Japan on 16mm Film | Shot on Bolex

[@BradPham]

It's the visual version of listening to vinyl. An ethereal quality. Taxi Driver vibes.

[@illkoncept]

Absolutely love Taxi Driver and that was the inspiration for the music here. Thanks for saying!

[@BradPham]

@@illkoncept Scorsese would appreciate your 16mm celluloid efforts. I'd bet my life on it!

[@JC-tu6hc]

Dude, you must've felt like a 70's documentarian or something run and gunning with 16mm. Loading 16 is such a pain in the ass anyway, but i'd say this footage was worth it.

[@illkoncept]

Haha I did feel like a 70s documentarian. The camera definitely attracts a lot of attention. I had a lot of people asking about it, even in Japan. Can't wait to film more with it this year.

[@Cpt.Sailor]

that film burn fade out while miku waves goodbye was perfect

[@illkoncept]

Thanks! Yeah, that worked out perfect. It can be tricky deciding what to start or end the roll with because I know it will burn in/out like that

[@GawxArt]

Absolutely beautiful

[@illkoncept]

Thanks so much Gawx! Your work is super inspiring 🙌🏆

[@imabigsandwich1292]

are you going to shoot on true film one day? Your emulation on digital camera always look awesome, But I'm sure that true film is gonna look even better!

[@madeofnapalm]

Props to anyone with enough patience to actually film something on Bolex 😁😁 On a more serious note, film has it's magic, not yet reproduced by anything else

[@illkoncept]

Thank you! Totally agree. It’s a lot of fun too, until you have to pay the film lab invoice

[@madeofnapalm]

@@illkoncept Oh the joy 😁It was a pretty penny even when it was a common thing, now I can only imagine.

[@Jimmy_Bee]

@@illkoncepthow much are we talking for this film for processing?

[@illkoncept]

~$70 for the roll and ~$80 for develop/scan @@Jimmy_Bee

[@caogomi]

@@illkoncept Is it possible to develop at home at least in black and white in the way that something like old large format diana camera black and white film can be done at home (vs color which takes a lot more care). Even if a darkroom setup or whatever you need costs ~2 to 3k, that seems like a huge savings and also the ability to control the outcome even more. I imagine motion picture film is a lot more involved to be processed though than stills... but it would be great to be able to at least process black and white in a home lab.

[@transitjourney]

I'm living in Tokyo. Thank you for taking me back in 80s. Good work as always👍

[@illkoncept]

Love that!!

[@ramirosotto]

This and your first video should be shown at a festival or something, insane quality

[@illkoncept]

So happy you think so. It’s going to be hard to top that first video but I’m going to challenge myself this year. Glad you dig those so far, it’s nice people appreciate the creativity

[@ramengamer4806]

This. Right here. This is how I have seen Japan for the great majority of my childhood. Not through Anime, and even not exclusively through 16mm film. But on slick, glossy Eastman-Kodak color film at the very least. This is how i've seen Japan for half my life, and this is how i'll remember it for the rest of my life.

[@illkoncept]

I love this. Thank you for sharing 🙌🙏

[@yeahtbh.161]

You've never been there, you're delusional.

[@sharpskilz]

The film lends a very nostalgic and warm/fuzzy quality to the footage, and its very pretty. But that isnt to detract from the fact that these are very nicely framed, lit and executed shots. The whole piece is very nicely edited too. It could be B-roll in a modern hollywood film, or 1970's art film equally. Its a groovy thing, Kudos.

[@illkoncept]

Thanks for the kind feedback. This made my day 🙌

[@TheKiwiJobes]

Exactly. I'm sure good editors could replicate the soft fuzzy feeling quite well. But it's the composition, camera work, choice of exposure etc that makes this short video fantastic.

[@sharpskilz]

@@TheKiwiJobes baring in mind the process of using that camera also. And the pressure of price per foot etc etc. it all adds to the melting pit

[@tunelowplayslow5623]

To anyone who thinks you can use a filter to perfectly replicate 16mm. I present you this mans project. Would love to see more of this in different places around the world. Beautiful work.

[@illkoncept]

Appreciate that! I haven’t been using it as much as I’d like, but hoping to change that soon! 🫡

[@caogomi]

100% I have watched some people make some admitting good looking recordings using Frankenstein setups with old lenses... but the dust and weird clarity combined are a different beast... different than pure clarity, and yes looks good, but certainly if you put this and those back to back and made people guess, there is no contest... now if a filter existed that could make this happen, you won't find me upset... but until AI folks make a point of some deep dive effects... I highly doubt they will ever make things look legit... They almost over emphasize "old film" oddities to the point it becomes a caricature

[@sanderragetli7587]

Not only is the photography and music choice sublime, but I also really appreciated your approach to editing this piece. Very nice sense of timing and rhythm for the cuts. Great all around.

