A wind-up 8mm pocket cine camera with triple-lens turret and through-the-lens metering, made in Switzerland.
Overview
The Bolex D8L is a spring-driven 8mm pocket cine camera made by Bolex Paillard in Switzerland, . It belongs to Bolex’s 8mm pocket camera series and is directly related to the D8LA model, which superseded it in 1961. The D8L features a triple lens turret for D-mount lenses, single-frame operation, and an internal meter sensor with a through-the-lens meter switch. It shares its core mechanism with other Bolex pocket models including the B8, C8, D8 variants, and P1–P3 zoom reflex cameras.
Specifications
| Film Format | Double 8mm film |
| Dimensions | 5" x 3 1/2" x 2" |
| Weight | Approximately 28 oz |
| Lens Mount | D mount |
| Viewfinder | Optical |
| Motion Drive | Spring-driven (wind-up) |
| Frame Operation | Single frame |
| Lens Turret | Triple |
Design
The D8L has a highly polished duraluminium body covered in genuine Morocco leather. Its internal mechanism includes a claw arm, eccentric, governor, helical gear, and take-up clutch, along with a pressure plate and gate lever. It lacks a rewind facility, distinguishing it from the D8LA. The camera features a footage counter and a through-the-lens meter switch with an internal sensor.
Context
The D8L was part of Bolex’s evolution of 8mm pocket cameras that began with the L8 in 1942. Models in the 1950s, including the B, C, and D series, added features like multi-lens turrets and through-the-lens metering. The D8L preceded the D8LA of 1961, which added a rewind function and is considered an improved version of this model.
Market
Common issues include sluggish operation, scratchy winding keys, sticky run switches, hazy viewfinders, stiff turrets, faulty single-frame mechanisms, non-retracting meter switches, juddering (from deformed springs), winding keys that turn without winding (broken spring), and corrosion. Due to its high build quality, the camera can often be restored to near-new condition through cleaning and relubrication using clock oil or sewing machine oil and light grease. Servicing requires screwdrivers, needle-nose pliers or a 2-prong driver, tweezers, brushes, isopropyl alcohol, and cotton buds. A "Bolex D8L Repair Tutorial" is available.
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