A Definitive Guide to the Legendary Aaton 16mm Camera

Introduction to the Aaton 16mm Camera

The Aaton 16mm camera is a professional motion picture camera that has been used for decades to shoot high-quality 16mm film. First introduced in the 1990s, the Aaton 16mm quickly became a favorite among cinematographers for its innovative design, precision mechanics, and adaptability to different shooting needs.

Shooting on 16mm film allows cinematographers to achieve a classic, organic look that sets it apart from digital formats. The Aaton 16mm camera specifically is known for its ability to produce stunning images, which has led to its use on everything from independent films to Hollywood blockbusters.

Key Features of the Aaton 16mm Camera

Some of the standout features that have made the Aaton 16mm camera so renowned include:

• Rotating magazine that allows for quick film loading
• Ultra-quiet running noise for recording live sound on set
• Multiple speed capabilities from 1 to 50 fps
• Compatibility with 400' and 1000' film magazines
• Precise registration pin movement for steady & consistent image
• Dual-core barrel with auto-centering lens mount
• Attached matte box to control lens flares
• Adaptable design to allow custom rigs & accessories

This combination of thoughtful design, precision mechanics, and versatility is what has allowed the Aaton 16mm camera to become a gold standard for analog filmmaking.

Using the Aaton 16mm Camera

One of the hallmarks of the Aaton 16mm camera is how adjustable and customizable it is for all types of cinematography needs.

It can be loaded with 400' or 1000' daylight spools, allowing cinematographers to shoot continuously for 11 minutes or 33 minutes respectively before needing to reload. The rotating magazine design makes switching between spools incredibly quick and easy.

The camera is powered by either batteries or an AC power source, offering flexibility when shooting on location versus in the studio. It has a pin-registered movement to ensure rocksteady images, even when shooting handheld or with camera movement.

There are single and variable speed capabilities to get the exact frame rate desired. Slow and fast motion effects can be achieved by undercranking or overcranking the camera speed.

When it comes to lensing, the Aaton 16mm has an auto-centering lens mount to perfectly align cine lenses. The matte box provides flare control, and a wide array of lens mounts are available to use vintage or modern glass.

Filming Tip

Use a light meter to properly expose 16mm film. Overexposing by 1/3 or 1/2 stop is recommended for a safety buffer.

Famous Productions Using the Aaton 16mm

The Aaton 16mm camera has been used by the world's top cinematographers to create all kinds of projects. Here are some of the most famous movies and TV shows that relied on the Aaton:

• The Wrestler (2008) - Darren Aronofsky's gritty drama about a wrestler, shot by Maryse Alberti
• Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) - The Coen Brothers' folk music tale, shot by Bruno Delbonnel
• Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012) - Benh Zeitlin's magical indie film, shot by Ben Richardson
• The Lighthouse (2019) - Robert Eggers' eerie thriller, shot by Jarin Blaschke
• Carol (2015) - Todd Haynes' romance, shot by Edward Lachman
• House of Cards (2013-2018) - The political TV series, shot by Martin Ahlgren

This diversity of productions speaks to the versatility of the Aaton 16mm camera to help create all different styles of cinema.

Advantages of Shooting 16mm Film

One of the biggest appeals of shooting on 16mm film today is the unique aesthetic it offers. Some of the advantages of 16mm film include:

• Organic, tactile look from the film grain
• Wide dynamic range and color latitude in the image
• Ability to capture optical effects like lens flares
• Extraordinary amount of detail with proper exposure
• Natural skin tones and highlights

In the hands of a skilled cinematographer, the 16mm format can create stunning, timeless images that have a magic and texture that audiences respond to emotionally. Many directors and DPs gravitate to 16mm specifically for this hard-to-define quality.

Filming Tip

Use negative fill and reflectors when shooting in sunlight to prevent harsh contrasts.

Challenges of Shooting 16mm Film

At the same time, shooting 16mm does come with its difficulties and demands. Some of the main challenges include:

• High cost of purchasing and processing film stock
• Time spent carefully loading the camera
• Inability to immediately review footage on set
• Heavy cameras & film magazines
• Complex lighting required to properly expose
• Necessity of an experienced focus puller
• Potential for problems like flicker if improperly used

While richly rewarding, the tactile process of shooting 16mm requires expertise, planning, and extra expense. It's critical to have a seasoned crew when taking on an analog production.

Filming Tip

Use camera tape to note aperture, filters, and magazine roll numbers for each shot.

The Digital Intermediate Process for 16mm

Once 16mm footage is shot and processed, it then undergoes a digital intermediate (DI) process before distribution. This involves:

1. Scanning the 16mm negative into a 2K or 4K digital file
2. Grading the color and look in the digital realm
3. Manipulating the image with digital VFX as needed
4. Recording out a new interpositive print from the graded scan
5. Creating release prints from the interpositive

Going through digital intermediate allows the cinematography to take advantage of 16mm's benefits while the post-production gains flexibility from the digital realm. This hybrid process helps integrate analog footage into modern workflows.

The Future of 16mm Filmmaking

While celluloid filmmaking feels intrinsically tied to the past, creative cinematographers are still pushing 16mm into the future. The format has passionate devotees who enjoy the craft and artistry it requires.

Renewed interest in analog photography and vintage gear has also invigorated 16mm for a new generation of filmmakers. As long as storytellers value the tangible, organic images it produces, 16mm will endure as a special capture format.

The Aaton 16mm camera specifically still holds an indispensable spot in any cinematographer's toolkit to infuse projects with its signature warmth, detail, and cinematic personality. After 25+ years, the Aaton 16mm remains an icon of precision analog filmmaking.

FAQs

What are the key features of the Aaton 16mm camera?

The Aaton 16mm is known for features like its rotating magazine, ultra-quiet running noise, variable speed abilities, compatibility with multiple magazine lengths, pin-registered movement, auto-centering lens mount, attached matte box, and adaptable modular design.

What famous films have used the Aaton 16mm camera?

The Aaton 16mm has been used on movies like The Wrestler, Inside Llewyn Davis, Beasts of the Southern Wild, The Lighthouse, Carol, and the TV series House of Cards.

What are the advantages of shooting on 16mm film?

Advantages of 16mm film include its organic, tactile look, wide dynamic range, ability to capture optical effects, extraordinary detail when properly exposed, and natural rendition of skin tones and highlights.

What are some challenges of shooting 16mm film?

Challenges of 16mm include the high cost, time-consuming nature, inability to immediately review footage, heavy camera weight, complex lighting needs, focus pulling demands, and potential for problems like flicker.

What is a digital intermediate (DI) for 16mm film?

A digital intermediate is when 16mm footage is scanned into a digital format for coloring, visual effects, and recording out new prints. This allows analog footage to integrate with modern post-production workflows.