to experimental film festivals ;-) It looks amazing by the way ;-) Goldmine!

[@RoyaltyFreeMusicThatsFresh]

I'm learning about Bolex cameras. Great music choices! I dig the loose pressure plate footage🙂

[@orestes1984]

I came up for a new video title for you.... "How to get your shit rocked by wasting thousands of dollars by fucking up your motion picture film..." I'm like bro, why couldn't you have done that on some lesser format like VHS or something?

[@Kartkid89]

I still cannot get over how much I truly enjoy watching your videos! I have watched most of them more than once!

[@loganguybaker]

Thank you so much

[@cynthiatrejo3550]

This is awesome sauceeeee!!! Amazing lighting on your end though (for your interview based set up)

[@rev.jimjonesandthekool-aid4488]

Can you film a copy of easy rider the movie(cd) onto 16mm film? Do you have any full length 16mm movies for sale? I run a club and we have a working 16mm projector and a couple of 16mm cartoons. I am searching for a full length movie.

[@rudolfwidmer3447]

Thanks very much for this outstanding video! Marvelous! During the short test run with the open camera I saw that the loop formers were still closed. In older models the closing of the lid does not automaticaly open the loop formers. This gives also an effect like you got.

[@Kashilembo]

Mind asking how you attached the NF on the Bolex?

[@deborahdobski5998]

Many things can cause shutter ghosting like this --- loop formers not opened; loss of a loop; pull down claw not engaging properly; not properly closed pressure plate; or a misaligned shutter.

[@MaeSekhmet]

Similar thing happened to me, but I used the "defective" material artistically. 😉

[@ExpiredBren]

Most cinematic mistake that I’ve ever seen😍😍

[@rjeejacobjacob]

I couldn't stifle a chuckle at the 00:56 min mark. So subtle yet impactful.

[@NasserAlhameli]

😂😂😂😂 Yes it herts! I know exactly how you feel!

[@louisborra6120]

I would love to get a How to shoot with a Bolex H16 video and get to know how the camera works! but thanks for this one loved it!

[@franks8462]

all the nature work you're doing is so calming also, I'm convinced you're the kind of person Fleet Foxes makes music for haha

[@loganguybaker]

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a big Fleet Foxes fan :)

[@Daniel.Anugerah]

I do believe these are the most beautiful talking head shots I've seen on youtube

[@tonylyas]

This footage makes me want to intentionally loosening the pressure plate. It’s gorgeous in my opinion

[@TimeCodeMechanics]

This was “How not to Shoot 16mm” but was probably the most valuable video. No one mentioned this. I shot on Bolex in film school and didn’t know about this.

[@flyingo]

Hey at least it looks like most of your exposure settings were correct.. 😉.

[@asderamen]

First 20 secs, OH MY GOD, thats de Bolex?

[@JaredBritt]

What is this amazing lens on the opening wide and ending wide?

[@MarkHoltze]

man I lOOOOVe Bolex, was my first 16mm motion picture film experience. Back before digital was the rage (pre Episode 1) and shooting on film was that first step closer to living the dream (filmmaking). Stressful, but wonderful. I will get my hands on one one day. Lovely video, really enjoyed the feelings it gave me watching, props Logan!

[@kirk4517]

so you didn't close the plate at all for all those roll, and some turn out ok? or those turn out ok is those you close the plate?

[@oldradiosnphonographs]

Man I’m nervous and excited. I’m gonna shoot some black and white footage with a NON-reflex H16!

[@oldradiosnphonographs]

Now I’m a REX5 owner!

[@darinbradley5332]

Incred.

[@isaac_baik]

Logan you would make a superb actor.

[@Lesedi_Gololo]

Hey😊 what’s the name of the jazz song at the end of the video?

[@trevorbassett6084]

I dont get how you ONLY have 6k subs

[@s.w.2779]

I don’t buy it. If everything was in order with the camera, you shouldn’t be able to close the lid with the pressure plate unit not seated properly. Its spring-loaded chrome plated knob will take place in an opening of the lid. Being a professional film motion-picture equipment technician I see a number of anomalies and a few things that pose questions. Why, for instance, do you use a stills photography lens, a 24 mm wide angle, via adapter when the camera is made for smaller and lighter C-mount optics? The camera also wiggles on the tripod. My recommendation for cleaning the film chamber would be different. The streaky images point to a mistiming between shutter and claw rather than the pressure plate not in place. Do contact me, if you need assistance or want to have something serviced.

[@btaylor541]

Yes the vertical streaking is the film in motion when the shutter is open, they are not in time. I don't understand how that could only happen on some footage though, if the camera mechanicals haven't been opened- unless it went out of time while you were using it. The frame registration (slight jumping of the image) seems worse than what I would expect to see from a good running Bolex, although registration was never great with them. I also have to wonder how precise the lens combo you cobbled together is working, even the good looking images seem soft. Shooting film well requires careful camera prep and testing. 16mm film can look great, but it takes a good deal of effort, experience, and failures like these to get it right. Hope you stick with it.

[@saveich]

you can tell me stuff about a spoon at this point, so hooked, great video about a mistake!

[@DethronerX]

Thanks! I recently got a Bolex 16mm and some film but havent shot it yet, because currently still in the process of working with my first scanned super8s, so the next step is definitely 16mm and this video really helped with something that I can now avoid and save time and money, thank you!