[@illkoncept]

Thanks for that! Means a lot

[@ULTRAWIDE.]

There's something about the look of film that's wholly unique to film. 16mm has its own unique look and feel. I wish film these days wasn't considered a gimmicky throw back and something to be nostalgic about; but something that still has its place in terms of art and creativity. Film to me just looks nicer than digital. Its gives whatever's being photographed personality and a sense of tactile feel to it.

[@themadhatter444]

Man this really did it for me. I spent some time in Japan when I was younger and watching videos like this transport me into who I used to be when I was there. Unfettered, full of wonder, and completely free to find myself in the streets of Japan. I can't wait to get back there someday. This time with my son.

[@illkoncept]

Sounds like a great time! I love that feeling as well - hard to beat. Thank you for sharing. I hope you can get there with your son someday, I’m sure you will.

[@yeahtbh.161]

sucks to have brats holding you back. you'll be too old and crusty by the time you get back.

[@f50koenigg]

This is like 90's and 80's

[@theoshilton]

I can't tell you how much I love this. The music, the composition and the aesthetic are breathtaking. The contrast if the old film in modern Tokyo is brilliant.

[@ujjwalreal]

Man, with this cinematography and sense of composition, I'd hire you to be the cinematographer if I ever make a movie

[@R4gt1me]

The combination of music, grain, and shooting style creates an instant mood. It’s terrific.

[@robmar1014]

Honestly its very easy to think this is older footage upon first glance. Though the early shot of a person on smart phone is a giveaway, let alone more modern cars and vending machines. Despite the retro equipment, Japan shot like this evokes a near future.

[@jarrensummers6269]

Beautiful job, as a lover of 16mm and Japan, this was divine. Thank you.

[@TC-cd5sm]

Definitely has that showa era look. I love it.

[@illkoncept]

Thank you!

[@riojiang9377]

The quality of film is just mind blowing! Salute to you, Sir!!! Absolutely stunning!

[@mustakinhashim]

This was so beautiful to watch ❤

[@illkoncept]

Thanks so much!

[@Rayji10]

So many words to describe this footage: city lights, distant futures, neons, loud places, busy people, rainy nights, cramped alleys, crowded streets... Really nice work of art. I think we can call this AESTHETIC for sure.

[@illkoncept]

Love that. Thanks for saying. Tokyo is definitely all of the above

[@aussieasianspopblog]

The best place on earth

[@wesrm1]

I love the way 16mm looks. It is very pleasing to the eye.

[@cipherjoe9]

Such a nostalgia trip

[@JimmyRussle]

its so delightfully weird seeing modern life through the lens of an old camera like this. It looks distinctively 70s-80s but then you see people with smart phones. Its messing with my brain lol. In a good way! Love it!

[@paulcantshutup]

What is it about film that just behaves so differently from a digital sensor? I know that digital is much more pristine. The fidelity is higher. But the little flaws just look so much more pleasant, the way a painting doesn't look exactly like reality, but it's still beautiful. You can talk about the technical differences, but it's more than just that. God, I wish I had the ability, aptitude, or ambition to shoot on such wonderful stuff.

[@VIPAH]

Loving the grainy texture of 16mm film. Kodak brought out a Super 8mm recently I had the Arriflex 3 changeable lens 16mm film camera back in 2007. Celluloid needs to stay alive!

[@v1deo.hunter.d317]

Legitimately very cinematic

[@illkoncept]

Thank you!

[@ghostviggen]

There is just something about film that digital can’t recreate. As for the footage, very nice. Gives me Blade Runner vibes.

[@illkoncept]

Thank you! I totally agree. Before I got this camera I was trying so hard to emulate 16mm digitally but couldn’t get the results I wanted

[@virtualbri]

All the imperfections and limitations of 16mm adding up to something really special. Just amazing.

[@jamesburke4358]

Something digital just can't seem to replicate. Excellent! At the very least, theatrical films should shoot exteriors with film.

[@fbnx4219]

Amazing shots! And I am quite impressed how you managed to fix that footage. One tip (that you probably figured out yourself by now): Set the camera to the lowest possible speed before you load and check your loops.

[@illkoncept]

Thank you! Yeah, I was impressed (and relieved) as well lol. I definitely forgot to put down to 12fps before loading that roll on this video, which probably caused the jam. The jitter was definitely from another problem which I have since gotten fixed. It’s running so nice now, can’t wait to put together another video. Although it’s hard to beat filming in Japan

[@yskim2636]

Looks amazing! 16mm in Japan. A dream.

[@yskim2636]

Any experience with 16mm Beaulieu cameras?

[@xhall0910]

damn... I couldn't stop watching it. The music, the motives... and I totally forgot it's modern times with an old camera. I lost myself there. I got thrown off as soon as some modern stuff appeared and I remembered. I could watch it for hours.

