NEW BATTERIES FOR 16MM BEAULIEU CAMERAS

Beaulieu 16mm cameras are a beauty, the only 16 mm cameras than you can call it sexy. In Spain, the R16 model was very popular as it was used by many provincial correspondents of Televisión Española, then the only television station, for news filming. That beautiful photochemical world ended between 1981 and 1983 when TVE switched to inferior magnetic media: everything they saved on film was wasted on renewing the equipment that, every so often, became obsolete.

At IB Cinema, I have 3 Beaulieu R16 cameras from different eras. In 1986, Beaulieu introduces a revolutionary 16 mm model, the Beaulieu 2016, which is the jewel of the crown: silent motor, quartz-controlled speed, digital frame counter and built-in interval timer.

Photograph by my friend Dr. Chema Ríos using his state of art Leica camera

The Beaulieu's Achilles heel was its rechargeable batteries. This problem has now been professionally resolved, thanks to the TS8C firm which, following in the footsteps of the success of its Eneloop batteries for the legendary Beaulieu 4008 Super-8 model, now produces new batteries compatible with all 16mm Beaulieu models! They are 3800mA NiMH cells. 

These batteries are totally machined in aluminium, with stainless screews. Contact plñater are professionally made in one piece (not copper washers). Nothing of 3D printing here, only quality components and very high standar manufacturing process. 

The set comes with a smart autoswitching CE certified charged AC 100/240V, 50/60 Hz.

I have purchased a set of two and as I am very happy with the finish and performance,  I will now purchase another two.

A lot of 35 mm films in the background!

This new development has come just in time because, for reasons I will explain another day, the third of my Global Warming feature films has to be shot entirely with French equipment: Beaulieu cameras and Angenieux lenses. I'll be using my Beaulieu 7008 Pro, they are their rare Angenieux 6-90mm, a Beaulieu 2016 and a Beaulieu R16, with a range of Angenieux lenses including the amazing 5.9mm ultra wide angle.

The link to the website of TS8C , the manufacturer of these batteries, can be seen at the following link: CLICK HERE

Beaulieu R16 Automatic service and repair manual, courtesy of Adrian Cousins, IN THIS LINK