Eclair ACL Loading Film

This is a how-to for loading film into an Eclair ACL. This video is longer than it needs to be, but I tried to add in various tips and tricks that I've learned about. ACLs are known to be a little finicky to work with but I've found that if you know these few little tricks you won't have problems. Visit http://eclair16.com for more tips and tricks.

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• eclair
• acl
• 16mm
• film
• load
• loading
• magazine

[RichardDuryea]

I did my best to follow your video, but our footage turned out to be useless. The people at Kodac said it was a 'lost loop' something about it wasn't loaded properly, even though I did my best to follow your instructions.

[eclair16mm]

@RichardDuryea sorry to hear that. see my other video about "checking your timing" to rule out a mechanical problem with your camera. if the timing seems ok then keep testing until you get the loop just right. If you "lose loop" then it means the film is being dragged through the gate by the motor instead of the claw and it will not be moving in sync with the shutter - which results in streaked (useless) footage. If all else fails, have a camera tech look at your camera. Good luck!

[Rock123]

I just picked up an Eclair ACL Super 16. Is it ok to load film in light like I see you doing, or was that just for demonstration purposes? Also: What do you recommend for indoor lighting? Film type and lighting bulbs and such. Thanks for th tutorial, I appreciate it!

[eclair16mm]

@Rock123 congrats on the camera! If you have daylight spools like in the video then you don't need a changing bag, however it is recommended to not change them in direct sunlight or to leave them out in the light for an extended period of time. With film on a core (ie 400' rolls), it is not shielded from light so you never want to expose the film to light.

As for lighting you can use anything you want but read up on daylight vs tungsten film as well as CTB and CTO lens filters for more info

[donnythecat]

hi again, thanks for the feedback, really appreciate it. i'm still working out some issues...like where do i get a take up spool for the 400 ft film? should i just reuse the little white core from a used reel? also, if anyone has the time and knowledge to post a video about loading a Beaulieu R16, that would be great!

[eclair16mm]

@donnythecat yep, you just keep the core from the film you shoot and you use that as the take-up spool for the next roll. of course you need one empty spool to get started. if you have a local lab, they'll probably give you some. otherwise search ebay for "16mm film core" and you can usually find them. You want the 1" kind (not the 3" kind)

[altermann1ify]

is this camera quiet? does it have crystal sync?

[eggbertsmith]

"finicky" is an overwhelming understatement in regards to the ACL 1.5 and II. I have come to hate these cameras as I'd imagine one might hate a drunken step-father who touches them in the "bad place". Except, I think I'd prefer the uncle, considering the amount of grief our two ACL's have caused. Do yourselves a favor, and save yourselves ridiculous amounts of money you'll end up spending on service, endless tests, and ruined projects...buy an SR/II/III. It will work out much cheaper in the end.

[eclair16mm]

@ctoan1 awesome! good luck, hope you get the gig!

[ctoan1]

Hey man thanks for uploading this. Really great and you have actually just helped me (maybe!!!!) get a job x x much love

[eclair16mm]

@thouston314159 awesome - glad to hear it. I was lucky enough to have a tech in town initially show me how to load film, then Bernie gave me some of the advanced tips. If you know these simple tricks the camera always runs really smooth.