[@illkoncept]

Love that! Thanks so much for saying. Motivates me to film/share more with this camera

[@xhall0910]

@@illkoncept yes please!!! I was kind of shocked when I saw there aren't more already lol. Speaking of motivation, your video inspired me to finally make some music. Thanks for that :)

[@illkoncept]

Love that it can inspire across different mediums. Thanks for sharing. Hope you had fun creating @@xhall0910

[@Baldcafe]

SAVED for mega Inspo 👍

[@illkoncept]

So happy it inspires!

[@David2222]

BEST BAR NONE. Genuine! Authentic. Inimitable. The feelings I rolled through watching your film. I lived 10 years in Japan and the last 3 months on the streets you film here. On the streets. VERY fabulous capture you got here.Thanjs. Will look for more

[@illkoncept]

Thanks so much for these kind words. Made my day!

[@UnchainedEruption]

The music gives me the vibe of a noir black and white film from the 40s or 50s.

[@andymurday4538]

Enjoyed watching this video. Filming Tokyo in 16mm film gives off this late 20th Century vibe IMO.

[@illkoncept]

I agree! Thanks for saying

[@GENIUSGT]

I love that camera. Great for documentaries.

[@UnchainedEruption]

Nice to see video look like actual video. So much better than the digital camera footage at the end of the video.

[@TrashHeap64]

Truly nothing better than well shot 16mm night footage. Absolutely goregous shots. If it weren't for the modern things hiding in the background, I would have guessed this was old footage. A+ from me!

[@katanamaker]

this honestly how "film" should look. People will insist that you can recreate this in post with digital, but I have never seen anything come close.

[@MrRobby1]

This is so cool. It reminds me of the movie Lost in Translation with Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson. The music, the mood, the scenery.

[@illkoncept]

Love that movie! I thought the same, especially with the karaoke rooms. Thanks for saying. 🙌

[@luukje]

no matter how much we try to emulate film with digital cameras, nothing beats analog

[@illkoncept]

100%

[@lobabobloblaw]

I love that it’s just a giant Rolleiflex. Amazing instrument, hope to see more.

[@illkoncept]

lol pretty much! thanks 🙌

[@stevejjd]

I wish I was talented enough to do this. I really love the results.

[@Hikaeme-od3zq]

That was beautiful, and nostalgic, even though I didn't even ever lived through the 70s. Great shots.

[@illkoncept]

Thanks! I’m nostalgic for that time period as well, despite having never lived it 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@bryanhiltner3552]

absolutely gorgeous ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@brendanschmidt3302]

This just does it for me. Nice work..

[@DutchDiederik]

Great stuff, my man. Very cool. There's just something really special about film that can't be emulated in digital. Good eye for composition, too. Especially loved the shot at 2:08 with the train coming in in front of the neon sign.

[@illkoncept]

Thank you! I totally agree. Appreciate the feedback and you saying your favorite shot 🙌

[@noir6819]

I have absolutely no idea about anything you were saying, but I do know that this looks really really good

[@quavid8199]

Something about the 16mm reds is unparalleled.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

I can't even express how perfect this noir film & music combination is 😲 I keep expecting to see a young Gene Hackman in a comically small hat 🤣 Thank you so much 👍

[@illkoncept]

Love that! I’m a huge fan of noir films obviously. Thanks for stopping by

[@chinesemassproduction]

This looks incredible. Hope to see more.

[@RavensbladeDX]

This is amazing. Please film New York next!

[@Moircuus]

To think capturing the everyday could feel so beautifully soothing; I'm in awe

[@SeanMcGown]

What I can’t get over is the super steady camera work. Awesome work

[@illkoncept]

Thank you so much. Big thanks to stabilization in post via Davinci haha

[@retroryangee]

Just want to say I watched this short film last night and loved it so much I watched it this morning with my breakfast and coffee to get me ready for the day thank you for the vibes!

[@illkoncept]

That means so much! Thank you for the kind words 🙏🙏

[@trydowave]

Beautiful. Nothing beats film.

[@organopeptide]

What a great vibe you've created!

[@michalstanek77]

Workprint of "Blade Runner" - love it

[@illkoncept]

Love Bladerunner!

[@londonleakers]

Incredible work. Inspiring.

[@legolars8266]

One of the most beautiful videos I’ve ever seen! Thank you for sharing the art 📽️

[@illkoncept]

Thanks so much for saying 😄

[@evydaemon]

Damn you are the coolest!! That‘s so awesome. More plz!

[@OfTwoLands]

Really enjoyed this man, great work!!

[@arrimantim]

Really nice stuff, in spite of the jam & needing to push. I’m a pro film shooter and I never would have guessed.

[@RivusVirtutis]

You are the best photographer on Shinjuku to me born in Shinjuku. You are a very best.

[@kengrayfield]

Wonderful vision and pitch perfect soundtrack!

