Bolex H 16 DELUXE (c. 1950–1953)
A 16mm non-reflex movie camera with automatic threading, variable speeds up to 64 fps, and a parallax-correcting Octameter viewfinder for precise framing.
Overview
The Bolex H-16 Deluxe is a 16mm movie camera produced by Bolex (Paillard-Bolex) in the early 1950s. It is a non-reflex model designed for precision filming with manual control over exposure and frame rate. The camera was marketed in the US as part of the H16 non-reflex series, with "Deluxe" indicating a specific configuration that included an eye-level focuser and the Octameter viewfinder. It supports 50ft and 100ft daylight spools, features automatic threading, and allows for single-frame animation and time-lapse work via a side release and I-T lever.
Specifications
| OVERALL DIMENSIONS | 8 1/2" x 6" x 3" |
| WEIGHT | Approximately 5 1/2 lbs |
| OUTER CASE | Highly polished duraluminium body, covered in genuine Morocco leather. Metal parts are chrome-plated. |
| FILM CAPACITY | 100ft (30m) and 50ft (15m) daylight loading spools of 16mm film. |
| THREADING | Automatic threading and loop forming. |
| MOTOR | Constant speed, spring motor mechanism; governor controlled. 8:1 external drive shaft permits the attachment of an electric motor. |
| TURRET | Rotating turret accommodates three interchangeable C mount lenses. |
| VIEWFINDER | Eye-level focuser allows for critical focusing through a groundglass screen. Parallax correcting Octameter gives an exact viewing field for lenses of 8 focal lengths: 16mm, 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 63mm, 75mm, 100mm and 150mm. |
| VARIABLE SPEED | 8, 16, 24, 32 and 64 frames per second |
| RELEASE BUTTON | Provides for the making of continuous exposures by a finger-tip release on the front of the camera. A side release allows for locked, hands-free running or single frame exposures. |
| SHUTTER | 190 degree aperture shutter |
| FOOTAGE COUNTER | Adds and subtracts accurately in forward or reverse motion and automatically returns to zero when film is reloaded into the camera. |
| AUDIBLE FOOTAGE INDICATOR | A distinct click announces the passing of each 10 inches of film through the gate. |
| FRAME COUNTER | Twin dial counts frames individually and in total; Adds frames in forward motion and subtracts when film is wound backwards. |
| SINGLE FRAME | Time lapse and animation is possible by using the side release button or an accessory cable release and adapter; I-T lever allows for timed or instantaneous single exposures. |
| MANUAL REWIND | Clutch disengages spring motor and permits forward movement and backwind without running down the spring; allows for dissolves and superimposition. |
| TRIPOD SOCKET | 3/8" thread |
Design
The top position on the lens turret allows critical focusing through a magnified groundglass screen. The Octameter viewfinder requires a special bracket attached to the film door, which was factory-installed on the H-16 Deluxe and later H models. The camera’s construction features a highly polished duraluminium body covered in genuine Morocco leather, with chrome-plated metal components.
Context
The H-16 Deluxe was sold with an eye-level focuser and the Octameter viewfinder, which was introduced in 1950. It is considered a basic H16 non-reflex camera, with "Deluxe" being a US marketing designation. The camera was used professionally, as noted in a 1958 AACC article describing its use in film production.
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