[@negativespacefilmlab]

Really great footage besides the issue though! Nice b-roll, and the shots that came out looked great. Hit me up if you want to shoot any more 16mm. I do lab-quality 6.5K film scanning in Denver

[@joeyballi]

You and Brae are making me want to go out and buy a 16mm film camera. Great video always love watching your work!

[@loganguybaker]

Do itttttt

[@omenka]

You dont have to be sad about these clips. In lala land there were also some shots with this effect, but on porpoise. And it looked stylistically great.

[@prometheanfilms402]

Just stumbled across your channel and I can already tell this is one of those special channels that you find before they blow up. Can't wait to tell people I was subscribed before you got huge. Great video man and hope your future 16mm footage turns out better!

[@loganguybaker]

Thanks so much for watching and for the support!

[@joanmichel]

this happened to me recently. FML LOL!

[@loganguybaker]

I feel your pain!!

[@boxoffice66]

what was the song that played at 1:26?

[@Ikgeloofhetniet]

Thank you!! I had a roll of regular 8mm come out just like this with the vertical pulling and I've been trying to understand why. The pressure plate it must be!

[@grinningtiki220]

AH HA! Its been over 13 years since I ran a roll through my Bolex and this explains the results! Had always planned on having a better income to film more but it got shelved and there it sits. I am so inspired to go dig it out of storage right now and tighten the gate.

[@jaejones8736]

Ah man, absolutely killer. Hats off to you for creating a killer video out of it though. Beautifully crafted. I definitely would have had a mental breakdown and never touched it again, so.

[@bicyclechain]

An honest account of how easy it is to have an unhappy experience in the early days of Bolex 16mm ownership. This video will have no doubt saved many Bolex 16mm users a considerable amount of money. It doesn't do any harm to get into the habit of cleaning the pressure plate, gate area and loop formers prior to loading each film. As my eyes aren't as sharp as they used to be, I use a strong light and my iPhone to photograph the gate, and then zoom in on the image to check for those tiny gate hairs that sometimes photobomb a complete roll.

[@ribsy]

That’s some pricey bad luck. It’s the life we chose lol

[@loganguybaker]

Right? Worth it

[@merriammerkabah408]

I'm back again. Man, 2:39 just activates to my nostalgia receptors & 4:42 feels like an archaeological expedition from the 40s. Screw what you didn't get, what you have is Amazing! The train at dawn shot also feels like the Days of Heaven scene with a train at dawn.

[@NeonDarkShadow]

It certainly looks like you could make an interesting and beautiful experimental tone poem from the damaged footage you’ve presented in this video. We all make critical mistakes at times. Maybe it’s just how it’s supposed to go so something else can occur instead.

[@Audrey-fu7bi]

Beautiful, a good man will you show you his successes, a great man will tell you of his failures, and how not to hit the same trap. Bravo!

[@nomennominandum2701]

What's that marvelous tune with the sliding guitar? - ...and: your video is told very nicely.

[@uriallon]

Great video! I love the homage at the beginning. What camera did you use for shooting the good clips on this video?

[@jiat2001]

The Jurassic Park bit was HILARIOUS 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@craigduddles5650]

Nicely done. So many reasons to shoot digital but you do you. Shot film back in the day. Had access to an Arri

[@kjr.9951]

Are you doing it again?

[@amir5066]

the best videos

[@sava3989]

Fantastic video, such a nice vibe. What’s that first song that you used?

[@justicebrown4696]

These are the videos I don't mind ignoring my actual job to watch

[@graysonstarling5706]

You should shoot on a Mercury Univex II sometime and see how it goes.

[@dinnertime1857]

Holysht. Those colors.

[@jackmanleyer]

5:35 The video is great, what equipment was used to shoot it ？

[@loganguybaker]

Thank you! I used the BMPCC6K

[@boymakesmusic]

idk i gotta say the “bad” footage has a pretty cool vibe whether it was intended or not

[@DUNDRAC]

What lens did u get

[@kekmountain2882]

I like your style a lot, super talented but I can tell you don't take yourself too seriously. Good work.

[@andrewtregoning]

gorgeous.

[@denisstarcencov8874]

The production on this video is better then most Hollywood films

[@rakimescobar]

ayo you nice bruv

[@x_x_6427]

Love ur videos, which camera do you use for the film stuff?

[@scottbullock9423]

I describe every mistake I make as a learning experience. All about how you frame it.

[@AxTechs]

Incredibly put together video - props

[@gregoryrogalsky6937]

I actually like these results . Thanks for sharing

[@louisrimmer6544]

Such a strong video. But also impressed at how calm you were after finding out those rolls were ruined. That kind of thing makes me wish the floor would eat me.

[@Sparxdd]

woah cool, i little cine something at the beginning. i like it!

[@ThomasBocage]

Incredible video dude. One of most underrated creatives in this space imo

[@ssowhatt]

So beautiful. Thanks for shooting

[@chumleyk]

DUDE!

[@koishes00]

Such a good video. Shame about the film!

[@peterdclark]

Very misleading video as not a single shot showed you using a Bowflex despite the cinematics and recorder hilarity.

[@loganguybaker]

Next video will be a Bowflex tutorial, I promise

[@tycjantrzpiola]

Really easy and enjoyable tutorial. Thanks!

[@mercury2mercury]

what tripod are you using?

[@loganguybaker]

Mostly just a aluminum Manfrotto tripod - it sucks though and I'm in the market for a new one. Get a Benro :)

[@kylethompson3737]

Commenting to help the algorithm because this is just the emotional rollercoaster my Wednesday needed and more people should see this.

[@loganguybaker]

thank you thank you :)