RE: Eclair Cameras: DIY Digitizing 16mm

[eric jarvies <eric@earthid.org>]

yes, the jk printer is a nice device from what i have seen of it(almost 
purchased one), and with a digital SLR camera like the canon rebel or 
kodak 14n you could have complete computer storage capabilities and 
color correction options, simply because these 2 cameras are really the 
only dSLR's that have a computer controlled interface.  the jk printer 
would connect to the camera's flash socket to control digital image 
advancing, whilst the camera would save the files directly to the 
computer.  one thing the jk printer does not have, but the workprinter 
does have, is a modified mouse which allows you to use a camera with a 
pc/mac capture utility like dodcap, etc. 

these 2 machines are really the only viable options for this sort of 
task for the pro/prosumer DIY level.  the little goko/etc transfer boxes 
are mediocre at today's image level standards.  and transferring off a 
wall/projection is even worse.

other options are to purchase old single frame advance/ff/rev microfilm 
viewing devices.  these machines can be purchased on ebay for under 
$500.00, and if you modified the unit, by installing a high res 
sensor(4mp or greater ... 6mp is great) in place of the old imaging 
componant, and then scrap the old display with a single piece mac 
computer/monitor or similar, then you would have a fairly accurate, well 
working device.  try to purchase a digital camera that is broken or not 
working for cheap ... or one that is visually/cosmetically beat to shit 
... the sensor/processor/transport will most likely be ok. but remember, 
check with manufactures first regarding camera image ratings(how many 
images the camera will shot before faulting.  and remember, this is 
really not sensor related, but other componants in the process that are 
less money to replace).  try to make sure the sensor you are using is 
sold by a company whi will also sell you relacement componants.  i 
beleive most sony consumer (non dSLR)digital cameras are rated 
500,000-2,000,000 photos.  if you cna afford it, purchase a foveon 
sensor ... that company makes some awesome processors and imagers using 
tri-level seonsors(stacked/filtered light). also, foveon has a $12k 
REALTIME RGB sensor completely computer controlled.  in other words, you 
would purhcase a workprinter or modify your own projector, and use the 
foveon to image just like a telecine machine at REALTIME!!  their 
devices have extremely accurate and completely manual shutter control, 
etc.  with this type of camera, your images would be recording to the 
computer just like a dSLR does, and NOT like a video camera does, or 
telecine machine does.  this means no sRGB inferior image 
processing/quality.

from the looks of it, over the next couple of years more of these 
realtime high res sensors(and large physical sensors as well ... more 
the 25mm wide) with super powerful processors will be available.  just 
remember, if you are using a video camera, your images will look 
inferior if you composite of maniplulate them on your computer ... you 
need high res/bit depth true rgb sensors if you wish to composit of go 
back out to film.

there are also some really cool microfine projectors(next gen crt) that 
wil be affordable sooner or later that will allow DIY film printing.  
imagne having a device that you can digitize your film AS WELL AS print 
your digital files back to film?  the machines currently being sold are 
$150k and upwards.  so perhaps in 2 years you could have both in a diy 
unit like the jk(or custom like a few of us seem to be building for 
ourselves) that digitizes and prints film for under $10k.  add an 
automatted film processing unit to the mix and you could have a complete 
studio in your home for making films.  the only left to do at that point 
is actually make your own film :)   maybe when kodak loses more 
marketshare, they will create and sell home film making kits ... not :)


Super16ACL@aol.com wrote:
> Picking up an old JK printer would get you 90% of the way there. A high 
> end 
> digital still camera is added, with modification for use with the JK's 
> electronics.  There is also a special $300 lamp housing JK sells 
> designed for 
> digitizing to replace the existing lamp house. Mark.



eric m jarvies
cabo san lucas, baja california sur.  mexico

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