[@illkoncept]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@boyeliza]

It reminds me of Akira and Ghost in th Shell. So lovely.

[@GuiLeite]

Watching the video, with its 70s vibe and cool soundtrack, was already a great experience, and the colors and people of Shibuya, Shinjuku and Osaka look so much more interesting in 16mm. Only after I saw the gear that was used to getting that footage I really understood how cool your work is. Congratulations!

[@cyphermote6857]

Great job keeping the flame burning. Thank you for letting us live it through you. Excellent cinematography !

[@illkoncept]

Appreciate that! 🙏🙏

[@NirMaduros]

The vibe in this video is amazing! taking me back to 90's along with the jazz - amazing work man!

[@illkoncept]

Thanks so much!

[@Ashantearra]

This is so beautiful omg! Thank you!

[@enhom]

for most of these shots to be at night, it has rlly good lighting

[@illkoncept]

Totally. Thankfully these areas of Japan had a lot of light. I also pushed some of the film 1 stop to make it ISO 1000 instead of 500. Some of the footage you can visibly tell it was still too dark

[@enhom]

@@illkoncept loved watching ur work, and its definitely inspiring me to venture into 16mm myself

[@richstand]

this was so sick. i really appreciated the last part explaining your process as well. can't wait to see more.

[@andreirodriguez]

The footage, the music, the texture, the vibe. Simply beautiful 👌🏻

[@jettcode]

I loved it! I recognize some of the places and the feeling of the 16mm really made them stand out even more. It's incredible! As someone who's not familiar at all with Bolex and cinematography in general, I really like the BTS! It was really interesting.

[@realchannelchris]

Currently, my favorite video on the internet. Film + Japan = .

[@surferriness]

The peeeeerfect motion blur made my head ache got away 😍🤤😴. This stuff made me undizzy I swear.

[@cajarana76]

Incredible work. Very nice audio and visual.

[@illkoncept]

Thank you!

[@dienand_]

Feels like a video from a different era, but there are some modern times jumpscares in there. xD

[@manymystics]

This breathtaking. Excellent composition, this is making me miss Japan.

[@Mastajwood]

beautiful stuff...i just shot some 8mm footage for the first time and i've caught the bug, plan to shoot more soon and looking into 16mm possibly for a short film project.

[@illkoncept]

Thank you! It sure is addicting haha! Hope you can experiment with 16, too 😎

[@zakaroonetwork777]

Beautiful work. Excellent choice of sound track too.

[@illkoncept]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@officebroomer]

wow...wow...wow...been some times in Osaka and Tokyo the last 30 years and you captured that ever-coming-back vibe in 6 minutes. Great work, thanks.

[@painfulsilence316]

absolutely beautiful!

[@FaizalWestcott]

This was freaking incredible man. Got me so freaking inspired for my trip there

[@illkoncept]

Really excited to see what you create there dude. 2 months is a long time. I’m sure you’ll get around the country much more than I did 🙌

[@Kargoyle]

this is so beautiful holy shit. This is my IDEAL look for film, the soft fuzziness, the colors, absolutely incredible work

[@illkoncept]

Thanks so much! So happy you like it

[@JohnDoe-v1h2z]

Sickkk I want more!!!! It's like nostalgia for the present crazy

[@illkoncept]

Thank you! Working on more as we speak

[@JohnDoe-v1h2z]

Awesome can't wait 🙏

[@jaysonsimpson3820]

man, that is awesome, looks so good...almost reminds me of old 80's anime

[@b_risky]

dude that looks fantastic!

[@cdscissor]

It's so interesting to think. This is the kind of aesthetic people at the time would know and anime directors and DoPs would in turn replicate in anime of the era. (35mm theatrical showings notwithstanding) It's crazy how tangible that influence is, and it's only appropriate that anime used to be shot on 16mm itself! (Again, 35mm theatricals and OPs/EDs printed on 35mm notwithstanding)

[@theawesomer]

Brilliant - the amount of character you've achieved here is extraordinary!

[@carterburkhart4336]

Super16 is always a gorgeous format. Truly beautiful stuff!

[@illkoncept]

I agree! Thanks for saying

[@cubdukat]

Truly beautiful. I hope to see more 16mm in the future.

[@frankpfeifer_]

Love documenting trips like this. I did a similar approach a few years back with super 8 when I visited Barcelona and Malaga, Spain. Used some Mile Davis for the edit, magical.

[@frovzar]

Incredible. I’m in Tokyo right now and I wish I had a Bolex with me. Really inspiring images. Thank you.

[@SamPockerOfficial]

So jealous of your skills. This footage is so perfect, great job!

[@illkoncept]

Thank you so much!

[@amartinjoe]

omg you nailed it with the 70s music.

[@illkoncept]

Glad you think so!

[@kaleltravels]

a true artist .. really

[@illkoncept]

Means so much