2005Off Topic forum
Technical characteristics and serviceability of the Cinema Products CP-16 16mm film camera
21 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The CP-16 is a crystal sync camera that was widely used for news and documentary work before video became prevalent, known for being relatively quiet compared to other cameras of its era.
- Original CP-16 models have the viewfinder mounted on the lens barrel itself via a beamsplitter, while later reflex versions (CP-16R) have a side-mounted viewfinder.
- The camera uses top-loading magazines and lacks a factory video tap port on original models, requiring a video camera positioned at the eyepiece to capture video output.
- Lenses for the CP-16 lack focus gears as standard, making manual focus pulling difficult without custom mechanical solutions.
- The rubber strap connecting the drive mechanism to the magazine is typically one of the first components requiring replacement during service.
- Battery is inserted from the front via a 5-pin connector on the dummy side of the camera body.
- If the camera has not been used for several years, internal lubrication will have degraded and the camera should be serviced before operation to avoid mechanical damage.
- Threading film in the CP-16 has been reported as complex by operators due to the internal maze-like design.
- Visual Products in Wellington, Ohio specializes in complete overhauls and modifications for CP-16 cameras, including super 16 conversions and video tap upgrades.
- Whitehouse AV produces replacement batteries for the camera, which have a distinctive 20-volt specification and unusual shape.
- Both PL mount and Aaton mount conversions are available as retrofits for the original CP mount.
- Video tap modifications use a beamsplitter that only produces black and white output.
- The camera is flyable on Steadicam but not ideal compared to more modern alternatives like the Aaton camera.
Depends on
- Original CP-16 models are limited in lens choices due to the specific CP mount and lack of focus gearing.
- Video tap output is limited to black and white imagery due to beamsplitter technology.
- The camera design is outdated compared to more modern film or video cameras.
- Information about custom focus-pulling rigs exists but none of the participants had direct experience building or using them.
- One participant's earlier claims about steadicam compatibility were later corrected by that same participant.